Comments on: On Semantics: Forget Marriage, We Want Civil Union for All

By: Straight for Civil Union

Straight for Civil Union — Tue, 16 Dec 2008 14:59:23 +0000

Here here! I have been saying this for years. I don’t know why someone hasn’t brought this to the supreme court, because clearly using the word “marriage” in our legal documents is a violation of the separation of church and state. I just happen to be opposite-sex oriented and in a committed relationship and would much prefer to get a civil union if I could! Now how do we make it happen? Is there a group lobbying for this??

By: James van Maanen

James van Maanen — Sat, 15 Nov 2008 18:51:05 +0000

Well reasoned and well said. Let’s hope….

By: The Gay Recluse

The Gay Recluse — Fri, 14 Nov 2008 21:56:30 +0000

Thanks for the comment, YNYF. Just today I’ve been noticing that a lot of folks seem to have shifted away from “marriage” and toward “equality” arguments, so obviously a lot more people are getting this, now. Let’s hope it pays off!

By: Your New York Friend

Your New York Friend — Fri, 14 Nov 2008 18:57:44 +0000

Very, very much agreed. I wish more people would understand how the semantics of the words “marriage” is making the fight for equality more difficult for us. European countries with same-sex unions (and even ones that don’t) operate in a similar fashion. Everyone gets civil unions as far as the law is concerned and a marriage is something that a church may or may not do if they choose to recognize the relationship. Everyone has the same rights, the churches feel like they’re not being forced to change their traditions and everyone wins. Instead, we waste time arguing over a word that doesn’t even have a universally understood definition so naturally we continue to spin our wheels.

By: Michael

Michael — Fri, 14 Nov 2008 08:32:23 +0000

Ditto: hence Civillywedd.com Good luck to us all.