Referendum 71 Debate Part 03

Voting APPROVE on Ref. 71 is a vote to keep the domestic partnership law that provides legal protections for lesbian and gay couples and seniors who are in committed relationships. To be able to take unpaid leave to care for a critically ill loved one, without being fired. To be able to cover a partner in family health insurance. To make sure hard-earned pension and death benefits protect children when a parent dies. Approving Ref. 71 ensures that important protections are not taken away from committed couples, so that they are able to take care of each other, especially in times of crisis. Keep the domestic partnership law - Vote APPROVE on Ref. 71 by Nov 3.

Category:

Education

Tags:

• Domestic Partners
• Marriage
• Family
• Equal Rights
• Gay
• Lesbian
• Washington State

[BionicDance]

"Protect rights of conscience"?

When you unpack what that would mean, it's basically saying, "the right to discriminate".

We don't allow that in this country on the basis of sex or race or age...why should sexual orientation be an allowable factor upon which to discriminate?

[Brendan81103]

Two of my very closest friends are "involved" with this show. I know their view on this very important issue and I support them with all my heart. WAY TO GO GUYS! LOVE YA!

- Bren

[kenballer00]

Therefore, Same sex couples do not have a SPECIAL right to redefine marriage for everybody else; the " will of the people" have a FUNDAMENTAL right under the tenth amendment to do such a task because we live in a democracy not an aristocracy. In baker v. nelson, the case called citizens for equal protection will show you that citizens do have a right to vote on rights just as long as they are NEW rights , such as same sex marriage.

[kenballer00]

Go to Wikipedia and type in Baker v. Nelson. The case will show you that the same court in Loving v Virginia not only distinguished same sex marriage from interracial marriage, but established it as a right that does not exist under the constitution and never did. so the 14 amendment does not confer a RIGHT to gay marriage anymore than it does for polygamy.

continuing.....

[neenerpuss]

You have that backwards. Once you enter the public square. All people are treated EQUALLY! The rights of a minority must never be up for a vote of a slim majority.

Marriage is a CIVIL RIGHT! It is a LEGAL CONTRACT. It is DISCRIMINATION to deny gays the right to sign a LEGAL CONTRACT!

SCOTUS in Loving V. Virginia states:

"Marriage is one of the "basic civil rights of man," fundamental to our very existence and survival"

[neenerpuss]

My choice of a spouse is not approved by BIGOTS. My choice is forcing me to live outside the institution of marriage. For no other reason than others DISCRIMINATION and HATE!

We live our lives like a married couple but do not have any of the legal protections. That is what must change! We deserve the civil rights known as marriage. Equality for all!

How hard is that to understand?

[kenballer00]

your lifestyle is not above the law either

In a private ceremony or church marriage, the state or society do not have a right to tell you who you can or cannot marry. however, as soon as you step outside the private realm of RELIGIOUS marriage and enter into the public sphere of CIVIL marriage, you are subject to the law and public opinion or vote because civil marriage is about public policy.

[kenballer00]

you contradicted yourself.

first you say you don't choose to live outside the institution of marriage then you say  "because you do not approve of my CHOICE of a spouse". you are basically admitting you do have a choice.

[neenerpuss]

I do not CHOSE to live outside the institution of marriage...I AM FORCED...because you do not approve of my choice of a spouse. Your example that we are all treated equally is the same as when people were against interracial marriage and said they treated everyone the same...blacks couldnt marry whites and whites couldnt marry blacks. A marriage is a combination of 2 consenting adults and the other 3 reasons have negative side effects. Gay marriage does not.

MARRIAGE EQUALITY NOW!

[neenerpuss]

Rights of conscience is the same thing as Rights of DISCRIMINATION! You are fighting for the right to DISCRIMINATE! You are free to practice your religion in your house of worship and your home. Once you enter the public square ALL non-discrimination laws apply! Religion is NOT ABOVE THE LAW!