Cinchntouch, I expect a wedding invite!

[lady_kishiria]

The California Supreme Court just gave the green light to same-sex marriages in this state:

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/24649689/

(Caveat: I do not believe in government overseeing marriages. Nonetheless, since the possibility of government pulling out of the marriage business seems highly unlikely, wrap this one up, I'll take it.)

Sometimes I'm asked why I am for same sex marriage in a state that has domestic partnerships. My answer is that if you have a MARRIAGE you know what to expect. Domestic partnerships are not the same thing as civil unions are not the same thing as marriage. If you are married you know you have to go to divorce court when the marriage ends. If you're in a domestic partnership you do as well, but it's not obvious from the name.

Comments

[soldiergrrrl.livejournal.com]

The whole damn thing should be filed under civil union. If you want to turn it into a marriage, that's between you and the church of your choice. It should have ZILCH to do with the legal system.

[selenesue.livejournal.com]

I have to wonder, the couples who got married on that one weekend it was allowed in San Francisco, do they have to get married again? This may be a sinister plot on the part of the Tux rental stores. ::grin::

[la-azteca.livejournal.com]

I offer my cake decorating services free to the first same-sex couple in California that requests a cake from me for their wedding (of course, they'll have to pay for my air fair and hotel).

I would think the wedding industry is cheering the decision.

[die-uberfrau.livejournal.com]

My first two reactions:

1. "Yay, it's about time."

2. "Gee, I wonder if I'll get more clients for handfastings now."

[cinchntouch.livejournal.com]

Ironically, the hufe and I were married in the San Francsico ceremonies years ago and then later we got hitched in Canada. Last night we were discussing what we would do if the Supreme Court overturned the exisiting marriage ban - his repsonse was that he is bored of getting married. I have to admit I feel like I have been married more times than Liz Taylor, but in my case it is always with the same man.

Seriously though, right now we are debating how to proceed. My worst fear is that the supreme court's decision will galvinize right wing voters and we will see the proposed marriage ban pass in November. In my perfect world the Supreme Court would have made their decision after the election but......

So if I have a wedding you are more than invited. I am flattered that you mentioned me in your post too. That is really sweet.

I think the state ought to be involved in the wedding business. In my mind, and I guess this is where my conservative Catholic thing comes in, I think that the family is the basic building block of our society. I think it is the proving ground of everything. Given that criteria I think that the govt. should play (a minimal) role in giving considerations of families and providing legal frameworks for them. I see it as making a society in which it is easier to be good. Things such as tax structures, etc that take families into consideration have never bothered me. I do think there needs to be concessions made for people who are unable to opt into the "family" structure, but I think that it is wreckless to argue that the family is "just a voluntary committment" that should have no legal bearing (not that this is what you said, but I have heard this comment). As I like to say to the annoyance of many a Libertarian, If it ain't on a contract it don't exist. Ask any first wife about that.

I would also add that I think, at the same time, that marriage transcends a legal relationship and becomes a social one. I think there is a very strong resonance in being able to say, "this is my husband" or "this is my wife" that saying "this is my partner" doesn't have. I think that is worth more than all the legal rights and responsibilites put together. IMHO, I think the most important thing about being married is the level of committment involved, it literally is making a family, and I think that is precious. Now that gay folk can get hitched here (I wonder if my Canada wedding is recognized?) I can now lecture on the evils of premaritial sex. Hooray!!!!

[youngfreud.livejournal.com]

To quote the poet Richard Armour,

"So leap with joy, be blithe and gay/Or weep my friends with sorrow/What California is today/The rest will be tomorrow."

[zeonchar.livejournal.com]

I remember a couple of years ago, driving north on the 101 towards San Francisco with my best friend James, who is coincidentally gay, and hearing the announcement on the radio that they had legalized gay marriages in San Francisco (that futile attempt by the mayor of SF). We screamed and squealed with delight. Only to hear in the weeks to come of all the legal bullshit and it all eventually being overturned. I hope this doesn't go the same way.