I bet Newt is pissed I know marriage is important to him.

http://news.yahoo.com/wash-enough-votes-legalize-gay-marriage-200835931.html

The down side is this will set off another mass migration.

I bet he is, Family "values" and all.

Since you can't handle the budget issues, might as well take the steps to help the the next person in line retain the Governor's office.

And the cycle continues.

So are you saying a majority of Washington voters are in favor of Gay marriage?

I imagine we will find out as opponents will get enough signatures to put it on the ballot in short order.

This should not be decided by the Legislature. Let the people vote on this issue. Put it on the Ballot.

Not sure, but probably. I have no issue with it whatsoever because it really doesn't affect me. I think marriage should be between a man and woman but it's not up to me to decide or judge. It's only my opinion. We already have civil unions in this state which covers everything that a traditional marriage offers, but, if gays want to marry let them marry. Us straight folks have already proven that piece of paper really doesn't matter much anyway.

I believe it would pass because it doesn't affect anybody but the people who want the marraige. If civil unions already take care of the health insurance and other benefits, then it's all about the word "marriage". Justification of lifestyle "Look at me I'm married, I'm OK"

I think Clint Eastwood said it best...

"“These people who are making a big deal out of gay marriage?” Eastwood opined. “I don’t give a f.uck about who wants to get married to anybody else! Why not?! We’re making a big deal out of things we shouldn’t be making a deal out of. They go on and on with all this [Bleeeeep!] about ‘sanctity’ — don’t give me that sanctity crap! Just give everybody the chance to have the life they want.”

Fish on...

Todd

Todd, but what about what the Good book says? You know GOD's word.

Mf

Not so sure civil rights issues should be voted on by the populace. Gay marriage has no impact on my life, since I'm not gay. Religious straight folks certainly have made a mockery of marriage. Can't imagine the the LBG folks could screw it up more than straight fils already do.

I have a real hard time getting my mind around this issue. On the one hand, I tend to believe that marriage should be between a man and a woman. However, we seem to have quite a few same sex couples involved in my daughter's elementary school and every one I have met are very nice, smart, professional people who as far as I know love each other and love their children. Also, the guys next door are gay and are two of the best neighbors one could have. Finally, it isn't my job to judge folks and impart my way of life on them any more that I would want it done to me. So, where do I go? I guess I am in the boat with you others that say basically, it doesn't really effect me. However, I was also reading somewhere this morning (I cannot find the article now) that domestic violence is on the rise between gay couples and the article was pushing the point that we don't have enough social support/programs such as counciling for these folks. I don't really think that we need to be setting up more social programs to handle gay/lesbian issues either. Furthermore, if the gay community wants to develop themselves into another minority group and have it based on sexual preference I'm not for that either. So in the end, I guess I am still riding the fence on this one.

As far as I'm concerned it's a states rights issue. It impacts my life zilch.

The biggest problem is linguistic. Marriage used to be pretty well
defined. Now the definition is trashed. It would be interesting to
read S. I. Hayakawa's commentary on the word, if he was still around,

You live in a Representative Republic, not a democracy.

You should try getting used to it.

It most certainly SHOULD be decided by the legislature since their idiocy is only exceeded by the public's.

mar·riage   /ˈmærɪdʒ/ Show Spelled[mar-ij] Show IPA
noun
1. a. the social institution under which a man and woman establish their decision to live as husband and wife by legal commitments, religious ceremonies, etc. Antonyms: separation.
b. a similar institution involving partners of the same gender: gay marriage. Antonyms: separation.
2. the state, condition, or relationship of being married; wedlock: a happy marriage. Synonyms: matrimony. Antonyms: single life, bachelorhood, spinsterhood, singleness; separation.
3. the legal or religious ceremony that formalizes the decision of two people to live as a married couple, including the accompanying social festivities: to officiate at a marriage. Synonyms: nuptials, marriage ceremony, wedding. Antonyms: divorce, annulment.
4. a relationship in which two people have pledged themselves to each other in the manner of a husband and wife, without legal sanction: trial marriage.
5. any close or intimate association or union: the marriage of words and music in a hit song. Synonyms: blend, merger, unity, oneness; alliance, confederation. Antonyms: separation, division, disunion, schism.

I think we should stay the hell out of other adults lives and bedrooms and every time I here some "christian" say its not the word godly or some such thing it reminds me that neither are they if they decide to lay judgement upon someone else.
Christian seems to be an acronym to hide behind.


Fishy

The only legitimate business of a state regarding marriage is "who pays for the expenses of raising any children that result from the union?" If a state handled the matter intelligently it would stop issuing "marriage licenses" and only issue "civil union" licenses to cover the state interest in child welfare. States could then allow churches (of whatever kind) handle the business of issuing "marriage licenses" under whatever conditions they choose. People are so fvcking stupid about issues like this, it's no wonder the gov't. doesn't have the time to solve a financial crisis.

Sg

Well SG I must agree with you ............... did I say that? Holy [Bleeeeep!]! But as one who has a dear lady friend who has a son who is gay may I say marriage is a religious institution that was co opted by government. Taxes, insurance, death benefits based on marriage are the government mixing religion and social policy where they should not.