On a general note, this (civil unions versus marriage) doesn’t even count as a separate but equal institution because it doesn’t even pretend to be equal.

I can’t speak for gays as a whole, but lesbians are, on average, more faithful in long-term relationships than even heterosexual couples. If you remove gay men from the statistic, same-sex marriage might bring up the statistic on the longevity of marriage, lol

(The above is sarcasm. Unfortunately, I have to include such a disclaimer, because some people hold and espouse such beliefs.)

@CF – Thanks for the explanation!

I was addressing some of the issues that were raised with The Christian faith. There is just no reasoning with that (yes, I am about to do this) troll. There I said, no-one else had the guts to call him out as nothing more than a glorified troll

The only other thing I have said is that Revealed religions, i.e. “by the book” religions, particularly those in the abrahamic tradition (Judaism, christianity,, islam) have become so polluted by the numerous editings by church founders, translations and transcription errors, etc, that they’re almost impossible to determine the original intent anymore. Not to mention, that most of the included “books” were written at a time that was not contemporary with the happenings they represent. They are wholly a man made reconstruction and therefore flawed. I know you may not see the difference, but this is a criticism of the religion itself, not its followers directly. You accuse me of being bigoted about christians.

Hypocrisy WIN

Of course, our supposedly democratic governor(we didn’t elect him, he’s spitzer’s leftovers) has just proposed ways to close the state’s budget gaps by cutting funding to Education and healthcare. It’s all screwed up. It’s in my link if anybody is interested.

If “marriage” were something recognized only by religious institutions, and “civil union” or “domestic partnership”, “between consenting adults of majority age” were something recognized only in legal terms, then there would be no argument. You could still get married in a church if you like (where you swear to God in front of the Church and all of the assembled that you will stay together “until death do you part”), and it doesn’t mean squat in secular/legal terms until you both sign that civil contract.

Problem solved. If gays want the most hassle-free route to equal status under the law (and there is no legal reason that they should not have it) then the most expedient path is to stop calling it “marriage” under the law. You instantly lose all resistance from any religious groups of concern, because that “threat” is now gone. So long as you continue to call it “marriage”, however, expect the religious argument to continue to be the major source of resistance.

Regarding “tyranny of the majority” — you mean, like a slim lead in Congress for either party? Last I checked, it only takes one vote in the Senate to pass or reject a bill…

No matter what decision is made, someone won’t be happy. That’s called “life”, where I come from.

For everyone pissing and moaning about Prop 8, here’s an idea: put together a ballot measure to repeal it. That’s how the process works. If enough people agree with you, it will be overturned, and there will be much rejoicing. It won’t be as much fun as calling someone else names, I understand that, but by all accounts it would be the most legitimate way to settle the issue, no?

Alabama, Alaska, Arkansas,Connecticut, D.C., Delaware, Florida,
Georgia, Hawaii, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland , Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota,Mississippi, Montana, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Utah, Vermont, Washington, West Virginia, Wyoming all have 16 as the age of consent.