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11.11.2008 4:38pm EST
Do you have a story about getting married in Connecticut, marching down a street in Los Angeles, contacting your senator? Were you married in California and now confused about your rights? Would you like to share your experience with 365gay readers and 365gay news?
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State Constitutions ONLY define marriage but they are not the foundation for our westernized view of who is permitted to be married nor does any state Constitution delve into the foundation for marriage. The very union of marriage in Western Civilization is based on the Judeo-Christian belief that marriage is a union blessed by God, reflectant of the same covenant God has established with those who believe in Him, enter into a relationship with Him, and obey his Hope for man as described in Biblical scripture. The gay community has fueled the politicification of this issue which has resulted in more than just protests- the community is now ostracizing the Mormon church. You must be aware that a large sector of Prop 8 supporters were members of the African-American community. Why are they not be cited publicly? Can it be that the gay community chooses, as do some in the heterosexual community, who they shall discriminate against? And why are protestors, like in Los Angeles, demanding that business owners (like the owner of the famous El Coyote Restaurant) meet with them to explain why they contributed to the campaign supporting Prop 8? Isn’t it a right of all Americans to vote as they choose without fear of being retaliated against?
For those in the gay community who have seemingly singled out the Mormon church and hard working business owners who supported the passing of Prop 8, shame on you! Many of us are resorting to the same tactics and have donned the same hateful mindset that we accuse those in the heterosexual and religious community of having done. We have a right to protest but hypocracy, double standards, a sense of entitlement, hatred, and even bigotry against those who are not gay and who believe in the Biblical God and are doing by faith, what is ordained by scripture are reprehensible and insidious and serves only to reveal that whether gay or straight, athiest or religious – our proclivities to do wrong are no different. Maybe we should all accept the fact that there truly is little difference amongst us, irrelevant of our beliefs.
As for my personal rights- I can still vote, eat where I choose, and travel freely. God Bless America for the freedon we have, including the right to abuse and single out other.
To the Poster “David” ~
In answer to the questions you pose, many people are trying to create hostility between the LGBT community and the African-American and Latino communities, citing that they voted overwhelmingly in favor of 8. This is true. But when you take a look at the voting blocks in California defined by race, White voters have the power to move a vote one way or another. This is the case with Prop. 8. The African-American community is a small voting block and thus did not define the outcome of Prop. 8.
The Mormon Church contributed millions and asked their members to give generously to the YES on 8 campaign. This is why they are being singled out. The LGBT community does not “hate” Mormons. But we “hate” that they campaigned and voted for a Proposition that amended our constitution in California to strip rights from a group of people. We are not asking for “special rights”, we are asking for EQUAL RIGHTS! The Mormons and the Catholics didn’t have their rights to faith stripped away with a constitutional amendment or the right to spousal benefits, now did they. The Mormons are playing the victim now that the LGBT community is rising up. Boo-hoo! The people with power and rights are upset by these nasty gays. So yes, the Mormons and the Catholics are targets. It’s kind of like, hate the sin, not the sinner. Sound familiar? There are more protests and marches to come, so get on board or get the Hell out of the way!
The Grand Rapids, Michigan LGBT community is having a candle vigil tonight at 7:00 p.m. at the City Hall – Calder Plaza. Several friends will attend. I found out from the Triangle Foundation’s email notice. Everyone must know that protests, vigils and marches are happening in all parts of Michigan. Detroit, Lansing, Kalamazoo, Grand Rapids and more. The LGBT community must come together for this basic right to marry and for equality and dignity.
Lets not stop.
In Boise, ID (pop. 180,000) over 1,000 people showed up at Boise City Hall where speakers urged restraint to our anger and proposed that we forgive those who have trespassed against us. This protest was larger by far than our annual gay pride rally.
This letter has been sent to every member of the House in Austin.
you can contact me at 210-913-5138
My name is Patrick Greene. I live in San Antonio.
You have my permission to give my e-mail address to anyone
I realize that I am not your constituent, but this is a very unusual situation. In April of 2005 HJR-6, The Marriage Amendment was passed by the House. It subsequently went to the ballot, and voted into the Constitution by the voters of our state.
However, the following members of the House voted on the Joint Resolution, and thereby violated Article 3, Section 22 of our Texas Constitution.
They had “personal” and/or “private” interest in same-sex marriage, in the manner of anti-gay bias, by either being connected with an anti-gay organization, or admitting that their personal Christian belief effected their vote. Which was a violation of the Constitution. I want every member of the House to know about these members, so you can use the integrity of your office and have Article 1, Section 32 repealed. The voters should never have seen this amendment, because it should never have passed through the House.
Rep. Frank Corte-connected with Eagle Forum, Texas and Bexar Country Christian Coalition
Rep. Joe Crabb-Ordained Methodist Minister and Pastor
of Addicks United Methodist Church.
Rep. Leo Berman-his “personal” religious conviction
Rep. Bill Callegari-his “personal” religious beliefs
Rep. Fred Brown-Christian
Rep. Rep. Betty Brown-member of Eagle Forum, and Texas Conservative Coalition Research Institute.
Rep. Warren Chisum-Board of Directors Texas Conservative Coalition, President of Texas Conservative Coalition Research Institute
I will add that, if I do not gain support in this extremely important matter by December 15, 2008, I will file a lawsuit in Bexar County District Court, and have a judge repeal the amendment.
Thank you
Went to the protest today in Chicago’s Federal Plaza. The turnout was amazing!
my husband and i went to the rally in salt lake city today and stood with thousands of our brothers and sisters to let our voices be heard. it was beautiful.
San Diego was amazing. Thousands showed true patriotism. The demand for equal rights was overwhelming. Thank you especially to all our straight supporters who marched along side us and even brought their children to witness this historic peaceful event in the spirit of MLK. YES WE CAN!
Greetings from Humboldt County, CA!
We had a great turnout of both the LGBTI community and our straight collegues to protest the success of the Yes on Proposition 8 and to hear from our local officials, both in Eureka and Arcata who are standing with us, plus some wonderful folks from Marriage Equality, Humboldt State University, Queer Humboldt, Humboldt Pride and the always amazing Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence!
This is a turning point for us and the country and the message was clear and succinct-get those folks that voted “Yes” to actually know us personally-which means you and I have to take some chances, but that’s where the greatest change takes place. My partner and I originally married in 1992 before 250 folks in a church and before a pastor and were actually written up by the then living Herb Caen and we just made it official on Oct. 20th. We not only have a wonderful daughter and son-in-law, but we are now proud gay grandparents!
Here’s the link to the protest-the far right button will (at the lower rt. corner of your screen) will move through the photographs individually, and if you click on the 3rd button from the right, it becomes an automatic slide show.
http://www.lostcoasttours.com/prop8/
I’ve been a gay activist for nearly 38 years and days like this were few and far between; here’s hoping that we lose our invisibility and become FULL citizens of our country–but it’s going to require us to not rest on our laurels-we HAVE to persist in making ourselves not only more public, but accessible and just as warm, wonderful and full of possibilities as everybody else.
Hugs to everybody and thanks for creating an incredible event that might even become a public holiday some day!!!
Erin
The ralley in Los Angeles was packed and inspiring. I was really dissapointed to turn on Logo this afternoon and find news from last week. Where is my LGTB news when I need it?
What does the Bible say about gay marriage / same sex marriage?”
Answer: Before we look at gay marriage / same sex marriage, first we have to remember what the Bible says about homosexuality. While the Bible doesn’t address the concept of gay or same sex marriage, the Bible does clearly and consistently tell us that homosexual activity is a sin (Genesis 19:1-13; Leviticus 18:22; Romans 1:26-27; 1 Corinthians 6:9). God does not create a person with homosexual desires. A person becomes a homosexual because of sin (Romans 1:24-27), and ultimately because of his or her own choice. A person may be born with a greater susceptibility to homosexuality, just as people are born with a tendency to violence and other sins. That does not excuse the person choosing to sin by giving in to their sinful desires. If a person is born with a greater susceptibility to anger / rage, does that make it right for them to give into those desires? Of course not. The same is true for homosexuality.
We also have to remember that homosexuality is just as forgivable a sin as all other sins. God’s forgiveness is just as available to a homosexual as it is to an adulterer, idol worshipper, murderer, liar, proud man, etc. God’s love and desire to save extends to homosexuals (John 3:16; Romans 5:8). God also promises the strength for victory over sin, including homosexuality, to all those who will believe in Jesus Christ for their salvation (1 Corinthians 6:11; 2 Corinthians 5:17).
To give sanction to homosexual marriage would be to give approval to that lifestyle, which the Bible clearly and consistently condemns as sinful. I believe that Christians should stand firmly against the idea of gay marriage / same sex marriage. Marriage is ordained by God to be between a man and a woman (Genesis 2:21-24; Matthew 19:4-6). Homosexual marriage is a perversion of the institution of marriage and an offense to the God who created marriage. God forbids and condemns homosexuality, so He clearly is opposed to homosexual marriage. As Christians, we are to seek to share the love of God and salvation through Christ with homosexuals. We are to be loving and kind to homosexuals, while at the same time not condoning their sinful lifestyle.
What does the Bible say about homosexuality? Is homosexuality a sin?”
Answer: The Bible consistently tells us that homosexual activity is a sin (Genesis 19:1-13; Leviticus 18:22; Romans 1:26-27; 1 Corinthians 6:9). Romans 1:26-27 teaches specifically that homosexuality is a result of denying and disobeying God. When a person continues in sin and disbelief, the Bible tells us that God “gives them over” to even more wicked and depraved sin in order to show them the futility and hopelessness of life apart from God. 1 Corinthians 6:9 proclaims that homosexual “offenders” will not inherit the kingdom of God.
God does not create a person with homosexual desires. The Bible tells us that a person becomes a homosexual because of sin (Romans 1:24-27), and ultimately because of their own choice. A person may be born with a greater susceptibility to homosexuality, just as people are born with a tendency to violence and other sins. That does not excuse the person choosing to sin by giving into their sinful desires. If a person is born with a greater susceptibility to anger / rage, does that make it right for then to give into those desires? Of course not! The same is true for homosexuality.
However, the Bible does not describe homosexuality as a “greater” sin than any other. All sin is offensive to God. Homosexuality is just one of the many things listed in 1 Corinthians 6:9-10 that will keep a person from the kingdom of God. According to the Bible, God’s forgiveness is just as available to a homosexual as it is to an adulterer, idol worshipper, murderer, thief, etc. God also promises the strength for victory over sin, including homosexuality, to all those who will believe in Jesus Christ for their salvation (1 Corinthians 6:11; 2 Corinthians 5:17).
What was the sin of Sodom and Gomorrah?”
Answer: What was the sin of Sodom and Gomorrah? It is abundantly clear that homosexuality was the primary evil. The biblical account of Sodom and Gomorrah is recorded in Genesis chapters 18-19. Genesis chapter 18 records the LORD and two angels coming to speak with Abraham. The LORD reiterated His promise to Abraham that he would have a son through Sarah. The LORD also informed Abraham that “the outcry against Sodom and Gomorrah is so great and their sin so grievous.” Verses 22-33 record Abraham pleading with the LORD to have mercy on Sodom and Gomorrah because Abraham’s nephew, Lot, and his family lived in Sodom.
Genesis chapter 19 records the two angels, disguised as human men, visiting Sodom and Gomorrah. Lot met the angels in the city square and urged them to stay at his house. The angels agreed. The Bible then informs us, “Before they had gone to bed, all the men from every part of the city of Sodom — both young and old — surrounded the house. They called to Lot, ‘Where are the men who came to you tonight? Bring them out to us so that we can have sex with them.’” The angels then proceed to blind all the men of Sodom and Gomorrah and urge Lot and his family to flee from the cities to escape the wrath that God was about to deliver. Lot and his family flee the city, and then “the LORD rained down burning sulfur on Sodom and Gomorrah — from the LORD out of the heavens. Thus he overthrew those cities and the entire plain, including all those living in the cities — and also the vegetation in the land.”
The men of Sodom and Gomorrah, thinking that the visiting angels were men, wanted to have sex with them. Those who attempt to explain away the biblical condemnations of homosexuality claim that the sin of Sodom and Gomorrah was inhospitality. While the men of Sodom and Gomorrah were certainly being inhospitable, that clearly was not all. The men of Sodom and Gomorrah desired to perform homosexual gang rape on the angels. Also, God never declared inhospitality to be an abomination to Him, while Leviticus 18:22 makes God’s view of homosexuality clear: “Do not lie with a man as one lies with a woman; that is detestable.”
While Sodom and Gomorrah were surely guilty of many other horrendous sins, homosexuality was the reason God poured fiery sulfur on the cities, completely destroying them and all of their inhabitants. To this day, the area where Sodom and Gomorrah were located remains a desolate wasteland. Sodom and Gomorrah serve as a powerful example of how God feels about sin in general, and homosexuality specifically.
What does the Bible say about AIDS / HIV? Is AIDS / HIV a judgment from God?”
Answer: Fundamentally, all disease is a judgment from God. Adam and Eve did not know corruption of any kind before the Fall. When God pronounced judgment on Adam, death entered the world (Genesis 3:19; Romans 5:12). All sickness, from the common cold to cancer, is part of the curse, and we who live in a cursed world are subject to decay. So, yes, AIDS / HIV and other STDs (along with all other diseases) are part of God’s judgment in a cursed world.
The Bible plainly teaches that our choices bear consequences. Whatever a man sows, that’s what he reaps (Galatians 6:7-8). Righteousness brings blessing: “Keep my commands and you will live” (Proverbs 7:2); and sin brings judgment: “He who sows wickedness reaps trouble” (Proverbs 22:8). One of our problems is that we want total freedom to choose our actions, but we want them consequence-free. The reality is when we choose a course of action, we automatically choose its corresponding result. Scripture warns that sexual sin carries a built-in judgment from God. “He who sins sexually sins against his own body” (1 Corinthians 6:18). “God will judge . . . all the sexually immoral” (Hebrews 13:4). It cannot be denied that living according to Biblical principles (sexual fidelity within marriage) drastically reduces one’s chances of contracting HIV / AIDS and other STDs.
Romans 1:18-32 is an indictment of the heathen, idolatrous world. It starts with these words: “The wrath of God is being revealed from heaven against all the godlessness and wickedness of men.” This passage teaches that the sin of homosexuality has its roots in a denial of God. It brings about shame, degradation, and a “due penalty.” Since STDs such as AIDS / HIV are attendant, for the most part, upon sexual sin, they must be considered as part of the “penalty” which reveals “the wrath of God” against the wickedness of men (verse 18). A key phrase is “God gave them over,” which occurs three times. God gave them over to sexual impurity (verse 24); to shameful lusts (verse 26); and to a depraved mind (verse 28). The meaning is that mankind chose to go its own way, and God allowed it. Granting mankind the freedom to go even further astray was itself a punishment on previous sin.
None of this is to say that everyone with AIDS / HIV is guilty of sexual sin or that homosexuals are beyond redemption. Tragically, some people have been infected with AIDS / HIV by blood transfusions, by innocent contact with another person who has AIDS / HIV, and most sadly, by being conceived in the womb of a mother who has AIDS / HIV. The Christian response to AIDS / HIV should always be one of grace and mercy. No matter how a disease was contracted, our responsibility is to be ministers of grace, love, mercy, and forgiveness. We do not have the right or authority to proclaim that an AIDS / HIV contraction is a specific judgment from God on a specific sin in a person’s life. We have a responsibility to do good to all (Luke 10:29-37), and the Gospel we share is still “the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes” (Romans 1:16).
Recommended Resource: The AIDS Crisis: What We Can Do by Deborah Dortzbach & W. Meredith Long.
After reading the comments by “Butch” Cassidy, Helen Westover and others of the religious lunatic fringe, I think it is time to shed a more realistic perspective on things. While it is all fine and good to hold our peaceful protests all over the country, some of us understand that this will accomplish little to nothing in our struggle for equality. The passive approach has given us practically nothing in terms of civil rights in the 5 decades since Stonewall except perhaps in a few isolated regions and towns. Now that we have given our consent and blessing to have our civil rights voted upon, this may also change in the course of time.
What many fail to understand is the with people like “Butch”, Helen and mt633, there is no path to understanding and reason. In their limited minds, discourse and debate have no future because nothing we say will ever shine through their fog of religious hatred. We will not convince them of anything no matter how hard we try, no matter how much logic and reason we use, or how many peaceful protests we attend. Those of their kind do not want to co-exist with our kind, but they only wish to dominate and control those they perceive to be “not like them”.
They want nothing short than to place America under “God’s Law” and in this they are no different than the Talibans that rule Iraq and Iran, except in the flavor of their hypocrisy. Their rule would be no different except for the dogma under which they would persecute others, with one committing atrocities for Allah’s sake, the other for the sake of Jesus. In this they are no different that the Nazis in their quest to eliminate the Jews. Their goal is not to preserve the sanctity of marriage or to protect their children. Their goal is simply the extermination of the gay community and all those who refuse to believe as they do. They do not want us back in the closet, they want us in the ground, while they pat themselves on the back for another sinner dispatched, another soul saved and society is made safe once again for the true believers.
Protest if you like. Continue to make peaceful overtures to the religious zealots while they continue their campaign of hatred against us. In the end, this is a war, not just figuratively, but literally and no war was ever won by bringing pretty speeches to a gunfight.