THIS discussion thread is to debate the issue of gay marriage as a societal issue. There is a separate link on the 2004 Presidential Election section to discuss the "electoral impact" of this issue.
As for myself I'm socially moderate. I support the most stringent punishment for hate crimes or any violence against gays (as I would for hate crimes against ANYBODY), I support efforts to combat discrimination against gays in employment and pretty much anything which INDIVIDUALS are entitled to as American citizens. (including allowing them to do whatever the hell they want in their bedrooms)
I do draw the line at gay marriage. I believe we have the responsibility to maintain some sort of social order and that tampering with the man & woman definition of marriage has serious long-term consequences.
I would undoubtedly vote against it in a referendum and would expect my congressional representatives to do the same. I cant say it would be the sole factor determining my vote but it would be a reasonably or even very important factor. How about the rest??
People used to say the same thing about a mixed-race marriage. How long ago were blacks forced to sit in the back of the bus, drink from different water fountains or use separate bathrooms? And now doctors in MI won't have to treat people if they diasgree with their lifestyle/practices? Where does it stop? If you're gay? If you're having an affair? If you live with your boy/girlfriend? You have an earring?!
I'm not equating GLBT issues with race issues, but there are some similarities between the two.
Just my $.02 worth :-)
