Link from aurianrose

[sihayadesigns]

This is the best thing about this Valentine's Day.

Marriage is love.

I know the right-wingers will try everything they can to invalidate these unions, but the courage and love and sharing-- it really is so touching and inspiring. Go San Francisco.

Comments

[windiain.livejournal.com]

Wow.. just, wow. :)

[nnnuts.livejournal.com]

Whatever ones beliefs about whether gay marriages should be legalized or accepted, the thing that does trouble me is the fact that this is at the moment illegal.

I don't know...this isn't the way you change the laws, not by judicial action, but by voting to change the laws legally.

It really bothers me not because it has anything to do with gay marriage, but the concept of legality and the way we are supposed to change laws is threatened.

Re:

[windiain.livejournal.com]

But then the government seems to have little interest in what the people want as law, only their opinion matters. For example, Tony Blair has been pushing this university course fees bill through in the UK, and he's played dirty to do it. This is despite the fact that people of the UK don't agree with it, especially the students. As for the war on Iraq, even his damn political party didn't want it. And Bush has done plenty against the will of the public. And there's no way in hell you're going to get any kind of fair policy suggested while Bush is in charge - he's so opposed to the concept that I hear he may well be pushing for an ammendment to your constitution to ban gay marriage. So I have little faith in the system.

Also, from what I can gather, the point is that this is legal in San Francisco. There are the right-wingers who may well succeed in turning this around, but at the moment, this is legal. And, legal or not, what this IS is a good demonstration of the fact that people want gay marriage (or some kind of union), and that it is supported. Okay, if these marriages get annulled tomorrow, it'll be a shame, but the point will still have been made.

Re:

[nnnuts.livejournal.com]

See here's the problem, the "will of the public" is exercised when you vote for candidates (in Congress both state and national) that will vote the will of the people in their districts. The will of the people is not exercised by online polls and publicity stunts. That's the way things work in the United States.
If you want these laws changed, enough people have to vote for enough Senators and Congressmen that will change the laws and that is the only way.

I just double checked: Proposition 22 was passed in 2000 by an overwhelming majority and it states that only a union between man and woman is recognized in California.
And again, I'm not attempting to defend this law, but your statement about "right wingers" is just false:
In 1996 President Clinton signed the Federal Defense of Marriage Act, confirming the right of each state to determine its own laws on same-gender marriage, and declaring that the United States government recognizes marriage as between a man and a woman. The measure passed the House and Senate with overwhelming bipartisan support.
So far, 30 other states have passed their own Protection of Marriage laws: Alaska, Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, North Carolina, North Dakota, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Virginia and Washington.

I just don't like blatant disregard for law, that's all :( hold me

Re:

[sihaya09.livejournal.com]

You're making some good points, Mike. Legally, your argument is sound. I'm in favor of this because it is a peaceable demonstration, not a publicity stunt. This demonstration is one that I find incredibly inspiring because the focus is on love. I also have to remind you that without a little peaceable disregard of law, most of the civil rights movement would never have taken place.

Re:

[nnnuts.livejournal.com]

and I'd agree with you if it were only a peaceful demonstration. The problem there is that the Mayor of San Francisco was acting not as a civilian but in his elected capacity by performing the marriages.

That's a serious problem.

[wakeupcold.livejournal.com]

That is great

[clarchen1840.livejournal.com]

Go San Fransisco! Marriage is about love. Love comes in many different ways! Yay for those people for being proud of who they are and standing up for how they feel.

[17flyingfish.livejournal.com]

christina! I got your package today- thank you SO MUCH for the valentine and chocolate. it was a very nice surprise. I would call to thank you- but I don't know what hijinks you and mike might be up to tonight~ love you~

[ellasynda.livejournal.com]

Happy Valentine's day!

*gummie bear hugs* I was so happy to recieve your package. I cried about the lovely card. You are so sweet and I do forgive you for not writing sooner. I had never really held it against you in the first place because I know you are busy and have a million other things on your mind. I love you and San Fran rules!