Im sick of some in the black community not wanting to support gay rights. Mr Booker embodys the spirit of community, that is gay & black commnunity together for a COMMON goal. If gays arnt equal NONE of us are! keep it real people!
OK, I've never heard of this guy before, but it seems to me like he needs to run for something with a little more reach than mayor. If he speaks half as intelligently on other issues as he does this one, this country sure could use him.
Marriage is not a religious institution. No church wedding is legal unless a valid marriage license has been issued by the state. Marriages were not even performed in christian churches until the 11 th century. Many non-relgious people get married evey day in civil marriage ceremonies. Christian fanatics trying to force their primnitive superstitions on everybody is a typical christian tactic to promote their agenda.
I love this man. A political figure who's read the Constitution, and actually seems to understand that a religious text or personal opinion cannot overrule it.
Fucking great. Although, as a single person I don't know why the govt encourages people to make babies. I wear a condom and get penalized for not leaving a trail of dependents.
If you need convincing, or have friends that need convincing, search for David Boies addressing the Commonwealth Club. It is the greatest and best argument for gay rights I have ever come across.
Smart brave man. Thank you Cory for defending the oppressed. Your the kind of leader this country sorely needs. And you remind me of how divisive and pathetic the current field of Republican presidential candidates are. How can American take Santorum and Bachman seriously? Their hate and prejudice is such a contract to you Mayor. Again thank you for your humanity, intelligence and leadership!
I wish he could be duplicated several times over, and we could just put one of Cory Booker in every state...
But seriously, this is so heartening to hear...I'm young, but the deluge hatred and political backsliding always makes me feel anxious and despondent about the future. This is a piece of not just optimism but realism.
He is brilliant and thoroughly diplomatic and I noticed he did not utter the word "gay" once. Is it just me? He'll make someone a fabulous husband one day.........
The only reason I can come up with as to explain the dislike/like ratio for this video (which is really impressive) is because more young people are on YouTube, and young people generally see homosexuality as a non-issue and are supportive of gay marriage, and so it's heartening to know that the next generation of politicans will be more like Mr. Booker.
I also have strong feelings that marriage equality is the next step in our free American society. The hardest part is seeing things through others eyes. Those opposed dont hate gays, they feel that marriage is a religious thing....you get married in a church or temple, and you say your vows under whatever god you believe. I know if I was a religious person I would be opposed. But then again, i'm not.....so GO MAYOR BOOKER!!!
@zatchmo1988 Don't kid yourself. There are many people who not only openly oppose gay marriage but openly say they hate gays. And for as much empathy as I have I don't want to see anything through the eyes of someone who is that fearful and hateful.
"...create first class [citizenship] for every American." Yes! It doesn't matter what you are, or who you are. If you are an AMERICAN, a CITIZEN of this great country of ours, YOU deserve to be treated like a First Class Citizen of America!!!
Strong, honest men of courage and integrity SPEAK OUT LIKE THIS MAN! God Bless you!. It should have been done YEARS ago!. We love you! Now run for president and show the bible thumpers/bigots a thing or two.
I'd almost move to NJ to vote for this guy. I've been baffled for years that people still don't get that the Equal Protection clause doesn't have "except for...." language.
@ottawa856 LOL it is sooo much fun getting people fired up because of no reason or for a simple personal statement. Everyone takes shit WAY to personally. Thanks for the laugh this morning. I'm glad it's not worth arguing over but worth the time to state that ... smh
Just as we didn't vote on interracial marriage, we shouldn't be voting on marital equality today. Equality uder the law for all. One class of citizen.
The simplest legal argument I know about this is: a) In terms of law, marriage is a legal contract; b) there is nothing in that contract -- its rights and responsibilities -- that differs depending on sex; c) therefore it's irrelevant whether the parties of the contract are both male, both female, or one of each.
This comment has received too many negative votesshow
Your putting your constitunal rights over the likes of this guy.Its not ok to take away peoples right to bare arms.So a bunch of people who wanna gay marriage are supporting the man whos taking away my constitutional rights fu gay people
@raiden409 - I was commenting on your misuse of the word 'bare' (Its not ok to take away peoples right to bare arms) when the correct usage in that context is 'bear'. And while it is true that I am a 'homo' - in no way am I in favor of wrecking the Constitution, lol u English mangling cretin.
It gets more worrisome. Studies done on the 2004 presidential election showed that the gay marriage referendums created a psychological priming effect that actually influenced how people voted for the presidency, ultimately sending more votes to Bush
Christie put this referendum on the 2012 presidential election ticket. Not only is he holding the rights of American Citizens hostage to the whims of popular sentiment, but he is also tampering with the election.
There is no reason the government should have a say in who gets married and who doesn't get married. This should be done by the churches. Instead of asking for permission to get married people should be demanding that the government worry about what they were asked to do by our forefathers. Asking permission and asking for laws to alllow people to get married only legitimizes their authority over us.
@stonej82, these relationships predate religion. Religion co-opted marriage for property rights (land as well as women and children as "private property" of one man) . Religion is irrelevant unless we are in a theocracy......which now we effectively are.
@franz0woyzeck Thanks for the info. It doesnt really change my position however. Marriage should not be decided by the state. If marriage predates religion it doesn't really change my position at all so I dont really follow what your point is. My point is that the government should not be choosing who gets married and who doesn't get married.
unless the church is willing to pay for economic benefits(which it isn't) or unless the church abides by the 14th amendment (which it claims exemption from under freedom of religion) and unless all of the straight couples call their marriages "civil unions" (like they are) then religion is still irrelevant. Religion is a good way of circumventing equal protection while seeming pious. The State is distributing resources, it can't regulate affinity....the Church can have everything else.
@stonej82 well, I suppose unless you are being discriminated against you wouldn't care, or just have a threadbare argument.. I understand what you are saying, but religious people also depend upon the state to protect their religious freedom, So i think that the state should control parts of our lives. And religious people have special rights that exempt them from a lot but also want to receive benefits from the state which they criticize as being tyrannical.
@franz0woyzeck To try to say I am not being discriminated against is just silly and shows your lack of understanding of what anyone on the earth goes through. Of course the religious expect the state to protect religious freedom. If the state controls certain aspects of our lives we lose freedom. You want that? My point with the state not being involved in marriage is that the state no longer can give special rights to anyone. So to say religious will get extra rights is flat out wrong.
You can't expect the majority to have empathy for the plight of the minority.
Though there is no legitimate argument why there should not be same-sex marriage; many people will remain against denying thousands of Americans of their civil rights simply because they believe God told them to in the BIble.
Absolutely. If we left civil rights to the whims of entrenched prejudice, there would be none. That is why there is a constitution, and amendments. When people are disenfranchised and barred from their pursuit of happiness, someone is doing something wrong, and it's time to go back to basics. Basic civil rights.
@AirLoomer, Obama just needs to put his big girl panties on and stand behind and LEAD legislation. As someone trained as a constitutional lawyer, Obama seems to be rather helpless.
He addressed it as it should have been addressed. It's ridiculous that in this day and age we are still having this argument. Our children and children's children will look at anti gay bigots the same way we look at racists.
will you consider running for President? That was one of the most beautiful, empassioned, informed, educated speech not just about marriage equality but about civil rights and citizenship that I have ever heard. I would vote for you up and above ANY of the current candidates - Dem or GOP. ANY of them.
Wow, I've never heard of this guy but his answer was amazing! I wish he was the mayor of my town, better yet, he should be governor my state, or perhaps the president in the future!
Love this guy. I've seen him on a couple of news talk shows, and invariably he is right on the issues. He's smart, incisive, analytical, thoughtful. Newark and New Jersey should share him with the rest of us.
I don't get it. We should allow people to choose to take money from other people but we shouldn't allow them to choose whether or not people should marry. None of these things should be done. Democracy where 51% of people can decide what the other 49% must do.
My husband and I, both Pennsylvanians who are together in love at first sight for 35 years and married in Canada, thank you! Pennsyltucky and every state should have such enlightened leadership.
Anyone with a legal education can tell you: "equal protection under the law" doesn't mean you must treat everyone identically. Most laws distinguish (i.e. "discriminate") between different classes of people based on age, income, residence, occupation, and even sometimes based on things actually protected by the 14th amendment and the civil rights act: race, gender, religion. Gay marriage is a new idea, not protected by our 200yr old Constitution. So, voting to make it a right makes sense.
@etsneroj So, does that mean that you think that the Supreme Court should not have ruled in Loving v Virginia case? What's good for the goose is good for the gander.
For your information it's not "Gay marriage" it's marriage equality or same sex marriage.
@greggesimmons, No. Because in that case you had discrimination based on race, specifically blacks, whiich is exactly what the 14th amendment was designed to stop. So, that was actually a very very easy case. Discrimination based on sexual orientation is not something the framers of the 14th amendment had in mind. And all that means is that you can't rely on the 14th amendment to get gay marriage. You can (and I hope we do) get it through other means, like democracy. Younger voters are for it.
@etsneroj - Actually the 14th Amendment had nothing to do with stopping discrimination and everything to do with establishing who was a citizen and establishing equal rights and protections when dealing with the federal government. That was why we had 100 more years of separate but equal legislation. Preventing discrimination was what the civil rights acts of the 60's were intended to do.
@casprd33, The equal protection clause of the 14th amd applies directly to the states, not the fed govt ("nor shall any State...deny to any person within its jurisdiction the equal protection of the laws". Yes, discrimination persisted, but not because the 14th amd "had nothing to do with stopping discrimination." Its because many wrongly assumed that separate could be equal. So, like I said, Loving v. Virginia was a race discrimination case under the 14th and wont' control a gay marriage case.
@ReliableInsider, It doesn't really - that was my original point. For example, we don't treat people equally under the tax code, or under drinking age laws, etc. I am for gay marriage, but I don't see it as a constitutional issues because not all classes of people are "protected classes" such that discrimination based on that class is presumed unconstitutional (absent a compelling reason for discriminating). Even the Civil Rights Act fails to recognize sexual orientation as a protected class.
@etsneroj The former is done based on earnings and what we think will best benefit society; the latter is based on a minimum age needed to rationally be able to handle something. I think the age is too high, but that's besides the point. A minimum age for certain things is well precedented because we recognize that people grow and gain the ability to reason and mature over time. A four year old can't drive a car or vote while informed.
There is no reason to deny consenting adults these rights.
@TanisHH, I understand. And I mostly agree. There is no GOOD reason for the state to not recognize gay marriages. My point is simply that laws do discriminate routinely in ways we do not find unusual. And, until fairly recently, nobody (even gay activists) thought it was unusual for marriage to be between a man and a woman. This is a new idea. A good one, but new.
Not all classes are protected classes but sexual orientation should be a protected class.
What makes a class in need of protection from discrimination is the discrimination. And the law can't arbitrarily pull out groups of people and discriminate against them--it has to have some reason, which it doesn't in the case of gays and lesbians.
I realize we're on the same side but I think I'm right on this.
@ReliableInsider, I agree. What I try to explain to people (as a lawyer) is that the current state of the law does not make this a "no brainer" for a court to decide, because it is charting new territory. This whole exchange would have seemed radical when I was a kid. Even gay rights people didn't think they were entitled to this. That said, I think it is an idea whose time has come. And, as you say, there is no rational reason to block it.
@etsneroj I get what you're saying, man. Essentially, all the countries of the world need to redo their Charter of Rights. Like the Bible(which, historically, could be considered the first ever book of laws, rights, and freedoms), a lot of our laws(both American and Canadian) are out dated and need a revamping for the current times and even looking into the possible future.
Laws are put in place by the majority, to benefit the majority. But they're not always morally right, sadly.
Yes, this is Cory Booker and my hope is we see him running right after Obama! He really is one of the brightest lights in NJ's political landscape! Well, that is if you find fairness and intelligence appealling. I am always excited and enthused by what is possible when I hear his vision. He's a breath of fresh air. Booker 2016!
As for Obama. You can expect him to "evolve" when he is reelected and has nothing to lose anymore. His position is entirely political. He used to be for marriage equality before he became President
Marriage has had a specific definition for years so it is OK for Obama to state that. When the majority of people support extending the definition then it's use will change.
If that had been done for interracial marriage (which was forbidden for hundreds of years) it wouldn't have happened until the 1990s. It still wouldn't happen in place like Mississippi and Alabama today
great speech
chillout1234567890 10 hours ago
Im sick of some in the black community not wanting to support gay rights. Mr Booker embodys the spirit of community, that is gay & black commnunity together for a COMMON goal. If gays arnt equal NONE of us are! keep it real people!
sleekcartim 19 hours ago
A majority shall never vote away a minority groups rights. Be on the right side of history & the constitution.
1 LIFE
sleekcartim 20 hours ago
Mayor Corey Booker and Mayor Julian Castro.
The next hopes of the Democratic Party.
mcg3459 22 hours ago
I'm not Gay, but this made me tear up. I love when politicians speak from the heart and not talking points. This was very inspirational!!!
rocked30 1 day ago
Major respect!!
chica044 1 day ago
Please run for governor.
Razorback613 2 days ago
That was excellent, passionate and honest. Corey Booker has my vote! I wish I lived in New Jersey.
unaserenata 2 days ago
@trueorbetter The next election for NJ governor is in 2013, not 2014
Syzygy314159 2 days ago 2
He should of picked up one of those fucking mic's and dropped that bitch and walked out.
radar920 3 days ago
Based on this speech, if Cory Booker ran for president he'd have my vote.
TwiztidVampritten 4 days ago 5
Wow. This man has my full respect, support and attention.
rl876 5 days ago 3
I want this guy to be president. Holy CRAP. This is perfectly stated!
swim4scofield 6 days ago 10
OK, I've never heard of this guy before, but it seems to me like he needs to run for something with a little more reach than mayor. If he speaks half as intelligently on other issues as he does this one, this country sure could use him.
cepson 1 week ago 15
Respect.
Activist4America 1 week ago 5
Marriage is not a religious institution. No church wedding is legal unless a valid marriage license has been issued by the state. Marriages were not even performed in christian churches until the 11 th century. Many non-relgious people get married evey day in civil marriage ceremonies. Christian fanatics trying to force their primnitive superstitions on everybody is a typical christian tactic to promote their agenda.
shenadoa 1 week ago 12
I love this man. A political figure who's read the Constitution, and actually seems to understand that a religious text or personal opinion cannot overrule it.
whistledink 1 week ago 11
NJ would do well to have Booker as their governor.
particle409 1 week ago 5
Truth
mattyfr3sh15 1 week ago
Love Cory Booker.
jlh24 1 week ago
Thank God for passion.
Mogman87 1 week ago 2
Thank you!
ZamTx1 1 week ago
I will never be second class. But I lose jobs and benefits all the time for being gay.
bigdanbear 1 week ago 6
Amen!
DazedConfused989 1 week ago
DEMOCRATS FOR LIFE WHOOP WHOOP!!!
Linternauter 1 week ago
Well said.
DamaryMalaveOnline 1 week ago 4
Fucking great. Although, as a single person I don't know why the govt encourages people to make babies. I wear a condom and get penalized for not leaving a trail of dependents.
lowlypeasant 1 week ago 8
*applauds*
Semirhage666 1 week ago
If you need convincing, or have friends that need convincing, search for David Boies addressing the Commonwealth Club. It is the greatest and best argument for gay rights I have ever come across.
jupiterkansas 1 week ago
A politician that makes sense - what this world has come to? :]
jimmylobo 1 week ago 6
Inspiring words.
lostbookshop 1 week ago 3
Is he single?
Womanizer2985 1 week ago
@Womanizer2985 He is phew!!!!
Linternauter 1 week ago
Care to come hang out in Washington for a few months? :)
TheBizket 1 week ago
cory booker is the best!
edgertor 1 week ago
Damn straight!!!
LodoGrdzak 1 week ago
I wish all of the politicians in New Jersey were like him! I really hope he runs for governor next year.
jerseygirlxox2 1 week ago 3
Why isn't this guy our president? He'd have my vote.
SeventhSwell 1 week ago 2
My God! I love Mayor Cory Booker!!! I thought Obama was going to be this type of President! Mayor Cory Booker 2024
deslonde20 1 week ago 3
Smart brave man. Thank you Cory for defending the oppressed. Your the kind of leader this country sorely needs. And you remind me of how divisive and pathetic the current field of Republican presidential candidates are. How can American take Santorum and Bachman seriously? Their hate and prejudice is such a contract to you Mayor. Again thank you for your humanity, intelligence and leadership!
MarkInEugene 1 week ago 2
Mayor Cory Booker for President - wouldn't that b great?
charrmmee 1 week ago
Women,blacks latinos,&the gay community ALL pay their fair share.DAMN straight! Why shouldnt be given ALL EQUALITY?! GOD BLESS CORY!
pbrownonyouification 1 week ago
I wish he could be duplicated several times over, and we could just put one of Cory Booker in every state...
But seriously, this is so heartening to hear...I'm young, but the deluge hatred and political backsliding always makes me feel anxious and despondent about the future. This is a piece of not just optimism but realism.
vidaliadear 2 weeks ago
AAMMEENN!!!!!!!
Cory Booker for President 2012!!!!
bluedevilmello 2 weeks ago
Brb adding Cory Booker to list of 'people I want for President.'
Gaawachan 2 weeks ago
He deserved applause.
RecessOfTheMind 2 weeks ago 6
FUCKING SMART
benigmaa 2 weeks ago 4
Comment removed
benigmaa 2 weeks ago
i wanna say how much i agree with this guy.. but i really wanna ask if i was the only one shitting my pants when the guy coughed at 4:13 o...O ???
c0N3x 2 weeks ago 2
He is brilliant and thoroughly diplomatic and I noticed he did not utter the word "gay" once. Is it just me? He'll make someone a fabulous husband one day.........
Sexoclocktv 2 weeks ago 5
The only reason I can come up with as to explain the dislike/like ratio for this video (which is really impressive) is because more young people are on YouTube, and young people generally see homosexuality as a non-issue and are supportive of gay marriage, and so it's heartening to know that the next generation of politicans will be more like Mr. Booker.
Straumnes 2 weeks ago 6
Please run for president. Please.
TheRiseandResist 2 weeks ago 5
We need more Cory Bookers
NeverTrust82 2 weeks ago 4
look up "Howard Stern Gay Rights" I found this because of him and his speech.
evromsd 2 weeks ago 35
@evromsd hey me too!
missKEEPitoldchool 1 week ago
I so want him to be my mayor.
gortling 2 weeks ago
Awesome speech. What a great leader.
smithbc81 2 weeks ago 2
I also have strong feelings that marriage equality is the next step in our free American society. The hardest part is seeing things through others eyes. Those opposed dont hate gays, they feel that marriage is a religious thing....you get married in a church or temple, and you say your vows under whatever god you believe. I know if I was a religious person I would be opposed. But then again, i'm not.....so GO MAYOR BOOKER!!!
zatchmo1988 2 weeks ago 2
@zatchmo1988 Don't kid yourself. There are many people who not only openly oppose gay marriage but openly say they hate gays. And for as much empathy as I have I don't want to see anything through the eyes of someone who is that fearful and hateful.
sirhcsuiris 2 weeks ago 2
"...create first class [citizenship] for every American." Yes! It doesn't matter what you are, or who you are. If you are an AMERICAN, a CITIZEN of this great country of ours, YOU deserve to be treated like a First Class Citizen of America!!!
hermogino 2 weeks ago 2
Strong, honest men of courage and integrity SPEAK OUT LIKE THIS MAN! God Bless you!. It should have been done YEARS ago!. We love you! Now run for president and show the bible thumpers/bigots a thing or two.
singlos1 2 weeks ago 2
Thank you for your support Mayor! Amazing! Honest! Truth!
belindaboy2000 2 weeks ago
Just beautiful...he gets it! Yay!
ChristinaClowes 2 weeks ago
Fucking yeaaaaaaaaahhhhhhhhhAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHFEEDBACK, OW-yeeeeeeeeeeeahhhhhhh!
Xunkun 2 weeks ago
I'd almost move to NJ to vote for this guy. I've been baffled for years that people still don't get that the Equal Protection clause doesn't have "except for...." language.
dennis0805 2 weeks ago 2
2012: Mayor of Newark: Cory Booker
2014: Governor of New Jersey: Cory Booker
2024: President of the United States: Cory Booker
trueorbetter 2 weeks ago 130
Wow, he's right- it IS ridiculous and embarassing that we're still having these discussions about civil rights!
madamezora7 2 weeks ago 4
I like his scripted answers to anticipated questions...
Chuqrs7 2 weeks ago
@Chuqrs7 Me, too. Why? Because they are all valid points.
jadedchron 2 weeks ago
@jadedchron I took it as he had another person writing his stuff it's not how he actually feels.
Chuqrs7 1 week ago
@Chuqrs7 not even worth arguing with you.
ottawa856 1 week ago
@ottawa856 LOL it is sooo much fun getting people fired up because of no reason or for a simple personal statement. Everyone takes shit WAY to personally. Thanks for the laugh this morning. I'm glad it's not worth arguing over but worth the time to state that ... smh
Chuqrs7 1 week ago
Howard Stern brought me here
PeterZeeke 2 weeks ago 4
@PeterZeeke me too
austindeboer 2 weeks ago
Thank you, Mayor Booker! You said it: "No minority should have their rights be subject to the passions and sentiments of the majority."
coyotegirlsantacruz 2 weeks ago 6
Ladies and gentlemen, the next President of the United States.
ChrisInCincinnati 2 weeks ago 7
Cory Booker...please run for president in 2016! I want to work on your campaign.
russethlee 2 weeks ago 4
Just as we didn't vote on interracial marriage, we shouldn't be voting on marital equality today. Equality uder the law for all. One class of citizen.
tetsubo57 2 weeks ago 7
Secretary of Common Sense is the perfect position for this gentleman! Hear! Hear! He is so right in his thinking.
42deege 2 weeks ago 2
The simplest legal argument I know about this is: a) In terms of law, marriage is a legal contract; b) there is nothing in that contract -- its rights and responsibilities -- that differs depending on sex; c) therefore it's irrelevant whether the parties of the contract are both male, both female, or one of each.
Cabochon1360 2 weeks ago 4
i got the correct usage right here on my knuckles squeeky
raiden409 2 weeks ago
He looks like someone that could be Batman. Seriously: eloquent, great presence, built like a wrestler, probably has a batmobile in his garage.
TearDropCatcher 2 weeks ago 9
This comment has received too many negative votes show
Your putting your constitunal rights over the likes of this guy.Its not ok to take away peoples right to bare arms.So a bunch of people who wanna gay marriage are supporting the man whos taking away my constitutional rights fu gay people
raiden409 2 weeks ago
@raiden409 - you are wanting to BEAR arms and you cannot even tell the difference between baring arms and bearing arms - jeez.
jhr459 2 weeks ago
@jhr459 im not going bear hunting with a bear arm lol u constitutional wrecking homo
raiden409 2 weeks ago
@raiden409 - I was commenting on your misuse of the word 'bare' (Its not ok to take away peoples right to bare arms) when the correct usage in that context is 'bear'. And while it is true that I am a 'homo' - in no way am I in favor of wrecking the Constitution, lol u English mangling cretin.
jhr459 2 weeks ago 3
I can't wait until this fine man runs for president, so I can vote for him.
sksmithy00 2 weeks ago 4
This has been flagged as spam show
It gets more worrisome. Studies done on the 2004 presidential election showed that the gay marriage referendums created a psychological priming effect that actually influenced how people voted for the presidency, ultimately sending more votes to Bush
Christie put this referendum on the 2012 presidential election ticket. Not only is he holding the rights of American Citizens hostage to the whims of popular sentiment, but he is also tampering with the election.
daearanion 3 weeks ago
Comment removed
daearanion 3 weeks ago
There is no reason the government should have a say in who gets married and who doesn't get married. This should be done by the churches. Instead of asking for permission to get married people should be demanding that the government worry about what they were asked to do by our forefathers. Asking permission and asking for laws to alllow people to get married only legitimizes their authority over us.
stonej82 3 weeks ago
@stonej82, these relationships predate religion. Religion co-opted marriage for property rights (land as well as women and children as "private property" of one man) . Religion is irrelevant unless we are in a theocracy......which now we effectively are.
franz0woyzeck 2 weeks ago 3
@franz0woyzeck Thanks for the info. It doesnt really change my position however. Marriage should not be decided by the state. If marriage predates religion it doesn't really change my position at all so I dont really follow what your point is. My point is that the government should not be choosing who gets married and who doesn't get married.
stonej82 2 weeks ago
unless the church is willing to pay for economic benefits(which it isn't) or unless the church abides by the 14th amendment (which it claims exemption from under freedom of religion) and unless all of the straight couples call their marriages "civil unions" (like they are) then religion is still irrelevant. Religion is a good way of circumventing equal protection while seeming pious. The State is distributing resources, it can't regulate affinity....the Church can have everything else.
franz0woyzeck 2 weeks ago 3
@franz0woyzeck you missed my point completely. i dont care enough to try to explain it to you honestly. have a good one.
stonej82 2 weeks ago
@stonej82 well, I suppose unless you are being discriminated against you wouldn't care, or just have a threadbare argument.. I understand what you are saying, but religious people also depend upon the state to protect their religious freedom, So i think that the state should control parts of our lives. And religious people have special rights that exempt them from a lot but also want to receive benefits from the state which they criticize as being tyrannical.
franz0woyzeck 2 weeks ago
@franz0woyzeck To try to say I am not being discriminated against is just silly and shows your lack of understanding of what anyone on the earth goes through. Of course the religious expect the state to protect religious freedom. If the state controls certain aspects of our lives we lose freedom. You want that? My point with the state not being involved in marriage is that the state no longer can give special rights to anyone. So to say religious will get extra rights is flat out wrong.
stonej82 2 weeks ago
Amen to that!! All people should have the freedom to love
and get married. Gays are tax payer's, who have to foot
the bill, like the rest of us, when heteros shirk their responsibilities
and abandon their families. Yet, gays are denied their civil right
to marry. Something is rotten, and it ain't in Denmark..
.
TheEriskay 3 weeks ago
Booker 2016!
gonzojake 3 weeks ago
Yes. This is perfect. Everything coming out of this person's mouth makes me happy.
1991kaylarae 3 weeks ago 5
This is a person with a good brain in his head. We need more people like him in public office.
RobinHood3000 3 weeks ago 6
baba booey baba booey !!!!
drmg1987 3 weeks ago 2
PREACH.
jammastrjess 3 weeks ago
Excellent!
vampirevegan 3 weeks ago 3
America needs LEADERS. Cory Booker is one.
harker3355 3 weeks ago 3
You can't expect the majority to have empathy for the plight of the minority.
Though there is no legitimate argument why there should not be same-sex marriage; many people will remain against denying thousands of Americans of their civil rights simply because they believe God told them to in the BIble.
FACEPALM!!!!!
xanthoxylaceae 3 weeks ago 3
This has been flagged as spam show
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louisbrassyyy 3 weeks ago
That super mega fucking awkward moment when the mic screeeches.
KeshnerfFilms 3 weeks ago 2
He needs to run for governor in that state.
bluetextonwhitebg 3 weeks ago 2
@bluetextonwhitebg And as a Jerseyan I would proudly vote for him!
xanthoxylaceae 3 weeks ago
I like the cut of his jib.
irtac0 3 weeks ago
Absolutely. If we left civil rights to the whims of entrenched prejudice, there would be none. That is why there is a constitution, and amendments. When people are disenfranchised and barred from their pursuit of happiness, someone is doing something wrong, and it's time to go back to basics. Basic civil rights.
bubbleroses 3 weeks ago 2
This made my day. President Obama needs to appoint Cory Booker to be Secretary of Common Sense.
AirLoomer 3 weeks ago 151
@AirLoomer, Obama just needs to put his big girl panties on and stand behind and LEAD legislation. As someone trained as a constitutional lawyer, Obama seems to be rather helpless.
franz0woyzeck 2 weeks ago 2
@AirLoomer President Obama needs to sack up and take the same unequivocal stance that Cory Booker took.
alexmeyers1985 2 weeks ago 5
He addressed it as it should have been addressed. It's ridiculous that in this day and age we are still having this argument. Our children and children's children will look at anti gay bigots the same way we look at racists.
Thediggitydoggg 3 weeks ago 6
well.... He's got my vote.
privatesector1 3 weeks ago
will you consider running for President? That was one of the most beautiful, empassioned, informed, educated speech not just about marriage equality but about civil rights and citizenship that I have ever heard. I would vote for you up and above ANY of the current candidates - Dem or GOP. ANY of them.
LilNYMama 3 weeks ago 4
This man might be one of the few good things about Newark... if not the only thing
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louisbrassyyy 3 weeks ago
Gay people are tax paying citizens. There is literally NO legal argument to deprive them of the right to marry
BrainChild42 3 weeks ago 135
Wow, I've never heard of this guy but his answer was amazing! I wish he was the mayor of my town, better yet, he should be governor my state, or perhaps the president in the future!
ErikaTheGreat89 3 weeks ago
This comment has received too many negative votes show
this guy is against guns tells ya hes crooked right there.
raiden409 3 weeks ago
@raiden409 this statement reeks of misinformation
bubbleroses 3 weeks ago
I'm tired and exhausted, too, brother! Thanks for stepping up, Mr. Mayor.
diepiriye 3 weeks ago
Cory Booker is a great man.
Masoncation92 3 weeks ago 10
#GoBears! (private joke, soorry)
cupjay 3 weeks ago
Booker for president!
PoppinKhorn 3 weeks ago
Passionate and intelligent.... Run for president sir! We need you!
SuperBillythekid 3 weeks ago
please run for presidency in 2016
manabearnz 3 weeks ago
We need more people like this in this world. What an amazing, eloquent, educated person.
MsFeatherheather 3 weeks ago 4
Booker for President in 2016
betterwithmassage 3 weeks ago 3
BRAVO!!! So well spoken. I wish all of our politicians were as rational and compassionate as you!!
franamari 3 weeks ago
Cory Booker is a Do - Right Man!
fabulousconnection 3 weeks ago 2
Love this guy. I've seen him on a couple of news talk shows, and invariably he is right on the issues. He's smart, incisive, analytical, thoughtful. Newark and New Jersey should share him with the rest of us.
maxfrederickson 3 weeks ago
I don't get it. We should allow people to choose to take money from other people but we shouldn't allow them to choose whether or not people should marry. None of these things should be done. Democracy where 51% of people can decide what the other 49% must do.
Brman85 3 weeks ago
Interpersonal relationships should not be a matter of state involvement. The fact that there is such a thing as legal marriage is idiotic.
dustinseth1 3 weeks ago 4
so well said
mqtie 3 weeks ago
Thank you, Mayor Booker!
BubbaZanetti89 3 weeks ago
Yes.
And he is even more eloquent in person!
~Dr.Cliff
DrCliff11 3 weeks ago
Great!
pieceofdebri 3 weeks ago
My husband and I, both Pennsylvanians who are together in love at first sight for 35 years and married in Canada, thank you! Pennsyltucky and every state should have such enlightened leadership.
TimothyGeorgeHare 3 weeks ago 2
Mayor Cory Booker for US President 2016!!!
musicalman724 3 weeks ago 4
This is probably one of the most well said arguments for marriage equality that I have ever come across.
Well done Mayor Booker.
greggesimmons 3 weeks ago 4
Way to go man. We need more people to understand this.
djleash 3 weeks ago 4
That was a VERY good speech.
moogle301 3 weeks ago 4
A politician who makes sense and is passionate about equality?! Someone pinch me!
Svoboda1993 3 weeks ago 4
Anyone with a legal education can tell you: "equal protection under the law" doesn't mean you must treat everyone identically. Most laws distinguish (i.e. "discriminate") between different classes of people based on age, income, residence, occupation, and even sometimes based on things actually protected by the 14th amendment and the civil rights act: race, gender, religion. Gay marriage is a new idea, not protected by our 200yr old Constitution. So, voting to make it a right makes sense.
etsneroj 3 weeks ago
@etsneroj So, does that mean that you think that the Supreme Court should not have ruled in Loving v Virginia case? What's good for the goose is good for the gander.
For your information it's not "Gay marriage" it's marriage equality or same sex marriage.
greggesimmons 3 weeks ago
@greggesimmons, No. Because in that case you had discrimination based on race, specifically blacks, whiich is exactly what the 14th amendment was designed to stop. So, that was actually a very very easy case. Discrimination based on sexual orientation is not something the framers of the 14th amendment had in mind. And all that means is that you can't rely on the 14th amendment to get gay marriage. You can (and I hope we do) get it through other means, like democracy. Younger voters are for it.
etsneroj 3 weeks ago
@etsneroj - Actually the 14th Amendment had nothing to do with stopping discrimination and everything to do with establishing who was a citizen and establishing equal rights and protections when dealing with the federal government. That was why we had 100 more years of separate but equal legislation. Preventing discrimination was what the civil rights acts of the 60's were intended to do.
casprd33 3 weeks ago
@casprd33, The equal protection clause of the 14th amd applies directly to the states, not the fed govt ("nor shall any State...deny to any person within its jurisdiction the equal protection of the laws". Yes, discrimination persisted, but not because the 14th amd "had nothing to do with stopping discrimination." Its because many wrongly assumed that separate could be equal. So, like I said, Loving v. Virginia was a race discrimination case under the 14th and wont' control a gay marriage case.
etsneroj 3 weeks ago
@etsneroj
The 14th Amendment doesn't mean Equal Protection with regard to race. It means Equal Protection for ALL Americans.
Cory Booker said it best. There are no second-class citizens in the United States.
ReliableInsider 3 weeks ago
@ReliableInsider, It doesn't really - that was my original point. For example, we don't treat people equally under the tax code, or under drinking age laws, etc. I am for gay marriage, but I don't see it as a constitutional issues because not all classes of people are "protected classes" such that discrimination based on that class is presumed unconstitutional (absent a compelling reason for discriminating). Even the Civil Rights Act fails to recognize sexual orientation as a protected class.
etsneroj 3 weeks ago
@etsneroj The former is done based on earnings and what we think will best benefit society; the latter is based on a minimum age needed to rationally be able to handle something. I think the age is too high, but that's besides the point. A minimum age for certain things is well precedented because we recognize that people grow and gain the ability to reason and mature over time. A four year old can't drive a car or vote while informed.
There is no reason to deny consenting adults these rights.
TanisHH 3 weeks ago
@TanisHH, I understand. And I mostly agree. There is no GOOD reason for the state to not recognize gay marriages. My point is simply that laws do discriminate routinely in ways we do not find unusual. And, until fairly recently, nobody (even gay activists) thought it was unusual for marriage to be between a man and a woman. This is a new idea. A good one, but new.
etsneroj 3 weeks ago
@etsneroj
Not all classes are protected classes but sexual orientation should be a protected class.
What makes a class in need of protection from discrimination is the discrimination. And the law can't arbitrarily pull out groups of people and discriminate against them--it has to have some reason, which it doesn't in the case of gays and lesbians.
I realize we're on the same side but I think I'm right on this.
ReliableInsider 3 weeks ago
@ReliableInsider, I agree. What I try to explain to people (as a lawyer) is that the current state of the law does not make this a "no brainer" for a court to decide, because it is charting new territory. This whole exchange would have seemed radical when I was a kid. Even gay rights people didn't think they were entitled to this. That said, I think it is an idea whose time has come. And, as you say, there is no rational reason to block it.
etsneroj 3 weeks ago
@etsneroj I get what you're saying, man. Essentially, all the countries of the world need to redo their Charter of Rights. Like the Bible(which, historically, could be considered the first ever book of laws, rights, and freedoms), a lot of our laws(both American and Canadian) are out dated and need a revamping for the current times and even looking into the possible future.
Laws are put in place by the majority, to benefit the majority. But they're not always morally right, sadly.
23brec 3 weeks ago
Yes, this is Cory Booker and my hope is we see him running right after Obama! He really is one of the brightest lights in NJ's political landscape! Well, that is if you find fairness and intelligence appealling. I am always excited and enthused by what is possible when I hear his vision. He's a breath of fresh air. Booker 2016!
OzguyNJ 3 weeks ago
3 people are cunts.
FreakExceptionale 3 weeks ago
As for Obama. You can expect him to "evolve" when he is reelected and has nothing to lose anymore. His position is entirely political. He used to be for marriage equality before he became President
Serenifly8 3 weeks ago
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@Serenifly8 If Obama is re-elected i expect someone to shoot him
imN0Ttheone 3 weeks ago
@imN0Ttheone Troll Alert
gagglemaster 3 weeks ago
Marriage has had a specific definition for years so it is OK for Obama to state that. When the majority of people support extending the definition then it's use will change.
baird55aus 3 weeks ago
@baird55aus
If that had been done for interracial marriage (which was forbidden for hundreds of years) it wouldn't have happened until the 1990s. It still wouldn't happen in place like Mississippi and Alabama today
Serenifly8 3 weeks ago 4
he is so right. I don't know if it is possible to be more right.
pstan40 3 weeks ago 3
cory booker for president.
kayleemarie1103 3 weeks ago 5