Civil Unions Bill

[csgray]

Hear, hear Rich! As someone whose marriage is central to my life, I find that sort of frivolous celebrity "marriage" to be far more of a threat to the institution than legally recognizing committed loving couples who happen to be of the same gender. If someone doesn't believe in gay marriage, they can simply refrain from being in a same sex marriage. The arguments against gay marriages are reminiscent of the arguments against interracial marriages, and marriages between Jews and Christians, only a few generations ago. The sky didn't fall when those marriages became legal, and it won't when gay couples can marry either. I hope Linda Lingle does the right thing and allows this legislation to become law. The fact that she hasn't done anything yet makes me think she may just let it become law without signing it. I actually wish this law really was full marriage rights for all couples, not just civil unions.

It absurd that some people think that their religious texts and beliefs justify oppressing others. A country that allows religion to control civic institutions and laws is a theocracy. Iran is an excellent modern day example of a theocracy, so was Spain during the Inquisition and England under Bloody Mary. I am thankful this is country is not a theocracy, and grateful for small steps like this one towards granting gay and lesbian couples the full rights they deserve as citizens of this country.

Carol