Same Sex Marriage

I find arguing, i mean, discussing, much nicer with a light drink. I think i'll go walk the dogs and come back and make myself a nice hot drink.

ehBeth, I was only trying to call into question those handful of states that requires common law marriage to become "legal" only if they use the same last name, and file a 'joint' income tax return. Even married couples are allowed to file a separate tax return - the last time I was aware of this rule. c.i.

thanks for clarifying that, c.i. :smile:

in colorado common law marraige has no criteria than simple intent, my brother and his gf never lived together and she never used his last name yet they established a legal common law marriage.

I'm wondering why, as a country, we have different laws for each state. Probably another topic for another thread.....

All Christians don't make other people's bedroom practices their business. I believe consentual (sp?)sex between two people of age is none of my business.
I fight unfairness and discrimination, because I value my rights, as well as those of others.
Gay people should have the same rights as the rest of us, and that includes the right to marry.

LG, No argument from me! c.i.

c.i.,:

Discrimination may be the "essence" of life.

Rae:

Why not?

ehBeth:

I'll have one too!

Because we are a federal republic made up of sovereign states. The founding fathers recognized that the greatest liberty was served by limiting laws at the federal level and allowing the citizens of each state to choose how they lived and by what rules.

This design has been largely ignored in modern times.

ehBeth:

One current trend in the US is the use of the double name by women?

Why? Have no idea. Why not just use the maiden name and forget the married name altogether?

New Haven, I understand that we "discriminate" in everything we do in life. From the choice we make in the morning on which clothes to wear, which toothbrush to use, which after shave lotion, what to eat for breakfast, etc., etc., etc.. Is that the "essence" you're talking about? c.i.

trespasser

Although this is totally out of the thread, but what -in your opinion- qualifies a state to be a "sovereign" state?

OK,..
Here's my 2 cents,...if anyone wants to know

Here are a few of my thoughts:
First off, as a gay man, I have a certain vested interest in this topic.
Marriage is as much a financial contract, as it is an emotional one. I believe that any and all "citizens" should be able to enter these contracts, regardless off their sex. I should be able to set up house with whomever I choose, and have the rights that everyone else does...end of story. That's pretty much it,..I think that sexuality has very little to do with it,...legally.

On the sexuality side of it, I really don't think that it is anybodies business.
I'll never understand "Gay Pride", parades and such,..why have a parade because of who you sleep with,...that's just silly.
If I am part of what has been, and will remain to be 10% of the population, I understand that my lifestyle will never be "the norm", but heck, what can you do?
I don't believe that my preference was a choice,..if it were, I surely would have chosen the easier, more accepted way,...but that's not the case.

I also don't understand why somepeople have such a problem with it,..I mean it's really not something you have to deal with , unless you're part of it. I certainly don't run around, coming on to straight guys (usually ), so why feel threatened, or even think about it?
I think it's very strange!

Promiscuity,..well,..what would you expect,...come on, it's a bunch of guys!! I personally prefer to be in a relationship, and I know alot of friends who feel the same way!!

Very well said, Jerry.

Thanks Rae!

Nice to meet you and visualize your sexuality, Jerry R. (kidding)

Agree with you completely. And welcome.

Anytime, Jerry. Love ya ~ mean it!

Hi lashgoth,
You can visualize my sexuality anytime you want!!

One of the reasons I waited to post here, was that I really hate it when people put what they are, ahead of WHO they are.
I really dislike sounding like "Hi My name's Jerry, and I'm gay". That's why you'll rarely hear anything about it from me. In my oninion,, so many people use their [INSERT PROPER MINORITY TITLE HERE] as their identity. It's very sad!
I prefer to meet life as an individual, rather than part of a group. It's never let me down. People get to know and like me, without any preconceptions. I'd prefer to be thought of as a person, than as an idea. That has been a cornerstone to my life. People treat me well, because I treat them well. :wink: