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The state Supreme Court today upheld Washington's law that defines marriage as a union between a man and a woman, rejecting the argument of 19 same-sex couples that they've been unfairly denied the right to wed. The 5-4 ruling -- signed by Chief Justice Gerry Alexander and Justice Charles Johnson -- also noted a hardship for same-sex couples, however, and suggested that the legislature "may want to re-examine the impact of the marriage laws on all citizens of this state."
23 Comments:
Yes, and the totally lame, bogus excuse they gave was 'because it's for raising children'; oblivious to the fact that many gay couples do have children now and PLENTY of heterosexual couples do not, and never will. Gary (NJ)
posted by Anonymous, at
7/26/2006 4:19 PM
This is yet another case where pre-existing prejudices determined the outcome. When "reasoning" is this strained, that's the only possible conclusion. Unfortunately, judges are no more immune to their prejudices than anyone else is.
Patricia Hansen Portland, Oregon
posted by Anonymous, at
7/26/2006 4:37 PM
The "best for children" argument is wrong on so many counts. If it's about children, why are convicted murderers, for example, who are serving a life sentence without the possibility of parole allowed to marry???
posted by Chris L., at
7/26/2006 4:37 PM
because murderers are in a better class than homosexuals. Good point Chris. This is a sad state of affairs for gays. It is truly unfair, unkind, unreasonable and underhanded justice.
posted by Anonymous, at
7/26/2006 4:42 PM
Where is the "Activist Judges" talk from the right this time? These judges were not reading the law. They were voting their own opinions and fears.
posted by jekelhyde, at
7/26/2006 4:46 PM
"Won't somebody think of the children??!!?? THE CHILDREN!!!" --Helen Lovejoy, in reaction to almost any crisis, on The Simpsons
I don't know what parallel universe these judges live in, but I hardly think heterosexuals need any help procreating and breeding. And considering how many marriages end in divorce, I doubt that "raising stable families" should even be considered. That Britney Spears runs one stable family, let me tell ya.
The judges are basically saying that gays are unfit to raise children, unable to maintain a stable household, and otherwise parroting decades upon decades of antiquated, hateful, Anita Bryant-isms. Propping up children like some kind of fetish doll is merely an easy out that helps them sleep better at night knowing that those mean old homosexuals will never know the exhilirating thrill of bridal registry.
I look forward to the day when I am no longer a second class citizen.
I think the best thing we can do is to simply live our lives proudly and with dignity each and every day. That is our ultimate triumph. I agree with Patricia; it is clear that many judges are uncomfortable on a personal level with same-sex marriage, so they have to find a reason to rule against it. The "best for children" argument is what they seem to latch onto these days. But it isn't logical.
If we were allowed to marry, that would in no way harm any child whatsoever. I think where most Americans go wrong is in believing that the issue here is about "gay marriage". Instead, it's about marriage, period, for gay people. There is a big difference. We will keep fighting the battle, and we will not let up in our quest to hold America to her ideals.
posted by Chris L., at
7/26/2006 5:10 PM
Oh my!!! Can re-closeted gays still get married???
posted by Anonymous, at
7/26/2006 5:18 PM
yes, that is the reward, if you re-closet yourself, then you are a person, but if you choose to live anormal homosexual life, then the law punish you by preventing you for being whole...
posted by Anonymous, at
7/26/2006 5:34 PM
The comments section in the Seattle Times to the article about the State Supreme Court decision is a study in what needs to be addressed here in this state.
Half the comments were deeply saddened, including some that brought tears to my eyes - heterosexual people who felt depressed by the decision.
20 percent (non-scientific) were angry and speaking from their fear and distrust of 'straight' society.
30% were glad for the decision, with all the simple talking points spoon fed.
What struck me was the consistent feeling in the comments by the 30% that they did not know anyone gay, or any heterosexuals who know and love LGBTQ people. As such they have little to go on than fear. It's ime for LGBTQ people who can pass for straight and who remain quiet and uninvolved, to rethink their lack of action.
The religious and political right in Washington State outspend pro-gay groups by a wide margin. Their approach - Cannibalistic Naked Drag Queens Kidnapping your CHILDREN (and the more sophisticated yet just as deceptive communications)- polarizes communities. We need to reach out, not to the worst bigots, but to people who have not yet heard our heartfelt stories. It must be with respect for ourselves and respect for others who are simply fearful, confused, and uncertain.
In case you think this is from a political novice - I was one of the people who faced down the Chicago Mafia and Vice Squad in 1970, and participated in the action at the American Psychiatric Convention in 1971 - the one that resulted in the 2 year study that resulted in the removal of 'Homosexuality' from the DSM. There's a time to confront and a time to embrace.
Now's time for coming out - it will require transcending fear, and supporting those of us who suffer as a consequence. The fate of David and Michael Serkin-Poole's children hangs in the balance. The future of many children rests upon how many hearts we melt.
The judge writing for the majority used ex-gay arguments as her basis:
"But Justice Madsen wrote that the plaintiffs were not entitled to such review because they had not demonstrated that homosexuality is an immutable characteristic like race or gender."
After all, since we can all just up and change our mutable sexual orientation on a whim, then we are not entitled to the rights granted under the state Constitution.
This is why the authoritarian right vociferously maintains the position that 'it's a choice'. It justifies their discrimination, though I suspect that most of them have sufficient intelligence to know in the privacy of their own thoughts that it's not (a choice). B. Queer
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