Conn. Says "I Do" To Gay Marriage

After Election Measure To Ban Same-Sex Marriage Failed, Court Decision Allowing It Stands

(CBS/AP)  A judge cleared the way for gay marriage to begin Wednesday in Connecticut, a victory for advocates stung by California's referendum that banned same-sex unions in that state.

Outside City Hall in New Haven, bubbles and white balloons bounced in the chilly autumn air as well-wishers cheered the marriage of Peg Oliveira and Jennifer Vickery .

Despite the roaring traffic and clicking cameras, "it was surprisingly quiet," Oliveira said after the brief ceremony. "Everything else dissolved, and it was just the two of us. It was so much more personal and powerful in us committing to one another, and so much less about the people around us."

Gay marriage is legal now only in Connecticut and Massachusetts. The unions were legal in California until a statewide referendum to ban gay marriage narrowly passed last week. The vote has sparked protests and several lawsuits asking that state's Supreme Court to overturn the prohibition.

Gay marriage advocates said they were planning nationwide demonstrations this weekend in more than 175 cities and outside the U.S. Capitol. A Seattle blogger was trying to organize simultaneous protests outside statehouses and city halls in every state Saturday.

In New York City, several hundred demonstrators gathered Wednesday outside a Mormon Temple to protest the church's endorsement of the same-sex marriage ban in California. Several people held signs asking "Did you cast a ballot or a stone?" while other signs read "Love not H8."

"We're not trying to convey an image of persecution, we're not trying to attack any specific group," said Ryan McNeely, an organizer for the Join the Impact protest movement. "The point we need to be making is that we need to bring everybody together and to respect each other, and that hate breeds hate."

Gay rights groups said Wednesday they plan to ask California voters to overturn the ban if legal challenges to Proposition 8 are unsuccessful.

Constitutional amendments to ban gay marriage also passed last week in Arizona and Florida, and Arkansas voters approved a measure banning unmarried couples from serving as adoptive or foster parents.

Gay rights advocates are citing Massachusetts as an example at planned rallies this weekend to demonstrate why gay marriage is beneficial to families and children.

"In Massachusetts, in particular, we have a great story to tell, a great story to tell about marriage equality, that it works and that it's good," said Marc Solomon, executive director of MassEquality.

Kris Mineau of the Massachusetts Family Institute, which opposes gay marriage, said planned and past protests, some of which have been angry in tone and targeted churches, are meant to intimidate the California high court into invalidating Proposition 8.

"We are a nation that goes by the rule of law," he said. "No court should ever be intimidated by mob rule. And that's what our opponents right now are trying to do."

The California vote has sparked protests and several lawsuits asking that state's Supreme Court to overturn the prohibition.

Activists also are aiming boycotts and protests at businesses and individuals who contributed to the campaign to pass Proposition 8. Many of the donors are members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, which played a significant role in encouraging its members to support the California ban.

Mormon churches in several states have become the focus of protests and some vandalism since the vote.

Connecticut voters could have opened the door to ending gay marriage last week by voting for a constitutional convention to amend the state's constitution, but the measure failed.

The Connecticut Supreme Court ruled 4-3 on Oct. 10 that same-sex couples have the right to wed rather than accept a civil union law designed to give them the same rights as married couples.

Some of the eight couples who had challenged a state law prohibiting gay marriages last month wept as Judge Jonathan Silbert entered his judgment that opened the way to the issuance of licenses.

"Today, Connecticut sends a message of hope an inspiration to lesbian and gay people throughout this country who simply want to be treated as equal citizens by their government," said the plaintiff's attorney, Bennett Klein.

According to the state public health department, 2,032 civil union licenses were issued in Connecticut between October 2005 and July 2008.

But there was no comparison between civil unions and marriage for Robin Levine-Ritterman and Barbara Levine-Ritterman, who obtained a civil union in 2005 and were among eight same-sex couples who sued for the right to marry.

"We didn't do it with pride or joy," Barbara Levine-Ritterman said of getting the civil-union license. "It felt gritty to be in a separate line."

On Wednesday, however, she proudly held up the first same-sex marriage license issued in New Haven as about 100 people applauded outside City Hall. She and her betrothed, who held red roses, plan to marry in May.

"It's thrilling today," Barbara Levine-Ritterman said. "We are all in one line for one form. Love is love, and the state recognizes it."

Manchester Town Clerk Joseph Camposeo, president of the Connecticut Town Clerks Association, said clerks in the state's 169 communities were advised by e-mail shortly after 9:30 a.m. they could start issuing the licenses.

[formrusmcsgt]

California now has 18,000 married homosexual couples.

Has this harmed a single heterosexual marraige?

Of course not.

But this is the justification by bigots in denying rights to homosexuals.

Disgraceful.

[n8yvn29]

Eat your hearts out homophobes, imams, christian and muslim taliban, and bible-bigots of all shapes and sizes, your ox has done been gored. And if it can be done in Connecticut, it can (and will) spread to other states!

[luckygirl042]

With all of the hate,hunger, death and misery that goes on in the world,(a lot of it caused by "loving religions") there are still people who get their knickers in a knot over who is loving whom??
Ask Liz Taylor or Micheal Jackson about the "sacredness" of marriage. Celebrities have made a farce of it. It boggles the mind.

[rixmix98]

Awesome. It''s great to see some states move into the 21st Century. However, I''ll probably not see that in my lifetime in my state, Oklahoma. d:(

I am not a hateful person in any way and I say live and let live. This is simply a statement and nothing more. If everyone in the world was a homosexual, mankind would eventually cease to exist. It is the heterosexuals of the world that will continue the existence of mankind.

[tmittelstaed]

Are you aware that a small percentage of animals are also homosexual? (unless you believe that animal observers are all g a y s who are lying about their observations)
Homosexuality is nothing more than a non-survival type genetic mutation. Many, many such mutations happen all of the time to human beings. For example Downs Syndrome is also such a mutation.
Unfortunately, part of the price of humanity having survival-type mutations, is for humanity to also have non-survival type mutations. For every person born with a non-survival mutation, there''s someone elsewhere born with a survival mutation, such as a more efficient brain, or longer lifespan, or higher tolerance to pollution, or some such.
It isn''t fair, but Natural Selection isn''t fair. It is the law, though.

[excoachken]

We will know when America acheives it''s goal of a true Democracy, with Freedom for ALL, when this story is not news.

[rixmix98]

ThatGuy56-

Hey goofus. Just exactly what is being forced on you? Dipwad....

[rixmix98]

...I am not and have not EVER been any kind of religious person; I just know the truth.

Posted by YBotherAtAll at 07:00 AM : Nov 12, 2008



Well, and you''re here to share the truth with us huh? Isn''t that wonderful?

[systems6-2009]

Ads proclaiming, "Why believe in a god? Just be good for goodness'' sake," will appear on Washington buses starting next week and running through December.(AP) he,he AMERICA IS DOOMED!!!

[ofbyfor3]

I don''''t like peas but you do. You can gorge yourself on peas all you wish but the very second you try and force me to eat peas...I''''m loading a gun and claiming my "rights" to not eat peas have been violated.

Aaaaawwwww, Did I hurt your feelings? Grow up. Get a life and understand that you don''''t "need" anyones authorization to do anything in this life to be justified, verified, vilified or authorized.

Posted by ThatGuy56 at 06:57 AM : Nov 12, 2008

Unless someone is trying to force you into a gay marriage, no one is forcing anything on you or trampling your rights in any way, simply by allowing gay people to get married.

[rixmix98]

Posted by rixmix98 at 07:04 AM : Nov 12, 2008 ******************************** Maybe you have some residual hate stemming from other issues in your life that need psychological assistance. Did you get your meds today yet? Are you under a doctor''''s care for this malady?

Posted by ThatGuy56 at 07:14 AM : Nov 12, 2008



Maybe I have the residual hate? Better check your own backyard.

[systems6-2009]

Regarding America, we are doomed as a nation. She is spiritually dead. There is nothing more in the natural we can do. We have chosen money over sacred life. We have chosen to mock God and His plan for marriage. Focus on the living. Pray for revival; pray for lost souls; pray that Jesus comes again and quickly. God''s righteous judgment is soon coming. Expect more economic collapse; expect an international crisis soon. When these things occur, don''t bother calling on God. You have rejected Him America. Now it is time to face the consequences of your sin. Judgment Day is coming.....

[ofbyfor3]

You have rejected Him America. Now it is time to face the consequences of your sin. Judgment Day is coming.....

Posted by systems6 at 07:18 AM : Nov 12, 2008

My goodness! I believe you basically just said '' God D@mn America''!

[earache4]

Posted by systems6 at 07:18

You need a good fudge packing...

[txgrouch2007]

We have chosen money over sacred life. We have chosen to mock God and His plan ...
Posted by systems6 at 07:18 AM : Nov 12, 2008

When you realize that things have been this way since Sodom and Gomorrah, you have to wonder how we have survived this long.

ONLY DIVINE INTERVENTION could have saved us from destruction AT OUR OWN HAND.

The current economic crisis shows us once again the relentless delf-destructiveness of humanity. We would have wiped ourselves out thousands of years ago if there were no Divine Creator who is STILL shielding us from the consequences of our own behavior.

The proof of God is not that we were created, but that WE HAVE FAILED TO DESTROY OURSELVES after we were created. DIVINE INTERVENTION is the ONLY explanation for our continued survival.

[txgrouch2007]

OH, RIGHT! With all the troubles we are facing today, GAY MARRIAGE is the headline story?

Meanwhile, while we''re distracted with issues like gay marriage, abortion, and flag-burning, PELOSI AND OBAMA ARE ANNOUNCING THEIR INTENTION TO NATIONALIZE THE AUTO MAKING INDUSTRY!!!!

THIS IS THE FIRST STEP TO COMMUNISM!!! Why did they wait until AFTER the election to announce that they will nationalize the auto industry as they ALREADY HAVE partially nationalized the banking industry?????

[farmerbb]

I have yet to hear anyone opposing same secks marriage explain to me how THEIR rights are infringed by someone else doing this. Even if they were to live next door, let alone hundreds of miles away. If your problem is that you don''t like it because you THINK about what they might be doing in the privacy of their home, STOP THINKING ABOUT IT. Do you want me thinking about what YOU do in YOUR home ? Probably not. So give them the same right you claim.

[miriambk]

Wow. What a shame. There is a world of understanding that goes along with the world marriage...FOR HETEROSEXUALS! For straight couples, our relationships ARE validated and made sacred. For gay couples, they are seeking only to have their feelings of guilt washed away for doing something so clearly wrong. Marriage, which is so dear, is basically being spat upon by those wishing to to feel ''normal''. Guess what? Take a look at a middle-school biology and textbook and you''ll see that gay relationships are anything BUT normal. Shame, shame on Connecticut.

[ybotheratall]

I have yet to hear anyone opposing same secks marriage explain to me how THEIR rights are infringed by someone else doing this. Even if they were to live next door, let alone hundreds of miles away. If your problem is that you don''''t like it because you THINK about what they might be doing in the privacy of their home, STOP THINKING ABOUT IT. Do you want me thinking about what YOU do in YOUR home ? Probably not. So give them the same right you claim.

Posted by farmerbb at 07:33 AM
------------------------------------
My rights are infringed upon by these diseased people shoving their agenda in the faces of my children. It''s mentioned on the news, so we can''t watch the news anymore. These monsters try to sneak books about same *** parents into the schools. You''d better keep that sick s.h.i.t.e away from my decent children. Homosexuals should NEVER be allowed to have children. That is just wrong. My rights to allowing my children to exist in a decent society are what''s being infringed on. Go away and leave the decent people alone.

[smurfcrusher]

"Here is the question-----------

How do same s_e_x couples pro create? Not through intercourse. Wasn''''t that one of the major parts of marriage. This is all wrong. Call it legal union or whatever but calling it marriage is a slap in the face of those that have moral values. This country has become way too liberal. Thanks to the voters that had the guts to say "No way". Massachusettes tried to put the same thing on the ballot but the liberal democrats prevented that from happening. Let''''s keep the judges out of this and allow the people to decide."

Posted by HK4U


Most people opposed interracial marriage too, decades ago. Perhaps you still do!

You ask, "How do same s_e_x couples pro create?"

I would answer, the same way that infertile male/female couples procreate - not at all.

So perhaps in your mind, people who cannot bear children should not be allowed to marry.

Don''t you get it? Marriage is about love and community. I''m 100% hetero (not that it matters) but I won''t be enslaved by the fear and hatred that religious zealots instill in their followers.
You should be ashamed.

[rixmix98]

Okay. I%u2019m not here to argue with people that have a different opinion than mine. Please answer me this.

If we were to call it something other than marriage, are you okay with same *** couples being entitled to the same things that heterosexual couples are entitled to, such as domestic partner benefits, tax laws, etc?

If not, please explain why not.

[ybotheratall]

These people who want to persist in overturning gay marriage are nazis. I thunk they need to have their American citizenship stripped.

Posted by jcnbma1 at 07:51 AM
------------------------------
I "thunk" you need to go back to school and learn how to spell. Your nazi comparison is stupid. The nazis wanted the jews dead. We don''t want anyone to die, just no marriage. You can have your "civil union" and your little health care plans, just NO MARRIAGE.

[tireslinger]

What gives anyone, group or otherwise, the right to define any word in the English language, based upon their own personal belief system? I agree with an earlier post...JUST HOW, does this occurring in any state, infringe upon anyone''s rights, lower their quality of life, eliminate jobs, hurt their families...etc.,???? Live, and let live...everyone will be happier!

[rixmix98]

Let''''s see how you react when your children are confronted with two guys broke backing it. You''''re missing the point. This is about moral and ethical values. Apparently you thought it was about favorite s_e_x position.

Posted by HK4U at 07:54 AM : Nov 12, 2008



Broke backing it? What the heck does this mean?

[smurfcrusher]

"You can have your "civil union" and your little health care plans, just NO MARRIAGE."

Posted by YBotherAtAll


Actually, homosexual couples CAN have marriage in Connecticut. Perhaps you missed the article.

Once marriage restrictions are removed from many states, who will you focus your hate on next? You should start considering your candidate causes soon - time is running out.

[ybotheratall]

Actually, homosexual couples CAN have marriage in Connecticut. Perhaps you missed the article.

Once marriage restrictions are removed from many states, who will you focus your hate on next? You should start considering your candidate causes soon - time is running out.


Posted by smurfcrusher at 07:56 AM :
--------------------
Uhhhhhhhh, DUH, I read the article you moron. The NO MARRIAGE comment was a comment, an opinion. I don''t hate anyone. Repulsed and sickened? He.c.k yeah, but hate? No. Candidate causes? I''m not a republican nor am I am Democrat. What is your pointless rambling have to do with anything?

[smurfcrusher]

"Let''s see how you react when your children are confronted with two guys broke backing it. You''re missing the point. This is about moral and ethical values. Apparently you thought it was about favorite s_e_x position.

Posted by HK4U at 07:54 AM : Nov 12, 2008

Broke backing it? What the heck does this mean?

Posted by rixmix98


HK4U is suggesting that somehow your children will witness homosexual acts. It''s mindless fearmongering.
Don''t try to make sense of it.

[rixmix98]

Broke backing it? What the heck does this mean?

Posted by rixmix98


Watch the movie and you''''ll know.

Posted by HK4U at 08:00 AM : Nov 12, 2008



I''ve seen the movie moron. You''re failing miserably as a parent if your kids or anyone elses kids are watching ANY consenting adult couple having ***.

[smurfcrusher]

"Posted by smurfcrusher

You missed the boat too. Hetero couples - she get''s his sperms. That''s how it works. Same *** couples ????
Get my point? It is clear that the only thing that enslaves you is your own ignorance."

Posted by HK4U

You''re missing the point, if you''ll forgive the pun.

Not everyone is like you and me sexually. To assume otherwise is ignorant of the facts.

You don''t seem to understand this divisive issue is just a cause for political purposes. How does it harm you, if two people decide to get married, regardless of which s.e.x. they are? Are you so insecure in your own sexuality that you feel threatened by this? Are you so fearful that, if they value love, lifelong commitment, and marriage itself, that they are uncomfortably similar to you?

It may make you feel safer to demonize people who are different, but try to accept that you are different without impinging on their right to pursue happiness, which is guaranteed by our secular Constitution, and, our laws.

[smurfcrusher]

"Posted by smurfcrusher

Man are you naive. You cleary only see what you want to see. Must be nice. Certainly protects you from reality."

Posted by HK4U

Well, I clearly don''t want to see "broke-backing", and, unlike yourself, I did not see the movie.

Reality check: how is someone''s child going to end up in the bedroom of a homosexual couple "broke backing" ? And, more significantly, how would it matter if the couple was married or not?

[smurfcrusher]

"Marriage is defined as a union between one man and one woman."

Posted by HK4U

Not in Connecticut. Or MA. Or many other places, soon.

[cariboubarbi]

If you are against gay marriage, do what I do. Don''t marry someone of the same gender.

In the meantime mind your own business and let other Americans pursue their own happiness as you do yours.

Life is easier and much more fun when you mind your own business.

[rixmix98]

I don%u2019t get it. Why is it that the people that detest the thought of gay marriage are usually the first ones to spew their venom and why is it that you stay attached to these message boards so long?

I%u2019m still waiting on an answer for to the following. Anyone?

If we were to call it something other than marriage, are you okay with same *** couples being entitled to the same things that heterosexual couples are entitled to, such as domestic partner benefits, tax laws, etc?

If not, please explain why not.

[farmerbb]

One more thought. If the Mormon Church, along with the Knights of Columbus and whatever RC sect donated money to buy ads against this Prop. 8 in California, that would seem to be "entering into politics". Voting is about as political as you can get. So... Lift their tax exemption.

[smurfcrusher]

"Well, I clearly don''''''''t want to see "broke-backing", and, unlike yourself, I did not see the movie.

Reality check: how is someone''''''''s child going to end up in the bedroom of a homosexual couple "broke backing" ? And, more significantly, how would it matter if the couple was married or not?


----------------------------------
----------------------------------------
------

Posted by smurfcrusher

It takes a brain and intelligence to analyse a scarcastic message. Cleary you are not equipped with either one of them."

Posted by HK4U


I see. So, what does it take to analyze a sincere one?
How is someone''s child going to end up in the bedroom of a homosexual couple "broke backing" ?

And, more significantly, how would it matter if the couple was married or not?

"broke backing" will happen regardless of same s.e.x. marriage or not.

[socialismsux]

More celebration of Sodomy in this country. Sick sick sick stuff..

[miriambk]

Our children WILL be witnesses to homosexual acts if this ridiculousness continues. Once you begin to essentially "dumb-down" what is the very basic foundation of society (traditional marriage with a mom and a dad), everything else begins to slip, as well.
Some will argue that the divorce rate is at 50% among heterosexuals. Of course, not good. Here is what pa4marriage.org has to say on the matter.
"These unfortunate statistics are the results of America''s last great social experiment: no-fault divorce, which proved disastrous. Our children are in enough peril. In these troubled times, we need to work to rebuild the family, not give up on it entirely. We will not fix our past mistakes by diluting marriage even further."
Let''s focus on FIXING marriage rather than opening it up to *** just because "they love each other". I love my two dogs, but I''m not trying to marry them.

[socialismsux]

If you are against gay marriage, do what I do. Don''''t marry someone of the same gender.

In the meantime mind your own business and let other Americans pursue their own happiness as you do yours.

Life is easier and much more fun when you mind your own business.













--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Posted by CaribouBarbi at 08:11 AM : Nov 12, 2008


So you don''t think the constant pushing of gaay marriage in this country is hurting our moral compass?


What type of message does this send to children??

A sick one, that''s what, and a message that Mom and Dad are longer significant.

Allowing and pushing for gaay marriage attacks the very core of the American value system: The FAMILY

[nickpr53]

I think the fact that california had allowed gay marriages and now is gonna stop again, indicates that this calls for presidential action, more voting and a constitutional amendment. Do you think Obama is going to act on it? I frankly doubt it, even if he''s a good man, this is just too much for him to handle.. http://www.spinwhip.com/obama

[smurfcrusher]

"If we were to call it something other than marriage, are you okay with same *** couples being entitled to the same things that heterosexual couples are entitled to, such as domestic partner benefits, tax laws, etc?

If not, please explain why not."

Posted by rixmix98


I think I explained it in an earlier post, but I''ll explain further.

Opponents of same s.e.x. marriage oppose it for two main reasons.
1. They have been taught to oppose it based on religious interpretations, which do not necessarily have a tight coupling with reality.
2. They believe homosexuality is a choice, and does not have a physical cause. Therefore, they feel uncomfortable when same *** couples fight for causes that heterosexuals understand - namely marriage.

If homosexuals believe in many of the same things as heterosexual couples, heterosexuals feel threatened; that maybe there''s a chance they are actually homosexual, and subject to the withering scorn they heap on that minority.

Simply understanding homosexuality is not a choice, and that people are different, will free them of their prison of fear and ignorance.

[rixmix98]

...Our children are in enough peril. In these troubled times, we need to work to rebuild the family, not give up on it entirely. We will not fix our past mistakes by diluting marriage even further."...

Here%u2019s a thought for you miriambk. Take responsibility for your kids and quit expecting the schools to raise them.

[mellie1957]

While I''m no Bible scholar I just don''t think God condones homosexuality.

[socialismsux]

Simply understanding homosexuality is not a choice, and that people are different, will free them of their prison of fear and ignorance.



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Posted by smurfcrusher at 08:23 AM : Nov 12, 2008

The myth that homosexuality is "not a choice" is one of the biggest lies in our society.

It is indeed a choice, and many former homosexuals have left the lifestyle, both male and female, and have ended up having heterosexual relationships and families.

Stephen Bennett is just one example. There are thousands more out there.

[smurfcrusher]

"So you don''''t think the constant pushing of gaay marriage in this country is hurting our moral compass?


What type of message does this send to children??

A sick one, that''''s what, and a message that Mom and Dad are longer significant.

Allowing and pushing for gaay marriage attacks the very core of the American value system: The FAMILY"

Posted by SocialismSux

Then why haven''t we seen mom and dad become "insignificant" where same s.e.x. marriage is legal?

Probably because the ties to parents are much stronger than the language on a bill.

[socialismsux]

While I''''m no Bible scholar I just don''''t think God condones homosexuality.


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Posted by Mellie1957 at 08:23 AM : Nov 12, 2008

He doesn''t.

He created Adam and Eve and made woman for man from the very beginning. Not Adam and Steve.

God condemns homosexuality both in the Old Testament and the New. He never changes.

He is a loving God, but He is also a Just God.

you cannot have abolute love without absolute justice.

[claytonantho]

Man, these gay folks sure can be violent, like those attacking a Morman church in California. The interesting thing is that they want to relate or compare there cause to the non-violent Civil Rights Movement of the 1950''s and 1960''s. Interesting.

[rixmix98]

It is indeed a choice, and many former homosexuals have left the lifestyle, both male and female, and have ended up having heterosexual relationships and families.

Stephen Bennett is just one example. There are thousands more out there.

Posted by SocialismSux at 08:24 AM : Nov 12, 2008



You can think whatever you want. I really don''t care. However, I assure you it''s not a choice.

[smurfcrusher]

"Let''''s focus on FIXING marriage rather than opening it up to *** just because "they love each other". I love my two dogs, but I''''m not trying to marry them."

Posted by miriambk


Indeed, how does banning same s.e.x. marriage "fix" it?

[socialismsux]

Then why haven''''t we seen mom and dad become "insignificant" where same s.e.x. marriage is legal?

Probably because the ties to parents are much stronger than the language on a bill.


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Posted by smurfcrusher at 08:26 AM : Nov 12, 2008


The point flew way over your head. The point is when you push homosexuality into our culture, you are brainwashing young innocent minds to believe that it''s "ok" and that marriage between a man and a woman no longer holds any value.

You are teaching young innocent brains that it''s ok to live an immoral lifestyle.

If this continues, our country will enter moral chaos (as if it''s not already there)