Civil Unions for Same-Sex Couples
Civil Unions for Same-Sex Couples
Opinions about gay marriage are divided. Many are just fine with it, but other are strongly opposed. The whole issue of civil unions, however, opens a whole other can of worms. Just what exactly is a "civil union," and, more importantly, how valid is it? Those in favor of gay marriages are willing to compromise for now and at least get civil unions approved. Those who vehemently oppose gay marriage (in whatever form, no matter what you call it) aren't changing their minds. But in the world of government and negotiation, civil unions are causing a little heartburn. It's not a "marriage," but it is a legally binding contract. Or at least in the states that approve civil unions. But what happens if a gay couple in a civil union approved in one state moves to a state that forbids it?
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Candidate Responses
Supports civil unions for same-sex couples
According to his campaign web site, "He supports letting states determine how to recognize civil unions and define marriage."
Supports same-sex civil unions.
In an interview with ABC, Clinton said, "I put forth my position, which is in favor of civil unions." However, Clinton also has said she does not favor gay marriage, but would not oppose it politically.
Supports same-sex civil unions
"With two young daughters of my own, I want to ensure that they grow up in a world that is free of discrimination. That is why I supported Civil Unions in my home state," Dodd said on his web site.
Supports same-sex civil unions
Earlier this year, Edwards said, "New Hampshire's decision to recognize civil unions and grant gay and [filtered word] couples the same rights granted to heterosexual married couples is an important step in the fight for justice. This is an issue of fundamental fairness, and by passing this law, New Hampshire's leaders chose fairness over discrimination."
He supported a domestic partner bill while mayor of New York, but in 2007 came out in opposition of New Hampshire's new civil union law.
"Mayor Giuliani believes marriage is between one man and one woman. Domestic partnerships are the appropriate way to ensure that people are treated fairly," the Giuliani campaign said in a written response to a question from the New York Sun. "In this specific case (New Hampshire) the law states same sex civil unions are the equivalent of marriage and recognizes same sex unions from outside states. This goes too far and Mayor Giuliani does not support it."
Civil Unions for Same-sex couples
I don't understand how anyone can be against Civil Unions. I can somewhat understand Christians wanting to preserve the word "marriage" but when that's taken out of the picture, what is wrong with giving same-sex couples equal rights. I think this is one of the most important issues facing the country because we pride ourselves on freedom and equality but turn around and basically say equality is wrong when dealing with homosexuals. Not until they are given equal rights can we really say that America stands for true freedom and true equality.
i used to think the same thing
whenever this first became an issue, and being a christian it was nice to sort of be able to sit on the fence about it.. but this idea doesn't reflect the ideals of the constitution nor does it comply with the seperation between church and state. marriage, in the state's eyes, isn't a matter of what the Bible says, and it should never be seen like that. A lot of marriages don't even take place in the church. Marriage isn't an inherently Christian thing at all, anyways, and didn't orginate from this religion. If atheists are allowed to get married, if people who have pre-marital sex are able to be married, then it's clearly not a matter of religious adherence, it NEVER has been. It's only an issue now because of underlying PREJUDICES and careful guidance by the religious right.
God says it's wrong, so it must be made illegal, otherwise we aren't good stewards of the doctrine. You don't see Christians throwing a fit when they go out to eat on the Sabbath.. it's just a matter of picking and choosing, and it's sad that it's masked as that.
The most violent element in society is ignorance. - Emma Goldman
oh and open your history
oh and open your history books, because history is repeating itself, what a surprise. Anyone remember the Seperate but Equal proposal of the 1950's? It was a joke then, and it's a joke now.