Many companies extend benefits to same-sex couples, just sounds like the prez is keeping up with the rest of the business world.
Obama may be against gay marriage, but I'm confident that he's not against civil unions and the rights associated with them (which, when you think about it, is the same institution, minus the religious endorsement).
Exactly. He's come out in favor of "Civil Unions" but said (probably to appease the Religious Right, who DO make up a large percentage of the voter-base) that he believes the institution of "marriage" should be between a man and a woman.
To me, it looks like he's differentiating on the basis of separation of Church and State. I interpret this as him saying "Fine, you religious types can keep your ceremony between a man and a woman, and I support that. On the other hand, since your argument was based on your religious practices and that's no basis for legal matters, I am going to allow same-sex couples to share the same sort of legal benefits so-called 'married' heterosexual couples currently enjoy."
He's doing the Politician Double-Talkin' Jive like an EXPERT! :D
As long as civil unions get ALL of the many benefits associated with marriage (social security survivorship, tax benefits, ability to be portably recognized state to state) then it's good.
I still think EVERYONE should get legal civil unions and then those that wish their relationships solemnized can go to their respective houses of worship. Would make the whole situation easier!
What it comes down to for me is this: DOMA should not exist. Marriage doesn't NEED defending, and it certainly shouldn't be a legal institution. I'm all for any consenting couple of legal adults getting a civil union, and having a marriage within their faith if they want one, but the Defense of Marriage Act offends me with its very existance. And things that were said by the Obama administration in defense of DOMA (see earlier post) point to politics as usual.
And yes, if Jay and I get married someday, I will be perfectly happy to go through a legal application process and some process in some church that will make our families happy (when atheists have religious families!).
And if Adam and Steve get married, I just want to know where they're registered so I can get them a present.
HOLY DIGRESSION BATMAN
The point is, if you allow federal employees to share benefits with same-sex partners WHILE defending DOMA, you are going to confuse me. This is not an issue on which you can play both sides. Either there are civil unions for everyone, or there is legally defined marriage. NOT both.
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no subject
Date: 2009-06-17 12:19 pm (UTC)Obama may be against gay marriage, but I'm confident that he's not against civil unions and the rights associated with them (which, when you think about it, is the same institution, minus the religious endorsement).
no subject
Date: 2009-06-17 01:02 pm (UTC)To me, it looks like he's differentiating on the basis of separation of Church and State. I interpret this as him saying "Fine, you religious types can keep your ceremony between a man and a woman, and I support that. On the other hand, since your argument was based on your religious practices and that's no basis for legal matters, I am going to allow same-sex couples to share the same sort of legal benefits so-called 'married' heterosexual couples currently enjoy."
He's doing the Politician Double-Talkin' Jive like an EXPERT! :D
no subject
Date: 2009-06-17 02:48 pm (UTC)As long as civil unions get ALL of the many benefits associated with marriage (social security survivorship, tax benefits, ability to be portably recognized state to state) then it's good.
I still think EVERYONE should get legal civil unions and then those that wish their relationships solemnized can go to their respective houses of worship. Would make the whole situation easier!
no subject
Date: 2009-06-17 07:01 pm (UTC)And yes, if Jay and I get married someday, I will be perfectly happy to go through a legal application process and some process in some church that will make our families happy (when atheists have religious families!).
And if Adam and Steve get married, I just want to know where they're registered so I can get them a present.
HOLY DIGRESSION BATMAN
The point is, if you allow federal employees to share benefits with same-sex partners WHILE defending DOMA, you are going to confuse me. This is not an issue on which you can play both sides. Either there are civil unions for everyone, or there is legally defined marriage. NOT both.