Shame on you, NC

[HejiraNYC]

Originally Posted by TrueFaith77

I agree with your definition of Civil Marriage. I'm against Civil Marriage. But I only have one vote. And I'm at peace that others feel differently about Civil Marriage than I do--and enough feel differently that it is an existing instituion. That being said: what defines a Civil Marriage is decided by the democratic process, and some people within that process will vote according to values that define Marriage as being between a man and a woman. Obviously there are differing viewpoints even on that point. The question about whether or not the definition of Marriage can be decided by the democratic process may someday be brought to the courts--and I will comply with the courts' decisions. But I won't begrudge ANYONE from voting their conscious--whether for or against.

...and what makes you assume that all civil rights should be subject to a popular vote? Fundamental civil rights such as interracial marriage, abortion, ADA, racial equality, women voting, and, um... the abolition of slavery were not subject to popular vote, and it could be argued that none of these would have become law if subject to a popular vote. In the case of marriage equality for gays and lesbians, why should their rights be subject to the tyranny of the largely unwashed masses? The private sexual and legal matters of people in a committed loving relationship is nobody else's freaking business, and there is no legitimate reason for NOT extending all of the legal protections and privileges of marriage to couples of the same gender. All of the arguments against marriage equality are based on red herrings, lies, gross exaggerations and fear mongering- not a single shred of factual evidence. I DO begrudge anyone voting on matters relating to civil rights for a minority because it always ends up oppressing the minority. Always.