General Chat

The government bangs on about equality, but, if gay marriage IS legalized, presumably the existing civil partnerships will still be an option. However, heterosexual couples can only have marriage, not a civil partnership! This has been 'tested' by a man and woman who attempted to get a civil partnership but were refused.

It all seems to come down to legal semantics, cans of worms could be opened and the lawyers have a field day.

Let's not forget that often our governments use things like this as a smokescreen when there are more important issues going on. While we are discussing 'gay marriages' we aren't focussing on cuts to schooling, health etc. nor the constant unemployment problems.

you were the one who introduced Gay Pride into the mix

Justin Beiber is soooooo last year !! :-D

>>>>>>>>>>>sharp exit

exactly SueMaid - personally I don't give a toss who marries who or where they marry or whether they are blessed or not - far more important things to deal with I have a feeling this is a ploy of David Cameron to glean some votes

if this goes ahead, will the same sex couple be able to claim widows benefit, when a partner dies?

I know a few gay couples, male and female. One (male) couple have been together for almost 30 years.

Why shouldn't they have the right to have their relationship acknowledged legally?

They have paid their taxes, so why shouldn't they receive what a "straight" person would?

The same people who frown at the gay couples also frown at the "living in sin" couples, especially those with children.

MYOB!

If you can't open your mind, keep your mouth closed

:-D

I would hope so Jean

I don't totally agree with you Scozz. People are shaped by experiences and upbringing. I don't have a problem with people not sharing my opinion. That doesn't necessarily make them close minded or prejudiced.

I also know a number of gay couples - I tend to focus on the kind of person they are rather than what they do behind their bedroom door.

Grrr! :-|

Ooops, sorry SueM - didn't mean to growl at you ;-)

Just as well - I was about to Grrrrr back at you ;-)

who you grrring at Wend?

I think a round of applause is due to AnnC for bringing this subject up.

Well done AnnC!!! Very interesting :-D :-D :-D

Tres flamboyant Wend :-D :-D :-D

Gets up off hands, deep bref, Island - and off to bed - phew :-D

Nite xx

This subject has been brought up before this. Last year some time, I think.

What people do in their private life is their business. I said it on the previous thread and I'll say it again ~ I don't think about what ANYONE does in their bedroom, straight or gay.

We didn't get married in a church. We were married in a registry office, after living together for a while. We don't have children. Would the "church" view us as "bad" people?

The whole thing that marriage is a "Christian ceremony" needs the change. The idea that same sex couples can only be married in "the sight of God" if they practise celebacy is appalling. God is a loving God supposedly, who are we to say that homosexuality is worse in Gods sight than adany other sin for example, ultary or hypocrocy. I had this conversation with a 19 year old girl who was attacking and condemning to death (in Gods name) a 19 gay lad who she had known almost all her life. In Gods eyes (if yu beleive all that) - a sin is a sin. If his homosexuality is a sin then so is her hypocracy cos all she does is gossip and judge others. So, the old saying comes back to us "Let he who is without sin cast the first stone".

The history of marriage on Wiki is quite an interesting read.


Marriage (also called matrimony or wedlock) is a social union or legal contract between people called spouses that establishes rights and obligations between the spouses, between the spouses and their children, and between the spouses and their in-laws.


The definition of marriage varies according to different cultures, but it is principally an institution in which interpersonal relationships, usually intimate and sexual, are acknowledged.


When defined broadly, marriage is considered a cultural universal. In many cultures, marriage is formalized via a wedding ceremony.


In terms of legal recognition, most sovereign states and other jurisdictions limit marriage to opposite sex couples or two persons of opposite gender in the gender binary, and some of these allow polygynous marriage.


Since 2000, several countries and some other jurisdictions have legalized same-sex marriage. In some cultures, marriage is recommended or compulsory before pursuing any sexual activity.


People marry for many reasons, including: legal, social, libidinal, emotional, financial, spiritual, and religious. Marriages can be performed in a secular civil ceremony or in a religious setting.


The act of marriage usually creates normative or legal obligations between the individuals involved. Some cultures allow the dissolution of marriage through divorce or annulment. Polygamous marriages may also occur in spite of national laws.


Marriage can be recognized by a state, an organization, a religious authority, a tribal group, a local community or peers. It is often viewed as a contract. Civil marriage is the legal concept of marriage as a governmental institution irrespective of religious affiliation, in accordance with marriage laws of the jurisdiction. Forced marriages are illegal in some jurisdictions.



There is much, much more should one be interested enough to read on ;-)

Cx

So no reason at all why gay people shouldn't marry, given those definitions.

As my dad (born in 1910, devout Christian all his life) said years ago when homosexuality was legalised,

"I'm really pleased for them. None of my business unless they make it compulsory."