You Are Now Pronounced Party A And Party B

Longtime Partners, And Opponents Of Same-Sex Marriage, Prepare For California's Historic Law

(CBS)  Even for a state used to earthquakes, the California Supreme Court's decision last month to legalize same sex marriage was a jolt. But even as gay couples make plans to wed this week, opponents say tradition should - and will - be restored. Our cover story is reported now by John Blackstone:

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In the cheery rotunda of San Francisco's City Hall … always a great place for a wedding … it's a moment of calm before the storm.

Tomorrow this grand old building will reaffirm its place at the epicenter of the same-sex marriage debate, with what's likely to be the very first legal gay wedding in California performed by San Francisco's mayor Gavin Newsom.

"I don't know what's the big deal at the end of the day to allow people to be treated fairly," Newsom said. "My gosh, what more American value is there than that?"

But American values have generally viewed marriage as joining a man and a woman. Thirty days ago in California that all changed.

Gay couples cheered and began making wedding plans when, in a 4-3 decision, the California Supreme Court struck down the state's ban on gay marriage.

When the ruling takes effect at one minute after 5 tomorrow afternoon, California becomes the only state besides Massachusetts where it's legal to marry someone of the same sex.

For Mayor Newsom it was an unexpected victory in a controversial movement he unleashed in 2004 when he authorized the City Hall marriage of one couple, Del Martin and Phyllis Lyon, both in their 80s, together more than 50 years.

"I never imagined that at 9:01 when the courts opened after we had married that couple, that they didn't shut us down," Newsom said. "And another couple got married."

As the word spread, dozens and then hundreds of same-sex couples showed up at City Hall, to get licenses and get married.

"And then all of a sudden, 4,036 couples from literally 46 states and 18 countries came together over the course of a month, and then there was a different energy and a different expectation," Newsom said.

Finally the State Supreme Court ordered it to stop. Some couples, who were waiting in line for their chance at marriage, were crushed.

Now the lines will begin again. And not just in San Francisco, but at city halls and county offices across the state.

"There are thousands and thousands, and thousands of couples that want to see their lives affirmed," Newsom said, "but the fact is we're gonna be fine. This is all going to be okay."

For many gay couples, that's an understatement. Some of the more high profile marriage seekers include Ellen Degeneres, who publicly came out on TV more than a decade ago. She announced her intention to wed actress Portia de Rossi.

Actor George Takei, best known as Mr. Sulu on "Star Trek," plans to wed his partner of 21 years, Brad Altman.

Blackstone asked Takei what was the reaction in his household when the news of the Supreme Court decision came.

"We didn't know about it," Takei said, "and we were having a bite to eat in the kitchen over there. And I think I bit into a sandwich when the word came down.

"And all of a sudden Brad fell down to the floor. I mean, he got down on his knees. And I said, you know with my mouth full of food, 'What are you doing?' And he was on his knees and said, 'George, will you marry me?' And I said, 'Darn it! I meant to ask you. You beat me to it!'"

"I just want to be a part of the mainstream American society, which I am," Altman said. "But I don't want to feel like I'm a second-class citizen - That I can have a domestic partnership but I can't have a marriage."

Opponents of same-sex marriage say marriage is much more than a word; it's an important concept with only one meaning.

"By definition marriage is the union of a man and a woman, said Brian Brown of the National Organization for Marriage (left).

He is among those urging Californians to vote in November for a constitutional amendment to again ban same-sex marriage.

"Now what's gonna happen in the interim?" Brown said. "Likely all the effects we've seen around the country - parents being taught they have no say in what their kids are taught in school, and that Johnny needs to be taught that it's the exact same thing to grow up and marry Jimmy as it is to marry Mary, that there's no distinction at all. That's what the law now says."

Brown says the state supreme court improperly overturned the will of the people. In 2000 California voters approved a measure declaring that "only marriage between a man and a woman is valid or recognized in California".

But California does recognize domestic partnerships. Arguing against gay marriage, the state attorney general said domestic partners have rights equal to those of married couples, just under a different name. The state supreme court however ruled that "separate but equal" is not equal.

A CBS News poll conducted last week found that a majority of Americans - 58 percent - support some form of legal recognition for same sex couples. But many still don't want that to be called "marriage."

Twenty-eight percent approve of civil unions, 30 percent for allowing gay couples to marry - the highest number since CBS began asking that question in 2004.

Massachussetts issues same-sex marriage licenses only for residents. Since California has no residency requirement, gay couples from across the country are expected to head west - and then go home to an uncertain legal future.

Right now, 44 states have laws or constitutional amendments banning same-sex marriage. Eight states do provide some spousal rights to same-sex partners, but only New York recognizes same-sex marriages performed elsewhere.

"So this is something that's gonna challenge a lot of people," Newsom said. "But I think when they realize that this is really about humanity, this is about human love and expression, it's nothing more than that, then they'll soften. And they'll understand. 'You know what? It's okay. Let's move on to other things.'"

But the opposition in California is strong…

Citizens in Kern County lined up to show their support for County Clerk Ann Barnett. She dodged a reporter's questions after announcing that her office will no longer perform wedding ceremonies. It's an issue several county clerks in California are wrestling with.

Even the most ardent supporters of the new law say it's going to be, well, different.

Blackstone asked Contra Costa County Clerk Steve Weir (left) what was changed about the marriage application.

"Well, instead of 'bride and groom,' it's 'party A and party B.'"

"That's not very romantic!" Blackstone said.

Weir, who said he plans to be the first in line at his own office Tuesday morning to marry his longtime partner, John Hemm ("I will be 'party B'") admitted, "Yeah, it's not very romantic. It's just the way it is. I'm doing it for the ceremony. I'm doing it for the public ritual, which I believe in.

"I like to see people go to the polls to vote because it's a ritual, and I like for people to declare their love for each other and also have some responsibility, and some benefits that come from it, and we're looking forward to all of that."

For the 18 years Weir and Hemm have been together, the closest they got to a marriage ceremony was a staged photo, taken after one too many cocktails. Hemm was wearing white.

"I was just waiting for the time when you could just do it like everybody else does in the world, you just go down to City Hall or to the county clerk's office, get the paperwork done, and not make anything different or special," Hemms aid. "You know, some people in the world want it to be different. They want to be able to point that finger and say, you know, 'Oh, there go those gay people again, making a spectacle of themselves.' No, it's just like anybody else."

But it's not like anybody else, says Brian Brown. To him, gay marriage is an attempt to normalize something that isn't normal at all.

What's normal for George Takei is a world that's ever changing.

"People change," he said. "There was a time when there was no role for women in the institutions of American society. And the strongest contender against the African-American candidate was a woman. People have changed.

"And I know that people can change. Because I grew up behind the barbwire fences of American interment camps. That was in my lifetime. And here I am now, a popular actor, supported by many, many people throughout the country. America changes. America is made up of decent people."

But when the weddings begin again in California, some decent people will see only indecency.

Though that is not likely to diminish the joy for those who thought marriage could never be theirs.

[hypnotoad72]

http://www.insidesocal.com/outinhollywood/,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,tak20.jpg

No George, driving around in a parade holding a bunch of balloons that look like male genitalia is NOT decent. Anybody, regardless of orientation, doing such a thing is not going to be called "decent".

I''ll respect civil unions, as at least they aren''t sleazing around and spreading disease and other things, but it''s up to the religion to define "marriage". That''s their term and anybody forcing religious officials is in the wrong.

And "Party A and Party B" allows other non-related people to be in a civilly recognized union too. For what it''s worth.

But don''t meddle with religions and those that practice it. They have rights too. ;)

I know *** who feel like minorities in their own "community". So it''s funny to hear these *** say they feel second class. How about their own who feel third class? They don''t care; it''s all about themselves. Narcissism. Roseanne was right...

(I''ll spare the internment camp thing; it''s been done in previous wars and in other countries too. It''s unfortunate but unavoidable if countries sparring against one another happen to have different physical traits and espionage being a common tactic...)

[ghenevar]

I am a 50 y/o heterosexual female. I found myself tearing up and feeling hope and happiness for these disenfranchised Americans. I pondered the fact that fifty years ago it was illegal for Asian-Americans to marry Caucasians in California. This is a step forward for civil rights. Gay Americans ARE mothers and fathers. To state that they do not have the right to marry is wrong. These are committed men and women who are beautiful examples of love and commitment. I wish them loving, successful unions. I applaud the California Supreme Court.

[hypnotoad72]

http://www.insidesocal.com/outinhollywood/,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,tak20.jpg

No George, driving around in a parade holding a bunch of balloons that look like male genitalia is NOT decent. Anybody, regardless of orientation, doing such a thing is not going to be called "decent".

I''ll respect civil unions, as at least they aren''t sleazing around and spreading disease and other things, but it''s up to the religion to define "marriage". That''s their term and anybody forcing religious officials is in the wrong.

And "Party A and Party B" allows other non-related people to be in a civilly recognized union too. For what it''s worth.

But don''t meddle with religions and those that practice it. They have rights too. ;)

I know *** who feel like minorities in their own "community". So it''s funny to hear these *** say they feel second class. How about their own who feel third class? They don''t care; it''s all about themselves. Narcissism. Roseanne was right...

(I''ll spare the internment camp thing; it''s been done in previous wars and in other countries too. It''s unfortunate but unavoidable if countries sparring against one another happen to have different physical traits and espionage being a common tactic...)

[shameonbush]

"But when the weddings begin again in California, some decent people will see only indecency."

Are the writers still on strike at CBS?
I don''t consider myself to be "decent," but I do know that to consider same *** couples as being married couples, is like saying "we are so far gone as a society that we have forgotten the true concept of marriage." I''m not a homophobe, just a realist.To understand the concept of marriage is to recognize the absolute value of human life. The ONLY act that can actually create human life should be enclosed in the protective body of marriage. How can our court system possibly understand marriage, when they are also the ones who condone abortion? America has become so selfish and shallow.

[haoli25]

I guess this means my CRISCO stock is about to go through the roof!

[wulfen1]

Are the writers still on strike at CBS?
I don''''t consider myself to be "decent," but I do know that to consider same *** couples as being married couples, is like saying "we are so far gone as a society that we have forgotten the true concept of marriage." I''''m not a homophobe, just a realist.To understand the concept of marriage is to recognize the absolute value of human life. The ONLY act that can actually create human life should be enclosed in the protective body of marriage. How can our court system possibly understand marriage, when they are also the ones who condone abortion? America has become so selfish and shallow.
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Posted by shameonbush

Just because a concept is old doesn''t mean it''s right. Argumentum ad antiquitatum. Should we go back to dowries being offered along with daughters? Hell, even the idea that people had to be in love with each other to get married is a fairly recent development. Should we then go back to arranged marriages, because that''s how it was done in "the good ole days?"

No, this is about equal rights, equal privileges, not special rights or special privileges.

And as to the "absolute value of human life," what about the ability to live your life as you see fit as long as you don''t infringe on the rights of others? What are the homosexuals doing that infringe on your life, and why should they have to live according to your values?

[richstoddard]

Massachusetts and California may recognize gay marriages but my religion and I never will. And if by chance, my religion caves in, it will no longer be my religion.

[cerberusii]

WOW! if we allow this batch of retards to wed, how about equal opportunity for those who are into besitiality? how about if ''they'' want to marry their "partner"? Most ppl love their pet that they will stand up to anything to protect it! Will there be a difference? Will they be called ''degenerates''? what''s the difference? ; )

[kynd1]

I read some of you asserting that marriage is intrinsially linked to the ability of that union to produce children.

Should infertile hetero couples be allowed to marry?

Are infertile hetero couples less married?

Should those fertile hetero couples who do not intend to have children be allowed to marry.

Perhaps hetero marriage applicants should have to submit an "Affidavit of Intent to Reproduce" before getting their marriage license?

[flagship-usa]

I hate the word "marriage": altogether. This is a legal word, in our society - with little moral value.

Take the word "partnership". This word really gets to the heart of why we come together. Partnership; captures the essence, granted by the State or Church, joined by a relationship. I don''t need the State or Church telling me I have a partnership. Although, as common people; we have to protect ourselves and our partners. Take the legal steps needed/necessary and get legally married.

[kevboom]

Some day in the not too distant future all of the school-yard bullies who are so quick to spread their hate against *** and stick their nose in other people''s business we''ll be seen in the same light as George Wallace, whose stand-in-the-door tactics have forever painted him the light of the narrow-minded racist he was. It''s a long awaited day of change in the country that brings up the rear of the industrialized world, and those who taint the good name of God by falsely associating their hate with his message of love, can just step aside. Try as you will, your hate will no longer trump my God, my country, my family, or my freedom. So kiss it haters, and find yourselves another weakling to kick around, or better yet, find yourselves a life.

[mrbrill]

Some people probably don''t remember or don''t know that it was still illegal as late as the late 1960s in some parts of the country to have an interracial marriage. Perhaps those people used the same argument that it is "degenerate" that people of different races get married. In the end, who are WE to impose our morality on other people, but we as people, and in particular we as Americans, just love judging other people. And despite the fact that Jesus taught that God is the only one who has the right to judge, we love to selectively pick and choose things from the Bible. For those who like to judge others, we don''t care. If you don''t like allowing gay couples to marry, then fine, don''t marry someone of the same ***.

[Skysblue]

You are wasting your time trying to reason with religious zealots. Their simplistic world is black and white and they are unable to comprehend differences.

[flagship-usa]

Kynd1 at 10:07 AM :
I think some, if not most are already plump while registering for a marriage license.

Imagine the shame of having to fill out forms, while having signs of fertility. It should be obvious too anyone, the physical signs of love making have pre-empt our reason(s) for needing a marriage license.

[niftynana]

I believe that gay couples should have legal statues which protect their rights to share a home, succession of property, health decisions, child support, and other traditionally spousal rights and duties, but "marriage" is defined by its very nature as a union of a man and a woman to produce a husband and wife. When we don''t agree with a definition, should we just change it to suit our needs at the time?

[bridgebuildr]

Bible study can open folks'' eyes to the _inclusive_ nature of God''s love. Five Old Testament prophets interpreted the story of Sodom--apparently folks didn''t understand it well even in the early days--and it doesn''t turn out to be what many folks think.
Ezekiel 16:49 (New American Standard Bible) "Behold, this was the guilt of your sister Sodom: she and her daughters had abundant food and careless ease, but she did not help the poor and needy." Sure, God opposes sexual violence whether it''s male against male sexual violence as in Sodom, or when it''s male against female sexual violence. There are plenty of resources to learn more about the "clobber passages" maybe try Soulforce (online). Marriage _is_ a blessing. Think of all the folks Jesus blessed. It wasn''t just the "haves," the big shots, the opinion makers. Civil marriage is a right. It''s okay with God for our laws to be supportive of more people.

[caliengineer]

Unrepentant adultery + normalization of perversion (SB777) and homosexuality = God''s Wrath.

Ted Kennedy (proud supporter of Massachusetts'' gay marriage law) suffered a stroke - NO RANDOM ACCIDENT.

Expect an earthquake soon in California! Thanks, PC''ers! Thanks sleeping Christians! Thanks, perverts!

But, in the end, the blood of all those who will die in these quakes should rest on the heads of those who promoted the homosexual laws and those who promoted it.

[caliengineer]

This has been a goal of the "Illuminated Masters of Zion" since the 1500''s, when they put together their plan for world conquest - to establish control over the world so that Satan could easily take power when it arrives.

Muslim Mahdi = Christian antichrist

[neocon60]

we are simply waiting for the judgments to come, it would be s.tupid to think a Nation that despices God will have peace & prosperity....

[jeffstersf]

CerberusII if you dont understand the difference between two consenting humans marrying and somebody "marrying" their dog, you are the sick ticket. Quit reading your Bible as it contains all the twisted logic that has blinding you to truth.

[jeffstersf]

Thanks for doing so much to educate regarding God%u2019s law. When someone tries to defend the homosexual life, I remind him that Lev. 18:22 clearly states it to be an abomination. End of debate. I do need some advice from you regarding some of the other laws and how to follow them.

When I burn a bull on the altar as a sacrifice, I know it creates a pleasing odor for the Lord (Lev. 1:9). The problem is my neighbors. They claim the odor is not pleasing. How should I deal with this?

I would like to sell my daughter into slavery, as it suggests in Exodus 21:7. In this day and age, what would be a fair price?

I know that I am allowed no contact with a woman while she is in her period of menstrual uncleanliness (Lev. 15:19-24). The problem is, how do I tell? I have tried asking, but most take offense.

Lev. 25:44 states that I may buy slaves from the nations that are around us. A friend of mine claims that this applies to Mexicans but not Canadians. Clarify?

I have a neighbor who insists on working on the Sabbath. Exodus 35:2 states he should be put to death. Am I morally obligated to kill him myself?

A friend of mine feels that even though eating shellfish is an abomination (Lev. 11:10), it is a lesser abomination than homosexuality. I don%u2019t agree. Please settle this.

Lev. 21:20 states that I may not approach the altar of God if I have a sight defect. I do wear reading glasses. Does my vision have to be 20/20, or is there some wiggle room?

[jeffstersf]

rockymounta1 your cutting and pasting is childish. Grow up!

[wscottcarte1]

EQUALITY IS A CILIL CONTRACT BETWEEN CONCENTING TAXPERS REGARDLESS OF ***! THE TERM MARRIAGE CAN BE RESERVERD FOR RELIGIOUS CEREMONIES.

[jimbo554]

Congratulations and best wishes to all the happy couples!

[dbstevens]

Any psychologist knows that homophobic people are simply people who can''t face their own inner feelings of love for someone of the same ***. So all those hateful posters in this message board are actually making it obvious to the rest of us that they''re closet homosexuals. And the more they object, the stronger is their self-hatred and they more they''re making it clear to everyone else that they''re the very thing they''re condemning. They don''t hate homosexuals, they hate themselves.

[antoniof123]

I am just trying to remember the last time California voted for anything the wing nuts wanted.

Its coming and you nut cases brought this on by your so called compasionate conservative values. Now America is just voting against you to prove that you either move to the middle or we will move you by force.

God the Republicans need to go back to the way they were. Of course religious nuts can''t allow that. This would never have happened had they not tried to make a division issue of it.

What next are you going to go after children too. Oh wait you nut cases voted down the children health care bill.

Blood bath in November.

[one-american]

Liberals continue with their fight to tear down the values of Americans.

The only way to reverse this trend is to purge our elected offices of liberals, and rid ourselves of liberal activist judges.

It is obvious that the "progressive party" means that they will make things PROGRESSIVELY WORSE.

[rafterman1]

===It is obvious that the "progressive party" means that they will make things PROGRESSIVELY WORSE.===
Posted by One-American

Yes, because things have gone sooo weellll under conservative Bush leadership. LOL.

[irliberal]

Liberals continue with their fight to tear down the values of Americans.

The only way to reverse this trend is to purge our elected offices of liberals, and rid ourselves of liberal activist judges.

It is obvious that the "progressive party" means that they will make things PROGRESSIVELY WORSE.

Posted by One-American at 11:44 AM

I''m sure the Nazis thought EXACTLY the same way.

Now who is unAmerican?

[rafterman1]

===The only way to reverse this trend is to purge our elected offices of liberals, and rid ourselves of liberal activist judges.===
posted by one_american

And put conservative activist judges in their place, right? By the way, you do know the California decision came from a mostly conservative bench, right? You do know that, right? The decision was so obvious that even conservative judges couldn''t deny the right to gay marriage.

[one-american]

Liberals continue with their fight to tear down the values of Americans.

The only way to reverse this trend is to purge our elected offices of liberals, and rid ourselves of liberal activist judges.

It is obvious that the "progressive party" means that they will make things PROGRESSIVELY WORSE.

And now the terrorist have another reason to hate America - GAY MARRIAGE.

I hope you liberals are prepared to defend yourselves.

[jamirez07]

I just love how you guys preach and show your "Christian" attributes.
Your god would totally love that, I''m sure. Because, you know, things in this world and country never change. And if you''re so upset with it, why don''t you leave the country and go live in a war torn country where they still kill people for being themselves? You know, different? Embrace it.
You guys are a slap in the face to humanity. To your religion. To this country.
I hope you wake up soon and realize that. Stop being so IGNORANT.
:)

[cptnjosh]

It is really sad, that there is so many of you haters out there still. Your twisted logic, biggotry, and own insecurities do little to better America. What difference does it make to you what adults do behind closed doors? As long as no one is trying to stick it in your ***, let it be. You people represent everything that is wrong, and evil. Throw your antiquated book away, as it has little to do with modern society. Better yet, maybe you should go join the Taliban, since your morality seems more in line with those fanatics. Soon your kind will be a minority and we will have no tolerance for you. Enjoy your pathetic, hateful existence while you can as your days are numbered.

[one-american]

Liberals continue with their fight to tear down the values of Americans.

The only way to reverse this trend is to purge our elected offices of liberals, and rid ourselves of liberal activist judges.

It is obvious that the "progressive party" means that they will make things PROGRESSIVELY WORSE.

And now the terrorist have another reason to hate America - GAY MARRIAGE.

I hope you liberals are prepared to defend yourselves against radical Muslim terrorists.

[irliberal]

Congratulations California! (and to all of us!!!) WOOHOO!!!!!!

[hypnotoad72]

Liberals continue with their fight to tear down the values of Americans.

The only way to reverse this trend is to purge our elected offices of liberals, and rid ourselves of liberal activist judges.

It is obvious that the "progressive party" means that they will make things PROGRESSIVELY WORSE.

And now the terrorist have another reason to hate America - GAY MARRIAGE.

I hope you liberals are prepared to defend yourselves against radical Muslim terrorists.

Posted by One-American
----------------------------

They can''t. No money due to all the offshoring going on. :-o

[one-american]

Liberals continue with their fight to tear down the values of Americans.

The only way to reverse this trend is to purge our elected offices of liberals, and rid ourselves of liberal activist judges.

It is obvious that the "progressive party" means that they will make things PROGRESSIVELY WORSE.

And now the terrorist have another reason to hate America - GAY MARRIAGE.

I hope you liberals are prepared to defend yourselves against radical Muslim terrorists - because after the liberals on the Supreme Court ruled that terrorists have the same rights as Americans, many will go on trial in this country and be set free - after which they will be coming after YOU.

[irliberal]

"But when the weddings begin again in California, some decent people will see only indecency.

Though that is not likely to diminish the joy for those who thought marriage could never be theirs."

*****EXACTLY*****

WOOOHOO!!

*DANCE CELEBRATE*

[hypnotoad72]

It is really sad, that there is so many of you haters out there still. Your twisted logic, biggotry, and own insecurities do little to better America. What difference does it make to you what adults do behind closed doors? As long as no one is trying to stick it in your ***, let it be. You people represent everything that is wrong, and evil. Throw your antiquated book away, as it has little to do with modern society. Better yet, maybe you should go join the Taliban, since your morality seems more in line with those fanatics. Soon your kind will be a minority and we will have no tolerance for you. Enjoy your pathetic, hateful existence while you can as your days are numbered.

Posted by cptnjosh
-------------------------------

People should let it be. Most of us don''t care what other people do, until it''s thrown in our faces.

Of course, if everybody let it be, there''d be no AIDS treatments either... Abstinence may be mocked, but sure as heck is a guaranteed treatment not to end up with an embarrassing, LETHAL disease. Maybe some people speak out against it because OF the disease? Plenty of otherwise good people got AIDS and died because they loved having parts rammed by someone else''s parts. (Since I don''t want to know about it either, I''m not going to use the technical details... also ironic, those in support of gay-anything don''t like to hear any specifics either. Very odd.)

[hypnotoad72]

IRLiberal - the epitome of indecency is found here:

http://www.insidesocal.com/outinhollywood/,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,tak20.jpg

Wow. Look at those balloons. Must have "balloon envy" if he has to show that iconic shape to everyone else, and I don''t mean the hand gesture...

If that''s pride, they should be ashamed. It''s not dignified to ask for equal rights by acting as unequal as possible. Anyone else waving x-rated balloons or anything else in those parades would be locked up for indecent exposure, and having used to have gone to see them, they get away with LOTS of indecent things. That''s not pride. It''s crass, asinine vanity.

[hypnotoad72]

http://www.insidesocal.com/outinhollywood/,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,tak20.jpg


(that''s one long URL, no spaces or carriage returns should be between any of the commas...)

[irliberal]

Posted by hypnotoad72 at 12:02 PM

Honey, if you don''t like the balloons, don''t look. That''s hardly representative of the g.ay populace as a whole. Even you have to know that.

[jamirez07]

Since technically, Priests are "married" to God, doesn''t that count as a "same-***" marriage? just pondering....

:)))

[rafterman1]

===many will go on trial in this country and be set free - after which they will be coming after YOU.===
Posted by One-American

So you are saying these terrorists are actually innocent? Then I guess they aren''t terrorists, huh? After all, if they are set free, there''s a decent chance they are innocent, right? Or do you say to just lock up all Muslims, regardless of guilt?

By the way, I love your ominous "coming after YOU" comment. Fear - the number one tool of the neocon. Well, I put more faith in the Constitution and our system of justice than I do in fear.

[irliberal]

Hypnotoad''s been obsessing over those balloons for weeks now. Hyp, try not to think about them so much, ok?

[niftynana]

Hey, Hey, Hey, folks,
All this hateful name-calling and spewing venom is not going to help ANY situation, especially one which is controversial and one that people have such contrasting views. Remember that homosexuality has been around since Biblical times, so sexual preference is not "a sign of the times" or proof of our moral decay. Alexander the Great was gay, for cryin out loud. Personally, I am a Christian and I think that if you are too, you should pray for sinners like you and me (a heterosexual who is not perfect either). The moral decay in this country is propagation of hatred of those different than ourselves, unbridled power which cares not for the good of humanity, the acquision of money and material possessions at ANY cost including the trampling of the middle-class, hard-working citizen, and the neglect and abuse of our children. If you need a cause, focus all that negative energy into detecting neglect,abuse and molestation of our children (by both heterosexuals and homosexuals)instead of worrying so much what consenting adults engage in whether you find it disgusting or not. You are entitled to your opinions, but see if you can channel your energy more productively.

[irliberal]

Thanks for the bit of sanity in this insane blog, NiftyNana!

[jeffstersf]

Thanks for doing so much to educate regarding God%u2019s law. When someone tries to defend the homosexual life, I remind him that Lev. 18:22 clearly states it to be an abomination. End of debate. I do need some advice from you regarding some of the other laws and how to follow them.

When I burn a bull on the altar as a sacrifice, I know it creates a pleasing odor for the Lord (Lev. 1:9). The problem is my neighbors. They claim the odor is not pleasing. How should I deal with this?

I would like to sell my daughter into slavery, as it suggests in Exodus 21:7. In this day and age, what would be a fair price?

I know that I am allowed no contact with a woman while she is in her period of menstrual uncleanliness (Lev. 15:19-24). The problem is, how do I tell? I have tried asking, but most take offense.

Lev. 25:44 states that I may buy slaves from the nations that are around us. A friend of mine claims that this applies to Mexicans but not Canadians. Clarify?

I have a neighbor who insists on working on the Sabbath. Exodus 35:2 states he should be put to death. Am I morally obligated to kill him myself?

A friend of mine feels that even though eating shellfish is an abomination (Lev. 11:10), it is a lesser abomination than homosexuality. I don%u2019t agree. Please settle this.

Lev. 21:20 states that I may not approach the altar of God if I have a sight defect. I do wear reading glasses. Does my vision have to be 20/20, or is there some wiggle room?

[irliberal]

Here ya go Middlecrank.... my favorite bible verse...

I Samuel 18: 1-4
"After David had finished talking with Saul (Jonathans father and King of Israel), Jonathan became one in spirit with David, and he loved him as himself. From that day Saul kept David with him and did not let him return to his fathers house. And Jonathan made a covenant with David because he loved him as himself. Jonathan took off the robe he was wearing and gave it to David, along with his tunic, and even his sword, his bow and his belt."

Now that''s downright ***!!

[dawneeeq]

Honestly, what do you people have against other people being happy? Isn''t there enough war going on in the world?? Do you have to start another one at home? Let them be happy, love is love, whether you love a man or a woman it should not matter, love is special, when you find it, embrace it. End of story.