Leslie
07-15-2008, 06:21 AM
I wanted to post this info to dispel some of the myths put forth by other groups who want to dictate the meaning of marriage.
"Civil Marriage" is a descriptive term that helps to illustrate that equal civil rights is the agenda - not changing religious beliefs.
Why do people need to talk about civil marriage equality?
The country is grappling with this issue. We must educate people on the rights that come with civil marriage, and the difference between civil and religious marriage, and we must ensure that fairness is always a part of the discussion.
Majority support does not make something right or wrong. In 1983, 16 years after the Supreme Court struck down anti-interracial marriage laws in Loving v. Virginia, only 43 percent of Americans approved of interracial marriage.
In 1948, 19 years before the Supreme Court's ruling in Loving v. Virginia, the California Supreme Court ruled on an interracial case, Perez v. Lippold, with a four justice majority affirming the right of interracial marriages. The majority opinion said that each person seeking a license to marry the "wrong" kind of person, "finds himself barred by law from marrying the person of his choice and that person to him may be irreplaceable. Human beings are bereft of worth and dignity by a doctrine that would make them as interchangeable as trains."
The decision in Perez marked the beginning of the end of race discrimination in marriage -- before legislators in most states were willing to stand against discrimination, and before the polls showed the public's acceptance of equality in marriage or other civil rights. Some state had to show leadership, and the court was properly asked to provide it through a direct and timely challenge to existing discrimination. History has upheld that decision, and we now view those judges as civil rights heroes.
Aren't civil unions the same thing?
Civil unions and domestic partnership are important steps to full marriage equality for GLBT couples - but they ultimately support the notion that GLBT couples are separate and unequal from other Americans, which is wrong. Separate is not equal. Furthermore, civil unions are not recognized by the federal government and do not confer the more than 1,000 rights and benefits that the federal government grants to married couples.
Isn't marriage a religious institution?
Civil marriage and religious marriage are two separate things. Religious institutions will never be forced to bless relationships with which they disagree, just as today religious institutions can refuse to marry couples of different faiths or individuals who have been divorced.
Many religions and faith-based traditions recognize and welcome same-sex couples and gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender people into their congregations - others do not. Religious institutions will always be able to define marriage as they see fit, however the state should treat all people and all families equally under the law.
If same-sex couples are allowed to get married, wouldn't that harm the institution of marriage?
Recognizing that GLBT couples require the same tools to care for and protect each other and their families does not undermine or harm marriage rights of heterosexual couples. How can GLBT couples and families receiving the rights and responsibilities of marriage harm heterosexual marriage?
Shouldn't groups that support family values, value all families? Americans who support family values should support strengthening all American families.
When the U.S. Supreme Court struck down anti-interracial marriage laws in the 1967 Loving v. Virginia case, many of the arguments against the decision - that it would lead to widespread polygamy, bigamy, and a moral breakdown of the country - are the same arguments we hear today against legalizing civil marriage for same-sex couples.
Why do gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender people want to get married?
Growing up, each of us is taught that one day finding a soulmate and building a life together is an integral part of the American dream, and GLBT people share in that dream. Gay and lesbian couples share their lives, their loves, and their hearts just like any other couple does.
Gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender couples are patriotic, hard-working citizens who pay their taxes and support their country the same as any other American. GLBT couples love each other just as deeply and their commitment to one another is just as resolute as it is for heterosexual couples.
The 2000 Census showed that same-sex couples are living in nearly every county in this country. Estimates from the Census and other studies show that there are at least 1 million children in America being raised by GLBT parents. All children deserve the stability and protections that come from having two parents who are legally bonded by marriage. Discriminating against children is wrong.
Marriage is a major building block for strong families and communities. Denying marriage to GLBT couples weakens GLBT couples and families.
Why is civil marriage important?
Through civil marriage, couples are granted more than 1,000 federal rights, benefits and responsibilities under law - along with hundreds of state level rights and protections. The government uses the legal recognition of civil marriage to grant these rights, which include Social Security survivor benefits, hospital visitation rights and the ability to inherit a spouse's property without being taxed.
Many of the rights and benefits that accompany civil marriage are recently established rights, not age-old traditions. For example, Social Security was created in 1935. Survivor's insurance was added in 1939. Family and medical leave didn't come into existence until the '90s.
HumanRightsCampaign (http://www.hrcactioncenter.org/actioncenter/talking.html)
"An individual’s sexual orientation – like a person’s race or gender- does not
constitute a legitimate basis upon which to deny or withhold legal rights.”
California Supreme Court, May 15, 2008
"Civil Marriage" is a descriptive term that helps to illustrate that equal civil rights is the agenda - not changing religious beliefs.
Why do people need to talk about civil marriage equality?
The country is grappling with this issue. We must educate people on the rights that come with civil marriage, and the difference between civil and religious marriage, and we must ensure that fairness is always a part of the discussion.
Majority support does not make something right or wrong. In 1983, 16 years after the Supreme Court struck down anti-interracial marriage laws in Loving v. Virginia, only 43 percent of Americans approved of interracial marriage.
In 1948, 19 years before the Supreme Court's ruling in Loving v. Virginia, the California Supreme Court ruled on an interracial case, Perez v. Lippold, with a four justice majority affirming the right of interracial marriages. The majority opinion said that each person seeking a license to marry the "wrong" kind of person, "finds himself barred by law from marrying the person of his choice and that person to him may be irreplaceable. Human beings are bereft of worth and dignity by a doctrine that would make them as interchangeable as trains."
The decision in Perez marked the beginning of the end of race discrimination in marriage -- before legislators in most states were willing to stand against discrimination, and before the polls showed the public's acceptance of equality in marriage or other civil rights. Some state had to show leadership, and the court was properly asked to provide it through a direct and timely challenge to existing discrimination. History has upheld that decision, and we now view those judges as civil rights heroes.
Aren't civil unions the same thing?
Civil unions and domestic partnership are important steps to full marriage equality for GLBT couples - but they ultimately support the notion that GLBT couples are separate and unequal from other Americans, which is wrong. Separate is not equal. Furthermore, civil unions are not recognized by the federal government and do not confer the more than 1,000 rights and benefits that the federal government grants to married couples.
Isn't marriage a religious institution?
Civil marriage and religious marriage are two separate things. Religious institutions will never be forced to bless relationships with which they disagree, just as today religious institutions can refuse to marry couples of different faiths or individuals who have been divorced.
Many religions and faith-based traditions recognize and welcome same-sex couples and gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender people into their congregations - others do not. Religious institutions will always be able to define marriage as they see fit, however the state should treat all people and all families equally under the law.
If same-sex couples are allowed to get married, wouldn't that harm the institution of marriage?
Recognizing that GLBT couples require the same tools to care for and protect each other and their families does not undermine or harm marriage rights of heterosexual couples. How can GLBT couples and families receiving the rights and responsibilities of marriage harm heterosexual marriage?
Shouldn't groups that support family values, value all families? Americans who support family values should support strengthening all American families.
When the U.S. Supreme Court struck down anti-interracial marriage laws in the 1967 Loving v. Virginia case, many of the arguments against the decision - that it would lead to widespread polygamy, bigamy, and a moral breakdown of the country - are the same arguments we hear today against legalizing civil marriage for same-sex couples.
Why do gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender people want to get married?
Growing up, each of us is taught that one day finding a soulmate and building a life together is an integral part of the American dream, and GLBT people share in that dream. Gay and lesbian couples share their lives, their loves, and their hearts just like any other couple does.
Gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender couples are patriotic, hard-working citizens who pay their taxes and support their country the same as any other American. GLBT couples love each other just as deeply and their commitment to one another is just as resolute as it is for heterosexual couples.
The 2000 Census showed that same-sex couples are living in nearly every county in this country. Estimates from the Census and other studies show that there are at least 1 million children in America being raised by GLBT parents. All children deserve the stability and protections that come from having two parents who are legally bonded by marriage. Discriminating against children is wrong.
Marriage is a major building block for strong families and communities. Denying marriage to GLBT couples weakens GLBT couples and families.
Why is civil marriage important?
Through civil marriage, couples are granted more than 1,000 federal rights, benefits and responsibilities under law - along with hundreds of state level rights and protections. The government uses the legal recognition of civil marriage to grant these rights, which include Social Security survivor benefits, hospital visitation rights and the ability to inherit a spouse's property without being taxed.
Many of the rights and benefits that accompany civil marriage are recently established rights, not age-old traditions. For example, Social Security was created in 1935. Survivor's insurance was added in 1939. Family and medical leave didn't come into existence until the '90s.
HumanRightsCampaign (http://www.hrcactioncenter.org/actioncenter/talking.html)
"An individual’s sexual orientation – like a person’s race or gender- does not
constitute a legitimate basis upon which to deny or withhold legal rights.”
California Supreme Court, May 15, 2008