CNN

"The rights of people who believe marriage means a man and a woman will no longer matter. We'll all have to accept gay marriage whether we like it to or not."

There's nothing worse than these bigoted, religious zealots who portray themselves to be victims when they are actually the ones attempting to deny basic rights to others. These nut jobs never cease to amaze...

I agree with Obama that marriage is between a man and a woman.
The constitution provides equal rights under the law. Meaning that any man, gay or straight, has the the right to marry a woman. Just as any woman has the right to marry a man.

That “is” equal rights-- it does not give you the right to change marriage.
Man+Woman does not =Man+Man or Woman+Woman

Roxanne in SC May 28th, 2009 11:59 am ET
People get over it. If marriage was so sacred, we wouldn't have an over 50% divorce rate in this country. I think we should just allow others to enjoy the same rights and TITLE that we share as straight individuals
---------------–
Sorry to burst your bubble but marriage IS so Sacred. People make choices! Bad choices DO ES NOT negate the fact that marriage is God -created and IS Sacred!

All of you bigots make me sick.

The American Taliban raises it's head of hatred and bigotry once again. Way to live by the golden rule evangelicals...

Better get ready haters – it is just a matter of time before gay marriage becomes as common as hetrosexual divorces!

The GOP is systematically dwindling its party down to the pure inclusive few with extreme unyielding views on everything.

Whats left of the GOP is starting to look and act more and more like a cult.

Just typical the Right Wing Churches trying to dictate our lives again. I say the Churches need to stay out of our LIVIES, they preach tolerance yet they don't practices it.

May 28th, 2009 1:01 pm ET

Jeff – Texas May 28th, 2009 12:52 pm ET

Let them marry, but don't allow them to adopt a child or artificially inseminate since they can not reproduce naturally!!!==============

Gee, Jeff I guess if that is the case, then CPS should take away all children of heterosexual parents for giving birth to a gay child huh...? Nitwit!

marriage is about love and commitment.. not sex and reproduction,, maybe that is why the divorce rate among heterosexuals is so high. they are confused as the basics of marriage.. maybe someone should tell them.

and if God needed every person on the planet to reproduce to extend the life of our species, then he wouldnt have made anyone sterile.... now would he?

May 28th, 2009 1:01 pm ET

Jeff – Texas May 28th, 2009 12:52 pm ET

"Let them marry, but don't allow them to adopt a child or artificially inseminate since they can not reproduce naturally!!!"

Gee Jeff I guess CPS should have taken very child from heterosexual parents that bore gay chilrn huh!!? Nitwit!

If it were mostly minorities (Blacks, Latinos, Asians) who want to marry the same sex no one would give a care, but since these are mostly whites...everyone is up in a roar. WELCOME TO THE WORLD OF MINORITIES! We experience everyday of our life for over 200 years what you are trying to avoid. Bear your own war wounds and you might be considered as having gone through something. Until you experience discrimination for at least 200 years....take it like we have and continue to.

Rather than looking at this issue as someone with narrow vision people should just be focusing on the fact that their parents were not of same sex relations. No matter what the same sex involved can not biologically reproduce amongst themselves to have off springs of their own.

An aspect of this argument that is often overlooked is that Marriage is not a religious term. It first originated as a civil union to strengthen family ties before the church ever got involved.

The Church does NOT own Marriage!

For all those that say don't let them be artificially inseminated or adopt because they cannot reproduce naturally, what about heterosexual couples who can only get pregnant by artificial means. Should they not be allowed to marry? Are heterosexual couples going to be test to see if can procreate and if not will they to be denied a marriage license?

It doesn't matter. Obama himself is against gay marriage. Bet a lot of you didn't know that, did you? It's because Islam is against it.

But, regardless, if it is voted down, the liberals will just go to the court to legislate it into existence. Just like in California.

And spare me the comparisons to the 2000 election. The 2000 elections lawsuits strengthens the case of what the people voted for is what they get. Bush beat Gore. Get over it.

It must be real "SHOCK AND AWE" for the Christians to finally have a group that stands up to them after so many hundreds of years of taking the brow beatings that the church delivers so well. Until now, that is. The internet is fantastic!!!!

Every gay couple should have the right to be miserable as any straight married couple.

Disgusting. Attempt to mislead and frighten the masses with misinformation and exaggeration. Some things never change. It'll take time, but gay marriage is going to be a reality in all 50 states some day. Just keep fighting this stuff and educate people!!!

The Bible is for morons.

There's a special place in hell for these people.

I hope they have gay children someday.

Regarding civil unions being equal to marriage – hey, if we segregate a bus, who cares? It still gets everyone where they need to go, right? Right?

Why does it matter that kids are being taught about gay marriage? They might as well just come out and say it; it's prejudice.

"The rights of people who believe marriage means a man and a woman will no longer matter. We'll all have to accept gay marriage whether we like it to or not," both ads also say.

THESE GUYS SHOULD CHECK ON THE DEFINITION OF WHAT A RIGHT IS

I'm so sick of these right-wing bigots making up LIES about gay marriage. They are on the WRONG side of history!

Truthfully, i am not Christian, and I am wondering why the hell i got married in the first place?

The real answer is, the term marriage was taken from the religious context and thrown into the legal context. THAT is why I went through with it, to gain the legal benefits. I surely couldn't give a flying flip about any sort of religious notion of what marriage means, except for the fact that I love my wife and would do anything for her.

What should really happen, is the term marriage should be taken out of the legal system if people are assuming it needs to remain in the religous context.

To quote Billy Connolly. "You can take your Reformation, your Vatican and your Mecca and shove it because it's all over." and to quote me. "You can run but you can't hide because it's only a question of time. Your church and your repressive pedophile priests can bugger off and stop trying to control the rest of us by using fear. Just who do you think you are anyway Republicans?

It absolutely fascinates me to read some of the reader comments on articles like this. For anyone who argues that "marriage" is a religious institution, I ask you, Where exactly do you go to gain your marriage license? Oh that's right...the Court house! Not the church. This argument is NOT valid. In fact anyone opposing gay marriage has yet to produce a valid argument as to why these rights should not be granted. I am a christian and MY god doesn't care if two men or two women want to enter into a loving, committed and trusting relationship. . .so why does yours?

Tolerance, to accept a perverse lifestyle ? No thanks, quit trying to shove this down our throats !!

Shame on them for doing this. One day all these folks will be ashamed of themselves for blocking happiness of people they don't even know.

Do they realize how selfish they look?

Bunch of flamers in here.

"The rights of people who believe marriage means a man and a woman will no longer matter. We'll all have to accept gay marriage whether we like it to or not," both ads also say."

When will people understand... get it through their THICK skulls, that this has nothing to do with them???
If you dont believe in same sex marriage, dont get one!
Dont stick your nose in where it doesn't belong. Why deny others to live happy lives?

Can someone simply explain this to me... If we are arguing that Marriage is based on a religious belief system, and we are to have a supposed separation of church and state. Supposed being the key word. why exactly is this an issue then? We are all humans and we all deserve the same rights and privileges of our neighbors. It's 2009 everyone not 1909. Anyone you put it this is bigotry based on sexuality.

The opponents of same-sex marriage don't have a real arguement, so they resort to scare tactics. What at surprise.

of course, it must be a CONservative or repugnant reptile backed group.......wasting their money but without ideas......plain sick and misinformed......hehehehehe

I like how they misspell marriage at the end of the television spot.

still waiting for true equality in the country where i was born, raised , work and pay taxes..
.....................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................still waiting and still paying taxes

If u don't like gay marriage it's probly because teh stupid bible says so. Why should others be bound by your belief?

Oh my God, Gay Marriage has brought down the countries of Britian, Netherlands, and Spain since gay marriage is allowed there. Oh my god, Gay marriage has destroyed Mass...CT...and IA....

Take your bible and shove it so far up your rears that you can read it within and keep out of peoples EQUAL RIGHTS not Special Rights as you want to say!

Don't belive in gay marrige..DONT HAVE ONE. simple enough!

Enough May 28th, 2009 12:04 pm ET

"Gay couples cannot be the same as heterosexual couples, it is impossible. Can't reproduce or have sex naturally"

dont straight men end up having to masturbate in the bathroom anyways? i can do that, even though i am gay

They don't want their children to learn about gays? Um, not talking about something doesn't mean it ceases to exist. What you're essentially hoping is that your children can go through life with their fingers in their ears going, "Lalala, I can't hear you," and pretending that gays are not part of the human community, a fact of life, and fellow citizens.

In Massachusetts, they teach children that boys can marry other boys because they *can*. Are we now supposed to lie to our children about the laws of the Commonwealth?

If you want to be LEGALLY married to someone of the same sex, go live in a country that permits it. Or create one, someone way out in the ocean somewhere. We are already the laughing stock of the world. This would really push us over the edge. If you are not careful, it will backfire on you when force the issue, especially on children in schools. And if the politicians want to make it politically expedient, don't tak the oath of office on the BIBLE if you don't intend to uphold it's principles.

I wish the people against same sex marriage would take their energy and put it towards a worthwhile cause. LIKE children who are starving here in our own country.... child porn.... child abuse... animal abuse.... just crime in general, you know the things that NEED resolving. This is a FREE country people and the unity of marriage IS NOT owned by the religious right!!!!

Take any argument against gay marriage, and then substitute the word "black" for "gay" or "same-sex" and then see how much sense the argument makes.

still waiting for the organization of marriage to put out an ad that supports banning divorce,, if they are truly trying to protect the sanctity of marriage and the children. why dont you start their first.. then you can criminalize and punish those who do not keep the vows and promises they make when they are getting married.. so many ways to do what they are saying they are doing.. but they dont? why not.. my guess has something to do with hypocrisy

Some people on here sre just stupid. What are you, 5?? Why dont you marry your dog?? GROW UP!!

How much of the money for these ads could have been spent ministering to the poor, homeless, lonely, sick, and troubled?

Apart from all that, and inspired by all the people saying "what's next, people marrying their dog/desk/house/car???///", I wonder what we will do as a species if we discover an alien intelligent species, bipedal and humanoid, and members of those respective species want to get married. Or uuomglaued, in the Rigelian's native tongue.

Same sex marriages will NEVER fly. The MAJORITY of folk in this country, both young and old, will never allow this to become commonplace. Civil Union each other to death if you want to, but don't insult marriage by re-defining it. Adam and Eve, not Adam and Steve or Amanda and Stephanie. REALITY CHECK.

Marriage in this country shouldn't be defined in terms of religion or the way people have sex. The first goes against what this country was founded on, the second is just creepy. The government should recognize civil marriages only, and if you want a religious marriage, go ahead and have a second ceremony for that. We are not a religious country like Iran or Saudi Arabia except when it comes to marraige.

Someday Americans will find themselves in the present instead of with these ridiculous caveman ideas about sex and marriage.

Those who are against this are afraid of everything and punish those for saying so. Too bad there are too many of us to be pushed around by ignorant bullies!

@ TCM, who said "The sphincter's an output, not an input. Next thing you know, all gays will want their sphincters rebuilt or retightened at government expense! What a crock! "

The mouth is also a sphincter. You should shut yours. From what you said, it appears things are moving in the wrong direction internally for you.

I completely understand... how can they reasonably be asked to accept gay marriage? What's next – interracial marriage? Do we really want our kids growing up being tolerant? What about traditional values, like seperate-but-equal?

Seriously though, these bigots astound me with their willful evil.

Who marries whom is none of my business. It is a personal matter and a civil rights matter. Everyone is equal I would think.

Tell me HOW the kids will suffer?

LIES LIES LIES....running scared are we? You Christian groups are nothing more the Hate Groups.

Ian May 28th, 2009 1:01 pm ET

NAMBLA (National Association for Man Boy Love) supports gay marriages and are especially in support of removing age barriers on civil unions. What's wrong with an adult marrying a child? Mary Kay Letorneau is now happily married to the boy she loved. I can't wait until I can walk down the street with pride, holding hands and kissing my 14 year old gay lover / soulmate.
_____________________

This is a weak agrument against gay marriage. You know it, Republicans know it, society knows it. Go ahead and fearmonger all you want; common sense will win out at the end despite your cynicism.

Oooo, children being told something different from what their parents believe. I'm sure they're scarred for life. If you live your life in fear of gays and want your children to grow up to be just like you, then please home school them.

Dahpne-you win the smartest comment of the day award. Thank you!

ok, let me get this right –

It's ok for liberals and gay activists to viciously attack businesses, Mormons, Catholics, Christians, Miss California, etc., – that's fine and dandy – but getting involved in the democratic process, expressing an opinion thoughtfully and respectfully, and running an ad in New York about same sex marriage is hatred and bigotry.

Typical liberal logic.

"NEXT on the agenda…….the right to marry your children.
….the right to marry your dog.
…..the right to marry your computer.
……the right to marry a cloud."

None of the above are consenting adults.

How about those straight conservative trailer trash people who in many instances are violent to their kids. Marriage for same sex ouples will come and there is nothing these bible thumping or should i say satan thumping conservatives can do. Conservatives, right wingers and The so called Christian Right shoujld get a life and concentrate on taking care of their own kids instead of sticking their satan sized noses, and claws in other peoples business.

I'm with Obama on this one. Gays should not be able to marry. Let them unite and have all legal issues the same as married couples, but don't let them marry. That would be like celebrating China on the Fourth of July. It's just not right. Tradition is a lost art and is still good.

Bigoted people make me sick! Gay people will get married state by state. Straight people have screwed up marriage for too long so why should they have anything to say. Marriage has nothing to do with religion. People who believe that have been brainwashed by their churches. The bible is so outdated and needs to be redone.

"We'll all have to accept gay marriage whether we like it to or not"

It all comes down to narrow minded hatred. I guess it's tough enough to accept Jews and blacks. Now having to accept gay people as, well, people, is just going too far.

/palmface

NOM-Stay the heck out of my state! Ugh.

For all those posting that homosexuality is not a "choice" – please cite one scientifically grounded study (not psychological) that proves there is a basis for this opinion...

There isn't one. There are several studies that show different studies that have been done that raise questions about the brain activity of gays but not a single one that shows a structural or homonal or genetic foundation for the assertion that gays are anything more than people who choose not to control their abnormal urges.

TCM@12:57–

Glad to see you enlightening us once again. Are you really Joaquin Phoenix pretending to be a narrow minded bigot because no one can be as spiteful as your assorted posts make you out to be.

Mark in B'ham–
For the first time I can remember I was agreeing with you, until you threw the word "sin" in there.
But there may be hope yet.

I'd be happy if the state/ federal government issued legally identical licenses for gay and straight couples, and called them ALL "civil unions". That's why we have governments.

Then any couple could choose to have a ceremony in church, or not. The government needs to stick to the business of ensuring equal legal and civil rights for all citizens.

these so called Christian's really need to stay out of other people's lives and get a life. Who does anyone know that is getting married – that goes into marriage thinking of procreating–LOL.. laughable

"The rights of people who believe marriage means a man and a woman will no longer matter. We'll all have to accept gay marriage whether we like it to or not." What nonsense. People like this will never accept gay marriage, nor will they have to.

"Massachusetts schools teach second graders that boys can marry other boys." That's because boys CAN marry other boys in MA. Do you want them to lie?

It doesn't affect me one way or the other, gay, lesbian or straight, I know who I am and so does God. Stop all the hating and let go and let God.

it is not natural .....homosextuals are forceing this life style down americas throat,,,,, these people need counseling to rid themselves of those pervert feelings...

So marriage has always been about one man and one woman... then the Bible must be wrong because I have read about many men married to multiple women.

Either the Bible is wrong or the 'tradtional' marriage folks are lying.

i am not gay, but I am SOOOO offended by these loons ads. They are hateful ignorant TWITS!!!

for those disgusting people who keep comparing gay marriage to pedophila (NAMBLA), or marrying your vehicle....is this the only way to garner support? Fear and lying? Noone supports pedophilia and gay marriage will not lead to the legalization of pedophilia! Are you people ok in the brain?! It does't take a genius.

TCM May 28th, 2009 12:57 pm ET
homosexuality is simply wrong. Not only is it morally wrong...
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
If a family member needed a life saving surgical procedure and the surgeon was gay....would you let your family member die?

Sadly, the surgeon would be bound by his Hippocratic oath; in spite of you and people like you.

I'm not afraid of people who are gay.

Just change the legal term to civil unions, have it apply to everyone for legal purposes, and when a person gets married in a church, then call it a marriage.

Marriage is between a man and woman. Period. End of discussion.

Hopefully the gay community will have learned from California and will first get involved and second, challenge the mis-information that will come out.
We were pathetic in our counter-attack and answering lies.

This isn't about "tolerance" – it's about the gay lobby threatening anyone who disagrees with them. The only hate and bigotry surrounding this whole gay marriage debate comes from gays, liberals and other Democrats.

@ RAND – WRONG!

God WOULD NOT forbid teaching and cautioning children about this immoral behavior . Homosexuals will exploit any avenue possible to try and justify their sexually confused behaviors. You want to make yourself feel better by trying to infer that those that live a moral, and respectable life should somehow be ashamed ? That we all should tolerate "like sexes," carrying on like a bunch of monkies in a cage? Dude, your logic has become so far twisted from what mainstream America wants, and stands for....that's the problem with the liberal media, they give too much airtime to deviants; case in point, Perez Hilton. The little spike-haired butt pirate should've had his face smacked for his behavior. Our world is not only tolerating punks like that, but too often they're idolized for their sinful behavior......No, Rand, my children have been taught the right thing; that homosexuality is WRONG. They're taught to tolerate others, and to respect all people, but we're with the millions and millions of Americans who are sick of this deviant sideshow.

Oh the horror! Whatever next? Kids being taught that inter-racial marriage is ok? Kids attending an inter-faith marriage?

These people are dinosaurs. Their argument is basically – "I think homosexuality is wrong, therefore it is an infringement on my right to these personal beliefs to give them equal rights under the law".

They can delay the inevitable with their idiotic ramblings, but it's still inevitable.

equality FOR ALL!

Gay marriage has not impacted the population in the states where it is legal. It has only impacted the individuals marrying...and in a positive way I don't get it. Why would a committed relationship between gays be a problem, and why would it diminish my heterosextual marriage in any way at all? People are just busy fear mongering, because that's the way they keep people different from themselves "in check". Discriminate, discriminate, discriminate. Actually, sometimes I think that the opponents want gays to be promiscuous so they can point at them and say "see, I told you so"...they're annoyed at committed gay relationships, because undenialbly "normal".

I agree with the anti-gay marriage people. My wife and I
have been married for over thirty years. We live in New York
State and every time we go to Massachusetts the sanctity of our
marriage flies right out of the car window as soon as we hit
the state line. What are we going to do if they pass a same sex
marriage bill in New York? Our marriage will be destroyed!!!
Our six heterosexual married children will suddenly turn gay and
get divorced What about our grandchildren?? Oh my god!
I’m going to join this National Organization for Marriage before
my four year old grandson becomes a drag queen.

We SHALL win. Time and the Constitution are on our side. Sooner or later, the homophobes will die off and/or retire from the Supreme Court.

JESUS said NOTHING about homosexuality. He healed the centurion's lover, commended the centurion for his faith, and went on His way.

The two great love stories of the Old Testament are both same-sex: David and Jonathan, and Ruth and Naomi.

The ORIGINAL HEBREW of "that" verse in Leviticus PROBABLY means something like "you shall not force a slave of your household to have sex."

St. Paul was preaching against IDOLATRY and PROSTITUTION, not homosexuality per se.

But all of that is moot ... no religion has a right to write their sectarian religious beliefs into the law of our SECULAR FEDERAL REPUBLIC. See the First Amendment for details.

Once again, conservative, right-wing, hate mongering, bigoted speech has reared its ugly head...

I guess no one cares about the words of tolerance and peace put forward by St. Frances of Assisi many years ago. You may be opposed to gay marriage, but if it comes, learn to tolerate it (if you oppose it and want to "hold your nose" about it if it becomes law, that is your right).

However, if you want to continue your bigotry, my words of advice come out again:

Don't go away mad – just go away...

I have yet to hear any valid arguments against gay marriage.

.......And I am still waiting for someone to give me one.

Darn Tootin! We need to protect our babies from them PERVS!

Now we need to get these Next on the ballot:

Outlaw Divorce, Punishable by DEATH
Captial Punishment for infidelity
No women allowed on the street unless they are with a HUSBAND.
No men allowed on the street unless they are with a WIFE.

And to appease the democrats that are also opposed:
Abort potential gay babies!

Lame, lame, lame.

Fear and hate, fear and hate.

I hope the "Equal Protections" lawsuit gets to the Supreme Court, and they deal with it without wimping out and not deciding. The truth is that denying something like marriage to a minority is just plain unconstitutional.

Gandhi was right when he said "Your Christians are so unlike your Christ."

We legislate morality all the time. This is no different than the laws that state man cannot have sex with an animal. Yes, some states have those laws, which is pretty sad that there has to be a law like that. Gay marriage is no different. Whether you like it or not, this countries laws are at its' core based on morality and the ten commandments. Just because people CHOOSE to live perverted lifestyles, doesn't mean that the govt. should endorse that perverted lifestyle. If it starts endorsing perverted behavior, then what is next?

I want to know how gay people came into this world? God created Adam and Eve (not Adam and Steve) and thus we can keep our family. Gay people have to realize without a man and woman, they can have a life. Imagine we have all gay couples and there are no straight people. This world would end because there is nobody to produce. Gay people want to adapt children but they should know how they were born. You hypocrites. Go to Church or a temple/Mosque and be moral...

To the gay marriage opponents,
Explain this comment "The rights of people who believe marriage means a man and a woman will no longer matter." What rights are you talking about? Men & women can still marry, so what is the big deal? Just because two same sex people get married, how does that denigrate a husband's love for his wife or vice-versa? What right is violated? Simple question, now answer it.

Since Federal law does not recognize gay marriage, how does a gay couple legally file a tax return as "married"?

Marriage should be reserved for a man and woman as should the benefits. If the gays want a "civil union" fine give to them. It just shouldn't be called marriage.
When my male dog humps my leg I tell him to knock off you queer. I don't stretch my leg out to make him comfortable. It's not natural amd it shouldn't be rewarded.
I like the apple and orange comparison below! Perfect! If the liberal press , dems and queers have their way before you know it I'll be able to marry that leg humpin dog.

Marriage and equal rights etc. are not the issue here and we all know that. It's really nice to cloak your argument, pro or con, in fluffy terms in order to denigrate the other point of view. Bigot, homophobe, equality, tolerance.

I'm a conservative, straight, married white male. I could give a rat's butt about whether or not a couple of gays go off and live together for all time. Call it what you will. It doesn't threaten me one iota.

The bottom line is money. Gays want their piece of the pie that they feel hetero married couples are taking. To fix all of this, just reform the tax code to the way it should be (a straight flat percentage or a consumption tax) and you'd hear a lot less griping from the gay folks. Once we take the ability to manipulate the tax code away from the politicians for their advantage, the better off we'll all be.

The inability of most here to let their emotions rule over their logic makes me weep for my country.

Have a great day!

God Forbid enlightening your children to become tolerant adults!!!!

Those ignorant enough to believe homosexuality is learned are those who preach the hatred towards difference. THAT is what is harmful to the kids.

Bottom line, this is clearly discrimination. The courts will prove that.

For you conservative Christians, I worry about a church who spends so much time thinking about who they can keep out of the kingdom and who is not deserving of God's unconditional love. Seems to go against all that Jesus' message is.

I guess the anti gay marriage folks must think they are not very good parents. Because if they thought they were good parents they would be confident that the moral and social foundation they provided for their children was sound, and could not be undermined by having their children hearing about gay marriage.

The defense of marriage crowd has still not adequately explained why I should care about this issue. It does not affect my marriage in the least that 2 gay people want the same legal status as me. Why should I spend any time or energy worrying about this, particularly with so much else to worry about?

NAMBLA (National Association for Man Boy Love) supports gay marriages and are especially in support of removing age barriers on civil unions. What's wrong with an adult marrying a child? Mary Kay Letorneau is now happily married to the boy she loved. I can't wait until I can walk down the street with pride, holding hands and kissing my 14 year old gay lover / soulmate.

Jeff – Texas May 28th, 2009 12:52 pm ET

Let them marry, but don't allow them to adopt a child or artificially inseminate since they can not reproduce naturally!!!
......................

Jeff, you have now opened up a can or worms. Once the horse goes through the gate you can't tell him how and where to gallop. One legal battle cleared will lead to another one if anyone dares put up another barrier. It won't be over until mankind ceases; and that epoch I leave to your imagination and beliefs................ Stay tuned!

Its simply this: I do not beleive in your God. I beleive in the value of Human Reason. We have a constitution that says i do not have to beleive in your God or anyone elses for that matter. By the way, that is the same consitution you concervatives are so quick to defend from activist judges.

You either stand by the constitution or you don't.

Put up or shut up folks.

If we had a President who wasn't afraid to be a leader and had any courage, it would go a long way towards righting what I'm sure he knows is wrong. But he hides behind the politics of it and becomes a weeny when it's time to take a stand. He's even afraid to address the pathetically stupid "Don't Ask Don't Tell" policy. What a joke this guy has become. Now we know why he voted "present" so many times in Illinois.

@The black spider May 28th, 2009 12:44 pm ET

...I follow common sense and as far as i observe all living beings on earth. They get together as a male and female to procreate and found a family or a community....

----------------------------–

Common sense is great...put it together with knowledge and then you really have something. I suggest you do a little research. Scientics who study animal sexuality have found homosexual populations in every single species they have study. It is just as natural as heterosexuality...just not as common.

"Jeff – Texas May 28th, 2009 12:52 pm ET
Let them marry, but don't allow them to adopt a child or artificially inseminate since they can not reproduce naturally!!!"

Jeff from Texas – I could give you a list as long as my arm of STRAIGHT people that have reproduced but shouldn't have.

Get over yourselves. My gay friends w/kids are as good and dedicated parents as any of my straight friends – AND STAY TOGETHER LONGER!

"So the sanctimonious bible pounders are against gay marriage! So what's new; they are against pretty much everything interesting or fun."
____________________________

"Interesting or fun"????

IMHO, you should choose your words wisely, or else you hut your cause.

So what if second graders find out that "boys can marry other boys"? They can (or at least should be able to) because people have civil rights and other people that believe something based upon a religious ideology don't have the right to take away the civil rights of the first group. Why is it supposed to be soooooo frightening that our children will realize that some people are gay? That some of these gay people choose to marry each other? Boy, is that ever frightening – NOT! As a mother, I just don't get it at all.

And maybe, just maybe, those second graders will realize that gay people are people, too, and won't be so tempted to bully kids that are different as they grow older.

And Brandon, the implications of gay marriage on adoption would be that more children would have the opportunity to be adopted into loving homes. But what – you would rather see these children go through life with NO family at all than you would see them in a home with loving gay parents? Homosexuality is not taught, or taken up as a hobby by kids who see adult homosexuals, and "homosexual" does NOT in ANY way equal "paedophile" – they pose no threat to the children.

This will never be settled until the SCOTUS takes it under consideration based on the 14th amendment. It will happen as now states are recognizing same-sex marriage (civil unions) and federal law does not recognize same-sex marriage. Until the federal law allows same sex marriage, marriage is of no benefit to gays/lesbians in regard to benefits, income tax, or proprietary rights. The Supreme Court will have to nullify rights granted to heretorsexuals that have a civil union (ie marriage) or grant the same rights to same-sex couples that have married under the law. It isn't a moral issue (though some seem to think so) its a civil rights issue. So sad people are so hung up about sex that they can't see past the "log" in their own eye.

@Pelosi Is Pathetic – I am supporting myself just fine right now, thank you very much. (My wife and family would certainly agree.) And, while you're off finding out how to fix being gay, you might as well work on trying to fix being born with blue eyes. Homosexuality is no more a choice than Heterosexuality. But, like I said, I'm tired of trying to convince the fanatically uninformed...all I have to do is wait!

homosexuality is simply wrong. Not only is it morally wrong, it's physically wrong. The sphincter's an output, not an input. Next thing you know, all gays will want their sphincters rebuilt or retightened at government expense! What a crock! I'm in for building a big closet around San Francisco and letting them all go back in...oh, but take Pelosi with you before you shut the door.

Marriage should be reserved for a man and woman as should the benefits. If the gays want a "civil union" fine give to them. It just shouldn't be called marriage.

I guess my comment was not hateful enough to make it through the moderators. (how dare I post an intelligent argument, and not use the worn out catch phrases) Its been over two weeks since I visited this site, and have to say that each time that i come back- the comments appear more hateful and juvenile.

Seriously, this is such a waste of time- see you in couple of months...

P.S. used read everyday, but now it is apparent that CNN only cares about far-left crowd and ratings. well, lets see how long it lasts...there are just so many catch phrases that one can hear before it all sounds like a tape stuck on garbage dispensing idioms.

bye, bye

So basically what these ads are saying is that we do not want equal rights, we want to make sure that everyone knows that heterosexual relationships are superior and that we do not want our children to have to accept this minority of people. For shame!!!!

Robert O – you're so right. My apologies. And it's only taken 150 years for someone of African descent to become President. But still, a black woman gets paid less than a white man. Hm. Let's hope the recognition of gay rights moves more quickly.

If you don't want same-sex marriage, then don't marry someone of the same sex !! (Jay Leno and a REALLY old joke).

Animals engage in same sex "activities" as well, some even form long lasting family bonds. Ask any zookeeper or read about the penguins at the Central Park Zoo. That true story has been well known for years. So, your unnatural argument has been blown to pieces...now what?

Gay marriage is absurd. It isn't about equal rights. It is about gays being rewarded with normalcy for their aberrant behaviour. Gay marriage is simply the pinnacle of that aberrance. Using race, bigamy or bestiality are not reasonable arguments either for or against gay marriage. Nope, homosexuality is imo the ultimate failure of the self. Since there is a 'community' of like-minded, the homo sapiens that failed at life get a second shot through their choice of rejecting normalcy and trying to force their version of normalcy on the populace. To me homosexuality is exactly like religion; keep it to yourself. I don't need to know about it. If you're doing no harm, then have at it just don't expect society to have to bend to your perversions (sexually or religiously). Btw, religious institutions' holdings (property/buildings/etc) should be taxed like anyone else's.

Heterosexual marriage (however poorly it is doing at the moment) is and should always be the social norm whether the term 'marriage' is associted to it or not.

"Boys" CAN marry other "boys" in Massachusetts. They want to schools to teach students same sex marriage doesn't exist there? They want the schools just to lie? What else do they want kids lied to about? Do they want them told that condoms don't protect against disease? That all species were created at the same time, 6,000 years ago? That only Republicans are allowed to vote?

Same Sex Relationships can be Recognized and Given Rights equal to Married Couples of Opposite Sex.

BUT

Same Sex Relationship cannot be called MARRIAGE.

EXAMPLE.

If I like to eat and Apple. Another Person has the right to eat his own choice of Fruit (Orange). But while the other Person is eating an Orange, cannot be said he is eating an Apple. Because and Apple is an Apple and an Orange is an Orange.

Marriage is an Apple, which is eaten by people of Opposite Sex.
Gay Relationship is an Orange, which is eaten by people by Same Sex.

Therefore MARRIAGE is not equal to GAY RELATIONSHIP.
Just like and APPLE is not equal to an ORANGE.
Although both APPLES and ORANGES are FRUITS.

So the narrow-minded busy-bodies strike again. Doesn't it ever occur to these jerks to mind their own business?

So the sanctimonious bible pounders are against gay marriage! So what's new; they are against pretty much everything interesting or fun. Let people who love one another be married if they want. Same sex marriages still honor family values, still value and love each other, and deserve the same rights as marriges of differing genders. Religion gets in the way of love, just as it gets in the way of government, and should be kept out of both love and government.. And remember, "Men never do evil as completely or as happily as when done in the name of their religion."

To those that wish not to promote a gay lifestyle to their children – DON'T! That's what your home and church are for. Then they get to grow up and believe what they wish.

To those not wishing to participate in marriage of the same sex – DON'T! Marry the opposite sex, have a long happy relationship, and shut the hell up.

I pray that in 50 years this conversation will be laughable.

VA Spectator May 28th, 2009 12:02 pm ET

This has never, ever, been about marriage and "equality." If it was, why have homosexuals "married" at such a low rate? Especially look at the Scandinavian countries where same sex marriage has been legal for more than a decade. Only one to five percent of them get married. Even here in the US, the rates are very low. They are pushing for acceptance, then dominance.

The numbers speak for themselves.
-------------------------------
Wow VA Spectator, pretty vivid fantasy world you live in. You should write sci-fi movies.

Let them marry, but don't allow them to adopt a child or artificially inseminate since they can not reproduce naturally!!!

RobK May 28th, 2009 12:34 pm ET

Once the genetic test for homosexual tendencies is put on the market, this will be a non-issue. Parents will be able to screen their embryos and the only homosexuals left will be those that do so out of a lifestyle preference.

-----------------------------

Are you being sarcastic?
Are you saying that if parents knew their embryos might turn out to be gay human beings that they would abort? Really! Is this what you beleive? So, according to you RobK, if Dick Cheney knew his daugther was going to turn out to be gay, he would have aborted her?

Man...thats just ignorant...no other way to put it.

It wasn't so long ago that black and white people weren't allowed to get married. This is pure bigotry. To those who argue gay marriage will lead to other types of unions remember this: incest is illegal, child molestation is illegal, polygamy is illegal, animals are not people, objects are not people. Being gay is not illegal.

Sadly it will probably take years for gays to receive the protection they are afforded by the 14th Amendment. Remember Jim Crow? Eventually it will happen though. Gay marriage has 60% approval among people 18-29 but 65% disapproval among those 65 and older. Eventually the older people will die and the younger more progressive crowd will become the majority.

How exactly is giving same sex couples the right to marry nullifying any rights of people who believe marriage should only be between a man and a woman? The only right that will be lost by the hetero marriage side will be their right to actively discriminate against homosexuals. Meanwhile, gay couples still don't even have the basic right to get married in most of the country, and hetero divorce rates are still through the roof despite the supposed "sanctity" of hetero marriage.

All I can do is throw my hands up in the air in disbelief at the blatantly flawed logic and clear bigotry of those who campaign against same sex marriage.

Pathetic and disgusting. Live and let live, folks. Gay Marriage "threatens" exactly nothing. We've had gay marriage in my state for quite some time now and the pillars of society have not collapsed and no one is asking to marry their pet gerbil. Bigots need to calm down and mind their own business for a change.

"How would our history books read if we'd put up for popular vote the recognition of blacks as free human beings during the mid-1800's?"

What are you, a parody? The 13th-15th amendments to the Constitution, which recognized "blacks as free human beings during the mid-1800's," were voted on.

DRACONIAN HYPOCRITES ...

Who are you to tell us who we should or should not marry

CRAWL BACK UNDER YOUR ROCKS ...

Freedom for everyone ... not just you ...

Do you passionate gay marriage supporters really think anyone really cares what gays are doing in their bedrooms?
The opposition to gay marriage is out of the examples that it sets for our children. While you may be comfortable with promoting a gay lifestyle as a completely valid alternative for your children, others (the majority) are not. Many are also not comfortable with the implications of gay marriage on adoption. There is a valid debate to be had here and the "extreme left", and yes you are extreme, is not going to get away with its attempts to silence valid opposition.

I would rather the government call my marriage a civil union than take a word from billions of peoples' religions and apply it to a sin by calling same sex commitments marriage. This is like calling a club a spade.

For those of who think Marriage is a religion matter or the one that oppose same sex marriage are right wing nuts let me tell you:
I am a Die Hard democrat
I don't believe in nothing I haven't seen with my eyes or have any proof off. I don't believe in any mith or always put God to something we can not explain or understand.
I follow common sense and as far as i observe all living beings on earth. They get together as a male and female to procreate and found a family or a community.
Individual Freedom and Rights has a limit. In french they says " La liberte des uns s'arretent la ou commence celle des autres.

Gay marriage is inevitable. As the baby boomers die off, Gay men and woman will gain their freedoms.

If you don't believe in gay marriage, don't marry someone who's gay. Problem solved. Next!

How would our history books read if we'd put up for popular vote the recognition of blacks as free human beings during the mid-1800's? Gay marriage isn't something to be decided by the populace – this is a constitutional issue, and should be treated as such. Whether folks accept it or not, the world is moving on, and we MUST allow room for everyone. Sadly, our old world views won't give way to substantial new world views until most of the Great Generation and a slew of the Boomers are outta the picture. Then it's a whole new post-modernists' ballgame.

Just let me ask a question...Does the Federal Government recognize gay marriage?

"The rights of people who believe marriage means a man and a woman will no longer matter. "

The quote above is incorrect. No one would lose rights if same sex marriage was approved. Equal protection under the law would truly mean just that.

...and this is coming from a woman who is married to a man...

Minority Rights v. Majority Rights.

1. Minority cannot be given the Rights that Majority don't have.
2. It would be discrimination only if Majority had a right and not the Minority.
3. It will not be discrimination if Majority will not let Minority do some thing which Minority want to do.
4. It will be discrimination if Christian Majority prohibits other Minority Religions.
5. It will not be discrimination if Majority Non-Drug Users prohibit Minority Drug Users from Using Drugs.
6. There are certain things that Majority can prohibit Minority, which Majority feels Minority should not do, subject to the condition that Majority does not enjoy any "similar" rights.

We need civil unions with equal benefits as marriage.

"...We'll all have to accept gay marriage whether we like it to or not," both ads also say."

Yes, just like you all had to accept women's right to vote (what a terrible day that was for freedom and democracy!), and you all had to accept the Civil Rights Movement resulting in Blacks being allowed to sit in any available seat on a bus (among other anti-American, anti-'All Created Equal'-type things).

Pure sarcasm, but I hope it helps some of these anti-American types realize their folly.

Society should not legitimize homoerotic acts, which are irrational and disordered. Moreover, the idea that gay "marriage" is required by our founding documents is "at best, facetious."

God, I would like to hear one rational thought against same-sex marriage! What is wrong with these opponents of same-sex marriage? Gay people want to marry each other. They do NOT want to marry straight people, animals, children, things, etc. They do not want to take away your rights. Gay people just want the same rights as every other human being and be able to live their lives without discrimation.

My sister (who has been married 4 times and has a child by each husband and is receiving government assistance) is opposed to gay marriage. When I ask her which of her marriages she is trying to protect, she has no answer.

How many people who support these adds are divorced. It is just as easy to say this: "Legalizing 2nd marriages have consequences for kids. Schools teach that it is acceptable to divorce a husband or wife and remarry. Some school children may attend a wedding where the bride or groom already has a living husband or wife. The rights of people who believe that marriage is for life will no longer matter. We will have to accept 2nd marriages whether we like it or not. Allowing divorce and remarriage violates the rights of those who believe marriage is between two people for life." After we stop this anti-christian 2nd marriage campaign, we must find those people in the Armed Forces who have divorced and remarried and kick them out. Divorce and remarriage amoung hetrosexuals is destroying the fabric of the American Family, not Gay marriage.

Let's all be honest with ourselves and talk about what this gay marriage is all about. Everyone is trying to sugarcoat it and shy away from the most damaging words. Those oppose to gay marriage believe they are true Christians. They believe according to the bible that if you believe in Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior then u should be against gay marriages. If not then u will burn in hell. I personally don't believe in this crap but this is what the subject is about. Religion but everyone is all scared to talk about it.

I assume the democrats agree with this then? Since Obama, Clinton and the state of California (which is the most liberal state in the union) all are against same sex marriage. I'm a republican and I am FOR same sex marriage. I see no problem with it at all.

If civil unions actually gave the same rights as marriage, and were recognized by the federal government, you would not have a fight. The government has no business dealing with marriage. Get rid of the term and let religious insitutions hand it out as they wish. In the eyes of USA law, they should ALL be unions

Once the genetic test for homosexual tendencies is put on the market, this will be a non-issue. Parents will be able to screen their embryos and the only homosexuals left will be those that do so out of a lifestyle preference.

If Gay marriage is truly outlawed, then will there be a sudden increase in newly single Republican men? The issue isn't gay marriage – it's same sex marriage. If you think everyone getting married now is into the other gender you are seriously misguided.

I'm not an American but no offence to Americans but when the government can dictate that you CAN'T do something, then there is a problem.

If they want to marry someone of the same sex, why should the government stop them? [I guess partially because many of the states are controlled by the conservatives who like to impose their religious beliefs on everyone - sounds a bit like the Taliban actually].

@panem et c....
There is a big difference between Sex and Gender. Two different things. Besides, Race is an antiquated term anyway. A Human is an Human.

And the Right wonders why their numbers are dwindling. The number of Athiest and Non-Believers are on the rise while church membership is declining. No one truly enjoys being taught hatred. Most of the reason why I stoped going to church. Very rarely is there the message of peace that is supposed to be there. Some times there is, but not often any more.

To those who took out 'Gay' and put in 'Interracial', spot on. Same idea. Marriage is an over inflated term anyway. I married my wife because I was (and still am) madly in love with her. I could care less what it is called, long as my spouse is taken care of when I am gone, not cast to the side becuase our 'union' was seen as fit.

People need to grow up and take off the blinders.

A person should be able to marry whomever they like. Please someone explain to me how gay marriage is bad for tradtional marriage. I am married to woman but if two gay people choose to get married next door it does not effect my marriage at all.

I have yet to hear any valid arguments against gay marriage.

This is a serious question to all who are opposed to Gay Mariage: Why do you care so much? All the old arguments that "this will be the end of marriage as we know it!", and "this will lead to people marrying animals!" and all that other old nonsense are THE VERY SAME arguments that were made in the 50's and 60's against interracial marriage.

And, I don't buy that gays "choose" their lifestyle- anyone who know a gay person KNOWS that they are born that way- after all, with all the hate and persecution, why would anyone "choose" that?

Finally, with the hetero divorce rate in this country, marriage doen't appear to be on very solid ground anyway...

Call me "straight but not narrow".

Maybe it's time we treat all our citizens with equality in this country. Oppression is oppression, no matter who's doing it. People need to stop hating others just because they are different.

What is frightning about gay marriages is that the argument is about being in "love". How far can we take it? What, for example, as stated repeatedly, my love is toward to my daughter, or father? Would those who support gay marriages, also support my union with my daughter, how about my neighbor's wife? How far are we willing to take this ridiculous concept?

Black Spider =IDOT!!! I say lets outlaw divorces and make all those who have divorced and remarried go back to their first! Old Newt, Rush, McCain, etc would be having a hissy!!! Nothing but pure bigotry!!!

I'm cool with gay marriage...

Just means it will open Poligamy next... so I can get multiple tax breaks and health care for several people at once... for a minimum fee of course.

This has such great promise for monitary gain... I say make it federal.

Michael – Who will support you once we are gone? Trying to force something that is not natural on us isn't the solution. All the money we spend on research to study why pigs stink, would be better spent to find out why people are gay and fix it.

It is just plain WRONG. A perversion. Period.

Dear Black Spider:

This country has never worked with majority rules to determine minority rights. If so, we would have been stuck with the Jim Crow laws for a lot longer. Further, this is not a democracy, it is a republic.

I am still waiting for a true, fair, and solid secular reason for prohibiting homosexual marriage. In a land where our founders, significantly Jefferson, pledged a Separation of Church and State (remember why the settlers came over in the first place?) you should not use religion as justification for law.

Equal marriage rights aren't going to affect the lives of heterosexuals at all and considering 51% of Heterosexual marriages end in divorce u straight people obviously don't understand how to stay married so its up to us gays to show you up. Your just scared that we are better than you, that's the ONLY explanation.

"The rights of people who believe marriage means a man and a woman will no longer matter. We'll all have to accept gay marriage whether we like it to or not"

Let's rewind that a few years:

"The rights of people who believe marriage means a man and a woman of the same race will no longer matter. We'll all have to accept interracial marriage whether we like it to or not"

I still haven't seen an explanation for how someone else's marriage affects me.

I don't care what anyone says IM a Democrat through and through and IM 100% OPPOSED to gay marriage!

B.H. It isn't about equal rights, is it? If it were, Civil unions would have been accepted. The battle is over forcing us to change what marriage is, husband and wife, man and woman.

Lets teach our future generations that hate and bigotry is still acceptiable in out culture. While were at it lets teach our kids to expand their hate to other religions, ethnicities and nationalities. Why just stop with gays? If you are gonna be a bigot you may as well go for the gusto.
As for the sanctity of marrige, I think the heterosexual community has done enough to ruin that.

STOP BEING BIGOTS!

Dear Straight People Afraid of Change,

Tough luck.

Sincerely,

The Generation That Will Be Taking Over Once You Are Gone

If we are suddenly changing from thousands of years of religious tradition of marriage being the joining together of a man and a woman, what basis is there to say that we should stop with just two adults? There is no basis, since there is no basis for homosexual marriage to begin with. The government has been involved in marriage for thousands of years, because intelligent people through the ages recognized the importance to society of marriage between a man and a woman and their resulting children. There is essentially no benefit to society from homosexual marriage.

What's the big deal on Gay marriage? Why can't they have the right to marry the one of their choice? I am straight but have no problem with to guys or gals getting married to each other. I prefer a woman myself and I do not have to wake up next to another man because it is my choice. If it is my choice not to wake up next to another man why can't Gays and Lesbians choose to wake up with each other if they so choose? This thing is going to end up just like desegregation. It was passed over 55 years ago and people still do not want to accept it. In 50 or 60 more years there will still be people around trying to tell others who they can and cannot marry. Such a waste of time spent on this earth. If you do not agree with it then go the more traditional route or stay single or will there come a time when some will say that singles must marry someone so they can be married?

Fact – Marriage is both a religious and a law term, the State cannot (since it has no right whatsoever to) legislate on the religious term, but has the whole right to legislate on the law one.
Fact – If marriage is solely for reproduction than all the sterile people are in danger to lose their rights too.
Fact – Homosexuality it's not a disease, thus it cannot be cured (no matter what some right wing groups says), thus it is no excuse to diminish or even ban some rights of the homosexuals.

Another ad. This Organization for Marriage is quite the organization of love and kindness. Give me a break. Go read your bible and make sure that in future ads you include the references to the requirement that women should be subservient to men.

Perhaps you are pretty darn close to the Taliban in ideology (sp).

Ah, the shrill voice of the "bigot" and "hate" crowd are out in full force. There is a group that has had its rights trampled on in this country, and...guess what...it isn't the homosexual community. The people who have their rights trampled are the christians in this country. Christians are disrepected and mocked (see most of the posts on this page), they have to check their religion at the school and government house door, and much more. Homosexuals are not denied any rights. They are already allowed to marry. They just choose not to because of their chosen lifestyle. What level of indecency are we willing to sink to in this country in the name of "tolerance". Consenting adults means nothing. It is like the coat hanger for the abortion crowd...an empty rallying crowd to ensnare a nation in moral decline. May God have mercy on us for allowing sin to become something to fight for.

So much for equal rights for everyone...

Quit pushing the gay agenda on kids. I don't care what you do in your bedroom, but I shouldn't have to financially support gays, polygamists, or marriage between man and animal.

The black spider May 28th, 2009 12:16 pm ET

This is a pure destruction of the human society. In a democratic society the majority rules ...

Do the Democrats hold a majority in both houses of congress?

People who have posted that gay marriage will eventually lead to:

Marriage to Dogs/Horses/Animals
Marriage to Computer
Marriage to Clouds/Rocks/Rock/Other Inanimate Objects

I say...Congratulations for having loving, intimate and committed relationships to those, hey, I didn't say don't go for it but whatever pleases you...now that said let us have our gay marriage and just keep everyone happy, for me I have been in a loving and committed relationship to a breathing,loving and supportine gay human being.

What the world has to worry the most about is heterosexuals that are overpopulating the globe. The world is not in the great mess that it is in because of gay people. The world is in a terrible mess because of religion and heterosexuals who think that they know the path to immortality and others aren't allowed on the path. Life and the joys of life should be for everyone person on the planet. If your family does not look like my family, try to get over it and concentrate on your own over-sized family and the natural resources that will be used up by the descendants of your need to breed. Gays are an important safety net to societies who breed with abandon and then abandon the offspring. Get passed gay people and put your money and mouth into saving the rain forests and stopping global warming.

I would VERY much like to see these "pro-marriage" groups bring up the race card concerning interracial marriage.
Nothing like the @#$% hitting the fan....

Does it ever end? When will these moral zealots (equate with TALIBAN) get off trying to convert everyone to their singular narrow minded thinking and perpsectives. If they don't like same sex marriage, fine, don't marry someone of the same sex. (If unsure you can ask for help identifying opposite sex!). If someone else chooses to marry in same sex well they won't condemn your choice so why do you condemn theirs. Oh I know. Your choice is smarter and more correct than theirs because you are the moral majority! HA – Move to Afgahnistan / Pakistan / Iran or anywhere the "morally just decide and rule" for everyone . You will like it there I'm sure!

When you are at it legalizing same sex marriage against the will of the majority why don't you at the same time legalized:
Marriage betwen son and mother
Marriage betwen father and daughter
Marriage betwen sibblings
Marriage betwen Human and animals
Marriage betwen Human and Objets
polygamy etc.....
This is a pure destruction of the human society. In a democratic society the majority rules. Why have any vote if the court has to decide for the people.
Nobody is born gay. People choose to be gay because:
They are desperate in finding the opposite sex
Learn to be gay in jails
They are disapointed after so many divorces
Just pure loosers.
In fact the USA has the Highest jail population in the world, the highest divorce rate in the world. You wonder why there are so many gays. ABOMINATION

Hope CNN post my fair views without prejudice.

Robert, I believe Melissa has a point, although I don't know where the "hate" is.
The concept of a man and woman hooking up predates organized religion. So I don't think the term "marriage" should be abolished completely.
But I completely agree that the government should NOT be in the marriage business. The government is in too much of our business already.

Let the Gays marry. The Government is in our bedroom and telling them that they cannot get married. Equality for all? Not so the American Government is so prudish, this is the 21st Century..., not the 19th Century.

In Ancient Greece, no specific civil ceremony was required for the creation of a marriage – only mutual agreement and the fact that the couple must regard each other as husband and wife accordingly.

In ancient Rome marriage and divorce required no specific government or religious approval.[19] Both marriage and divorce could happen by simple mutual agreement.

From the early Christian era (30 to 325 CE), marriage was thought of as primarily a private matter, with no religious or other ceremony being required.

So please stop these ridiculous claims and go learn something for a change.

Panme~

You're an idiot. Are you saying you can't have a minority status unless it has to do with the color of your skin?

Last time I checked, the sky was still up where it should be over Massachusetts. It also hasn't fallen over Iowa or Connecticut either?

The value of marriage is in the hearts of the married couple and the friends and family who support them. I've never understood why the marriage of someone I don't know would raise or lower the value of my marriage. That's a theory of a stupid, illogical rant.

We all need to remember that the legal contract of marriage is a state function. Religion has traditionally provided the ceremony, AND NOTHING MORE.

I'm glad to see the bigots in the GOP are expending their energy on this issue, which I see as a big loser for them. Like it or not, this country is becoming more tolerant of all people, and that spells doom for the GOP. Good riddance.

This sounds like the old-timers back when I was a kid in Mississippi:

"We shouldn't have to support black people marrying white people"

bigots...

The government should NOT be in the business of defining "marriage".
The government should only be issuing "civil union" licenses to prospective couples. If someone wants to be "married" they should seek out the services of the local church or preacher.
As far as the polygamy, child marriage and bestiality issues are concerned - this are NOT THE ISSUES AT HAND.
We are talking about the rights of 2 LEGAL CONSENTING ADULTS. Some people need to get their minds out of the gutter, and out of everyone else's personal affairs.
Grow up.

James – outstanding post!

It's appalling when opponents of gay marriage, i.e. supporters of oppression, use ridiculous logic such as..."The rights of people who believe marriage means a man and a woman will no longer matter. We'll all have to accept gay marriage whether we like it to or not,"...what about the rights of same-sex couples who are being forced to accept that their love and desire to marry has never mattered? I suggest NOM and its supporters step into someone else's shoes...they clearly have an inability to value all human beings.

Here's a NY Consequence – kids will learn tolerance and acceptance at an earlier age. This is a threat to the very existence of the intolerant and bigotted fringe groups like these so called marriage defenders who depend on the intollerant and bigots to fill their coffers and man their offices and hold their picket signs.

Wake up bigots! Gay marriage will NOT, I repeat NOT result in people marrying their dogs, etc. This is a stupid scare tactic with no basis in fact. People are born gay and thus its as natural for them to want to marry their life partners as it is for hetero life partners. People are not born attracted to dogs, or their siblings, etc. However, I see nothing wrong with people wanting to marry their computers...I spend more time with mine than any single person, so, why not?

No Robert, lets not. Marriage is NOT a religious term. The term marriage predates recorded history, its so old. Enough of the hatred already.

I’m a strong proponent of separation of church and state.

I think this whole issue regarding the marriage thing is a blatant violation of the constitution. Clinton should have never agreed with the definition of marriage and B/O shouldn’t either.

The fact that the definition in itself has a religious connotation just violates the whole idea of civil rights in this country. I mean if you say that you can’t get married in a church then cool but, in a civil court that to me should be allowed and recognized as law and if not it violates the constitutional rights of people. It’s time to stop letting genitalia and religion define marriage!!! It needs to be defined on age and if the people are consenting adults!! Oh and LOVE!!!

@Enough,
Please don't tell me that you believe marriage is only about reproduction. If so, then all couples who cannot conceive "naturally" shouldn't be allowed to get married either. Would their relationships be considered "civil unions"?

Yes, its horrible that everyone should be treated equally in every way. What a truly terrible consequence to be teaching kids. Equality and the freedom to choose. So horrible.

NOT. Enough of the prejudice, discrimination, and hatred. We are tired of it and its time for people to grow up. We aren't children anymore and its time to stop behaving like we are.

Wow. Another ad against something. Do you guys like ANYTHING? Oh, wait, money and power for yourselves – I already knew the answer.

Could the GOP please do some real work for America – pretty please??? All the time and money spent on these stupid 'anti' this or that ads is wearing us thin.

I'm also sick of polls, but that's another thread....

You know, things change over time. If they didn't, interracial relationships, and for that matter, drinking fountains would still be against the law and slavery would be ok. If all you folks who wrap yourself in the Constitution saying it's not meant to change would actually read the ENTIRE document, you would see how wrong you are.

If marriage was solely a religious issue then you wouldn't have to obtain a marriage license from the government. The ant -gay marriage folks will employ the same tactics they did in California and hevily financed by the Mormon and Catholic churches. God forbid two human beings should be able to be happy.

This is the most bigoted nonsense ever.

I know how about we just get rid of the word marriage. Legally lets refer to all "marriages" as civil unions and let religious institutions have the word marriage.

Sick and tired of all this Gay marriage crap being shoved down our throats. It isn't about equal rights, if it were, Civil unions with the same rights as marriage would have been passed a long time ago. Marriage is man and woman, husband and wife. Trying to redefine that is where the battle is. We don't care if they love each other and want to be together, but you can't force us to accept it as marriage. Gay couples cannot be the same as heterosexual couples, it is impossible. Can't reproduce or have sex naturally.

Think for yourself? What a joke! You can't breathe a breath without God granting you the mercy to do so. Try not breathing. What air have you created? All you have done is destroyed....water, air, life all that has been given to you...you destroy and now you want to destroy marriage! You cannot do it unless God allows you to do it. Don't think more highly of yourself than you ought.

Can you keep yourself from dying? We will all die because God says so.

@ John
You might wish to inform yourself about the differences between marriage, civil unions, polygamy, bestiality, incest, etc. Making outrageous and ridiculous comparisons only makes you appear ignorant. Then again, perhaps you are ignorant...

Take away gay marriage from these ads and replace it with inter-racial marriage, and its the same nonsense spewed against the repeal of laws banning marriage between the races.

Gay marriage is my right!

You have to wonder about someone who can't figure out their sexual orientation...you look down and you are either and inny or an outty...why is this hard?

Let me ask you this – if your black child announced that he was really white and born in the wrong color body, would you give them money to get surgery to change their skin color and facial features so they would feel "comfortable" with themselves? Or would you suggest therapy for learning to cope with what nature gave them?

This has never, ever, been about marriage and "equality." If it was, why have homosexuals "married" at such a low rate? Especially look at the Scandinavian countries where same sex marriage has been legal for more than a decade. Only one to five percent of them get married. Even here in the US, the rates are very low. They are pushing for acceptance, then dominance.

The numbers speak for themselves.

I don't see the problem in being truthful to children. I was 100% certain about my homosexuality by the time I was in the 4th grade. Many gay men that I have met over the last 50 years have said that they knew by the 3rd grade. The social and psychological damage we had to go through in the 70's and 80's of knowing we were different but not being able to talk about it could have been avoided if more gays and lesbians had been standing up to the church during those decades.

"The rights of people who believe marriage means a man and a woman will no longer matter. We'll all have to accept gay marriage whether we like it to or not," both ads also say.

Thats right. We have to accept that there are other people that will support this, even if we don't like it. Everyone is free to have their own beliefs in this country, even if religious bigots disagree with them. If I have to deal with NOM commercials, you can deal with a few gay people getting married (and NOT precipitating the downfall of modern society, as some think it will). Its called America. If you don't like it, get out.

People get over it. If marriage was so sacred, we wouldn't have an over 50% divorce rate in this country. I think we should just allow others to enjoy the same rights and TITLE that we share as straight individuals.

David Patterson is something..he'll sacrafice the soul of NYS to try to get elected..(he never was elected, you know).....Well, the citizens of NYS have gone through hell in the last ten or so years..and we are much wiser...We don't want this in our state....give civil rights...but leave the marriage in the church!!!

NEXT on the agenda.......the right to marry your children.
....the right to marry your dog.
.....the right to marry your computer.
......the right to marry a cloud.

.....stay tuned ......

What is evident here from the posts is that those who defend gay marriages are THE MOST bigoted and intollerant individuals, full of venom and hate.

Then they wonder why they don't have support.

The american Taliban is alive and well.

The middle east Taliban say's women can't be free to be on the streets.
The american Taliban says women and men can't decide who they marry.

Homophobes.

The leaders of this group are probably closeted gays. Aren't most right wing Republicans?

Yes, when gays get married the sky will fall and life as we know it will be full of low lying dark clouds. If we keep bigotry and discrimination intact, the sky will not fall and life will continue to be beautiful for heterosexuals. Blah blah blah blah blah!!!!! How can people stand to sit in church for several hours a week and listen to all of the chicken littles standing in bully pulpits spouting idiocy. I'd rather be helping an elderly neighbor mow his lawn. I can't believe how gullible people allow themselves to be without using their own noggins to think for themselves.

Look at the way Germany handles Marriage. I think that system will work will here and mitigate this issue.

I say introduce anti-divorce legislation and see how the three-times-married 'traditional marriage' folk react.

this is discrimination at its' finest! what does it matter to you whether or not gay couples marry? as a straight man, i see no problem with it whatsoever. the jobs that would be created alone from the increase in weddings is staggering. this is a shoddy attempt by the religious right to infringe upon our very basic constitutional rights for equality. i am an episcopalian and by definition religious... i wonder among staunch Catholics where human decency, love and generosity have gone to? live and let live! This country is no longer governed by fear and should never be again. you mention children in this ad... well i put this to you. which would be better to teach our young ones... about the equal rights granted to EVERY American under the constitution... or the model of "scare them enough and you can do anything"? i think the answer is abundantly clear!

John B. From NH

"The rights of people who believe marriage means a man and a woman will no longer matter"

Logic has never been a strong suit with the fringies.

Flashback 50 years to "Virginia Consequences":

"Legalizing interracial marriage has consequences for kids. Massachusetts schools teach second graders that whites can marry blacks. A California public school took first graders to an interracial wedding . . . "

"The rights of people who believe marriage means a white man and a white woman will no longer matter. We'll all have to accept interracial marriage whether we like it to or not."

MARRIAGE can be only between a MAN and WOMAN.

MARRIAGE cannot be between:

1…Man and Man…
2…Woman and Woman…
3…Mother and Son…
4…Siblings…
5…Father and Daughter…
6…Man/Woman and Dog or Horse or other animals or birds…
7…Man/Woman and a Car or a Truck or other Things…
8…Man/Woman and a Rock...

Once again, why are we legislating MARRIAGE? Marriage is a religious term and I thought this country was founded on the separation of church and state.

We should do away with legislating marriage and legislate civil unions, whether they are same-sex or different-sex.

I hate when the oppressors portray themselves as victims like this: "The rights of people who believe marriage means a man and a woman will no longer matter. We'll all have to accept gay marriage whether we like it to or not,"

So should people believe interracial relationships are wrong not have to accept marriages between different races? Should people who believe in traditional family roles not have to interact with working women. Should they be able to tell a man he can't be a stay at home father? Of course not! So, what is the difference here? Why don't people who are so concerned about the tradition of marriage work on banning divorce?!?!

I don't believe in extreme religious right-wing ideology, but I have to accept you.

[...] guess the anti-gay bigots prefer we just accept their bigotry - like it or not.  Just what are these "consequences" our kids will suffer?  Learning that accepting [...]