Jedi and Sexual Orientation

Mark Anjuu wrote: Thankfully we have Civil Partnerships (and maybe soon Gay Marriage too) here in the UK but our US cousins are currently not so lucky.....

Just something most people missed because of other big news stories and the election etc

Same-sex marriages are recognised in 9 American states, listed: Connecticut, Iowa, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New York, Vermont, and Washington—as well as the District of Columbia

It is really only a matter of time before it is fully and equally legalised. Won't happen overnight but looking back at the past inequalities that existed we have come a long way as a society

@Akkarin: Well, with Prop 8 and DOMA in the hands of the Supreme Court, we'll see where it goes, sometime around March. The SCOTUS is likely to agree with the 9th Circuit of Appeals (affirm their ruling), but along the narrow scope as defined in the current question. That means: it'll only be legal in California; it won't affect the rest of the nation (except those you listed above). The DOMA question has a better chance of having a national effect.

Hopefully, people won't get stupid and decide: "Okay, we need a constitutional amendment to fix this once-and-for-all and ban this gay stuff!"

I just wanted to echo what youngcj190 said earlier... I'm really happy to see this topic on the forum, as well. Finding this thread was part of the reason that I felt comfortable enough to join the forum this afternoon. Like some of you, no doubt, I've had bad online experiences in the past (or have at least been a little distressed over feeling as if I had to hide my sexuality in certain online communities). I sincerely appreciated reading your intelligent and understanding comments.

Fortunately, I don't generally deal with those types of concerns offline. People in my hometown are friendly and compassionate when it comes to various shades of diversity. I'm glad you mentioned the recent U.S. election, Akkarin. My partner and I (of 10+ years) are finally getting married this year thanks to (mostly straight) voters in Washington State. I do realize that's just one tiny dent in a much bigger issue, but at least people (worldwide) seem to be moving forward. It would, of course, be nice to receive federal benefits, but I'm somewhat placated for the time being.

Yeah, congrats to Maine, Maryland, and Washington! They all passed gay marriage in 2012. I went to a wedding between two of my best man friends in Maine recently and I went to a gay wedding in New York last fall. When I was a little 10th grader I thought I'd never see the day when it would be legal in my home state of NY.

Watchmen intro theme with Bob Dylan- The Times They Are A-Changing

Contains graphic content

If the SCOTUS upholds the 9ths ruling and it applies only in Cali, then I can totally see someone moving to another state where same sex marriage is not recognized and challenging under the Full Faith and Credit Clause of the constitution that states: "Full Faith and Credit shall be given in each State to the public Acts, Records, and judicial Proceedings of every other State."

Either way I think it's awesome that folks across the country can access all the benefits marriage affords, and can pursue their joy

Unfortunately, it's all a bit of a crap-shoot at the moment, but you raise a good point, Arawn. The DOMA question may supercede the prop 8 question and blow it open anyway, since it's a national law (as opposed to a state constitution in prop 8's case).

I forgot the National Supremacy Clause as well. If DOMA goes down and/or Congress legislates for equality, no amount of a state's constitution can stop two people in love from getting married anywhere in the country, as federal law trumps state law. I always found it fascinating to watch not only free people trying to govern themselves, but the evolution of our society. Just fascinating stuff.

Do someone really think that what people do inside their bedrooms is important, that make you better or worst?

sometimes I really think that gays or bi or whatever are more discriminative persons, fighting for rights, but think, do you really know any HETERO community, or group that fight for rights in the hetero community?

lets face it... talk about this, is what make differences...

we are all people, and what we eat, what we drink, or with who we like to sleep, is not what make us a better person.

the only way to stop all the bullsh#$t, is not making differences...

is going to happen in your city? or country? or .... NO
anyway, is not going to make you better no matter in what side you are. if you take a side..... mmmmm ...

sorry

Do someone remember United States of America, means UNITED STATES, states, that are independent... with some common things, its like almost 52 different countries all together with some rules in common, but independent anyway

I'm just wondering if legalising gay marriages will make the overall divorce rate go up or down ...

:dry: