The California Supreme Court abolished the state’s same-sex marriage ban in May, sparking public celebration in some places and angry protest in others. Now some critics of same-sex marriage are fighting back with an initiative to reinstate the ban, leaving voters once again divided. Should marriage remain between a man and a woman, or is it time to widen the aisle for same-sex couples? (Editor's Note: On November 4th, California voters passed Proposition 8 to ban same-sex marriage.)
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Same-Sex Unions Do Undermine Traditional Marriage
- From Pacific Justice Institute
By Pacific Justice Institute - Defending Rights
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Is that all it takes to undermine marriage?
This argument seems to rest on the fact that gay marriage would require different labels for the partners. While I agree that "Party A" and "Party B" are unromantic and absurdly bureaucratic designations, this seems more like a matter of taste than of fundamental values.
"Cold, contractual" language? Well, yes. To the extent that marriage is a legal issue, it is in fact a contract - it involves two people making a commitment, in exchange for which they will receive certain rights and benefits. In New York it is possible for a gay couple to enter into such a contract, only they have to call it a domestic partnership rather than a marriage. In theory, this protects their rights, giving them access to the same benefits associated with heterosexual marriage.
My question is this: why do we need a legal distinction between marriage and domestic partnership? If domestic partnership truly protects gay rights, the contract should be equivalent to a marriage contract. If this is the case, what is the significance of the label "marriage?" If it is a matter of tradition, or taste, or religious preference, it has no place in the law.
- lizzzie
October 24, 2008 8:21PM
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Side: No
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Domestic Partnership does not give all the rights of civil marriage
If you check the laws, domestic partnerships do NOT offer the same protections as civil marriage. Domestic partners are not allowed the same health coverage by Blue Cross, Blue Shield, Part D coverage policies for disabled and retired people or under the taxation laws of the United States or most states that have such laws. The Supreme Court Decision stating that "Separate but Equal" is invalid in cases dealing with ethnicity (race, for those who believe there is more than one human race) needs to be expanded to cover all segments of society.
- OddGrouch
October 29, 2008 8:28AM
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Side: No
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Party A?
I'm not sure why this weak argument was even included. The heterosexual couple feels that their rights are being infringed upon? Becuase of the wording on a legal document? They are still allowed to get married. What about the rights of the gay couple who wish to marry and won't be able to if this proposition passes? Who's rights have really been trampled? Words on a document vs. actual legal rights as a citizen of the U.S.
- csmith
October 29, 2008 6:45PM
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Side: No
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