| Topic: |
Religions > Atheism |
| User: |
"stoney" |
| Date: |
18 Nov 2003 11:58:26 AM |
| Object: |
OT: Massachusetts backs gay marriage |
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/americas/3281017.stm
Massachusetts backs gay marriage
The US state of Massachusetts has ruled that same-sex couples are
legally entitled to marry.
Massachusetts could become the first state to recognise gay marriage.
But the Supreme Judicial Court stopped short of ordering that marriage
licences be issued to seven gay couples who challenged the law.
Gay marriage is banned in the US, but one state, Vermont, has enacted a
law which gives same-sex couples the rights of traditional marriages.
The Massachusetts court ruled that barring same-sex couples from the
benefits of civil marriage was "unconstitutional."
"Marriage is a vital social institution. The exclusive commitment of two
individuals to each other nurtures love and mutual support. It brings
stability to our society," Chief Justice Margaret Marshall wrote in the
long-awaited ruling.
The 4-3 ruling means the issue will now return to the state legislature,
which has 180 days to come up with a solution.
The issue came to court as the result of a lawsuit filed in 2001 by
seven gay couples who sued the Massachusetts Department of Public Health
after they were refused marriage licenses.
Court battle
Courts in Hawaii, Alaska and Vermont have also previously ruled that
banning same-sex marriage was unconstitutional, but no state has yet
issued marriage licences to gay couples.
In Hawaii and Alaska, the rulings were followed by the adoption of
constitutional amendments limiting marriage to heterosexual couples.
In 2000, Vermont's state legislature approved civil unions for same-sex
couples, giving them many of the same legal benefits of married couples.
Conservative groups and politicians opposed to homosexuality have been
pressing for a constitutional amendment that would ban same-sex
marriages outright.
The bill, which has 96 sponsors in the House of Representatives, seeks
to enshrine marriage as a union exclusively between one man and one
woman, and would make same-sex unions a legal impossibility.
President George Bush does not believe in gay marriage, but said
recently that a constitutional amendment was not yet necessary.
Earlier this year, the US Supreme Court overturned a ban on sodomy in
Texas, essentially making it illegal for any state legislature to outlaw
gay sex.
In November, the country's first openly gay bishop was formally
consecrated in New Hampshire.
Bishop Gene Robinson has a long-term male partner, and his appointment
has divided the Anglican Communion worldwide.
Gay marriages are legal in neighbouring Canada, as well as in Belgium
and the Netherlands.
Story from BBC NEWS:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/pr/fr/-/2/hi/americas/3281017.stm
(c) 2003 BBC News
Stoney
"Designated Rascal and Rapscallion
and
SCAMPERMEISTER!"
When in doubt, SCAMPER about!
When things are fair, SCAMPER everywhere!
When things are rough, can't SCAMPER enough!
/end humour alert
alt.atheism military veteran #11
{so much for the 'no atheists in foxholes' rubbish}
.
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| User: "The other Donald" |
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| Title: Re: Massachusetts backs gay marriage |
18 Nov 2003 12:21:12 PM |
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"stoney" <stoney@the.net> wrote in message
news:3ankrvcep0mpboj8tne90q668rasisfol9@4ax.com...
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/americas/3281017.stm
Massachusetts backs gay marriage
The US state of Massachusetts has ruled that same-sex couples are
legally entitled to marry.
<snip>
Stoney,
Since all of the reasons for banning equal marriage rights for gays are
based on religious *****, this is very *ON* topic.
More power to 'em.
-Donald in Austin
AA #2104
Apatriot #22
Atheist FF/EMT
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| User: "stoney" |
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| Title: Re: Massachusetts backs gay marriage |
21 Nov 2003 09:16:27 PM |
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On Tue, 18 Nov 2003 18:21:12 GMT, "The other Donald"
<the_donald_13@yehaw.com>, Message ID:
<sqtub.1432$Vs1.347@twister.austin.rr.com> wrote in alt.atheism;
"stoney" <stoney@the.net> wrote in message
news:3ankrvcep0mpboj8tne90q668rasisfol9@4ax.com...
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/americas/3281017.stm
Massachusetts backs gay marriage
The US state of Massachusetts has ruled that same-sex couples are
legally entitled to marry.
<snip>
Stoney,
Since all of the reasons for banning equal marriage rights for gays are
based on religious *****, this is very *ON* topic.
Point.
More power to 'em.
Agreed.
Stoney
"Designated Rascal and Rapscallion
and
SCAMPERMEISTER!"
When in doubt, SCAMPER about!
When things are fair, SCAMPER everywhere!
When things are rough, can't SCAMPER enough!
/end humour alert
alt.atheism military veteran #11
{so much for the 'no atheists in foxholes' rubbish}
.
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| User: "johac" |
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| Title: Re: OT: Massachusetts backs gay marriage |
19 Nov 2003 01:10:35 AM |
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In article <3ankrvcep0mpboj8tne90q668rasisfol9@4ax.com>,
stoney <stoney@the.net> wrote:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/americas/3281017.stm
Massachusetts backs gay marriage
The US state of Massachusetts has ruled that same-sex couples are
legally entitled to marry.
Batten down the hatches! I see a force 5 fundystorm approaching!
--
John Hachmann, aa #1782
- Question authority. Now more than ever. -
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| User: "stoney" |
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| Title: Re: OT: Massachusetts backs gay marriage |
21 Nov 2003 09:16:58 PM |
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On Tue, 18 Nov 2003 23:10:35 -0800, johac <jhachm@remove.ixpres.com>,
Message ID: <jhachm-5AFA66.23103518112003@news-central.ash.giganews.com>
wrote in alt.atheism;
In article <3ankrvcep0mpboj8tne90q668rasisfol9@4ax.com>,
stoney <stoney@the.net> wrote:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/americas/3281017.stm
Massachusetts backs gay marriage
The US state of Massachusetts has ruled that same-sex couples are
legally entitled to marry.
Batten down the hatches! I see a force 5 fundystorm approaching!
You are optimistic that it will be a lowly force 5.........
Stoney
"Designated Rascal and Rapscallion
and
SCAMPERMEISTER!"
When in doubt, SCAMPER about!
When things are fair, SCAMPER everywhere!
When things are rough, can't SCAMPER enough!
/end humour alert
alt.atheism military veteran #11
{so much for the 'no atheists in foxholes' rubbish}
.
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