Why can't Obama make a decision on gay marriage?

Maybe, but I know a lot of people that have changed their opinion on gay marriage over the last ten years. Will there be discrimination, but there is still discrimination against women and minorities, but most Republicans believe they have the right to vote (even if they tend to not vote Republican).

 

As I stated marriage has been a state issue since ancient times which is why those things are determined by marriage. Ideally I would like to see those handled by contract law because then we wouldn't need to have political debates about things like divorce, partner benefits, and etc.. Anyone could enter into any arrangement that they and their partner(s) agreed to.

As I said though I don't think that will ever happen. The institution is too entrenched so as long as it exist as a state institution it shouldn't discriminate.

 

Sounds like a mess judoka. Each 'marriage' a separate contract with differing rights and obligations? No tax/civil policy possible addressing family issues? No consideration for the bargaining position of each of the parties of the 'marriage.' Children's welfare left to the various negotiated contracts. A boon for lawyers, I suppose. But other than that?

And all this because gay people want to get married?

State sanctioned marriage is really just a template contract of rights and obligations. State doesn't care about the religious or moral aspect (or at least it shouldn't). There's no state sanctioned bar mitzvas, or confirmations because there are no rights or obligations associated with those milestones.

The state provides the base and the minimums. Prenups and contract law are available to those who want that, and are willing to incur that expense. Why should everyone have to go that route just to enjoy the basic rights we have traditionally accepted for marriage?

 

because he still needs to cater to this country's religious hangups, and it irritates me. i think he should say i don't care its not my business, i'm not going to get in the way of two adults in love.

 

I agree that it would be more complicated in some ways than it is now but I think it would also solve a lot of problems. My own personal opinion is that many people get married without really thinking things through. I think having to actually think about things like the disposition of property ahead of time in addition to what color the bridesmaids dresses are going to be might actually improve the institution.

I didn't come to this opinion because gay people want to get married and as stated I am against discrimination in the institution. I came to this opinion watching some messy divorces first hand.

True state sanctioned marriage is a template for contracts and as I said I don't expect that to change anytime soon. I think you are misunderstanding me that I am saying this because I don't think gays or anyone else shouldn't be entitled to the same rights as traditional marriage. I am saying the exact opposite. Everyone gay or straight should be entitled to the same rights. Ideally I would like to see government get out of the marriage business for everyone but if they aren't then they should treat everyone the same for state sanctioned marriage.

 

As an FYI word on the street is Obama is going to come out and say it pretty soon. Specifically he has an ABC interview coming up.

Although part of me thinks this is bull**** put out by ABC to increase ratings.

 

I'm guessing he is going to give a highly nuanced answer. I doubt Obama is going to want to give more ammunition to his opponents.

 

He's probably not going to speak directly about gay marriage, but the amendment covers much more than banning gay marriage. The law basically does not recognize any committed relationships outside of tradition marriage. North Carolina law already bans gay marriage, but an amendment effectively seals the door on same-sex marriages.

The amendment also goes beyond state law by voiding other types of domestic unions from carrying legal status, which opponents warn could disrupt protection orders for unmarried couples.

 

Obama Declares Support for Gay Marriage

Yahoo: http://news.yahoo.com/obama-announces-his-support-for-same-sex-marriage.html

 

Obama: "It is important for me to go ahead and affirm that I think same-sex couples should be able to get married."

the leader of the free world has spoken!

 

Right on Warrior President!

 

Lock her up. Or him. Not that there's anything wrong with that.

 

About freaking time. We will never see another Democratic presidential candidate against same sex marriage. :grin:

Unfortunately it'll take about two decades to purge that bigotry out of the Republicans. Sigh.

 

Bring your best spin or go home, basso.

 

Okay, well I stand corrected. But nice to see Mr President!

 

I was against gay marriage 10 years ago, probably even 5 years ago.

I still believe marriage should be between a man and a woman, but it isn't my place to tell other people what they believe.

Just to provide myself as an example of how opinions can change. Based on some recent comments made by my father, I think he has likely changed his stance as well, despite him becoming more religious (He says his relationship with God has made him realize that we should be more accepting of them, and not treat them as being wrong).

 

Booyah!

 

Keep moving that goal post bud, we'll pretend we're not watching.

 

Why do you care?

And quoting the Weekly Standard? (sigh) Let me go find something from the Village Voice.