It is NOT 'changing the definition' of marriage

[drdigi420]

This seems to be the latest talking point by the religious right (and some of the religious 'left') against gay's right to marry, that somehow "activist judges" are trying to "redefine marriage".

That is just not true.

People are just insisting that the existing definition of marriage be equally applied without discrimination. That is not "redefining" anything.

Well?

[lastknowngood]

1. I don't think we can define marriage as a man and woman until

we define what a man and woman is. There are people who do not fit well into these categories. Some have 2 sets of genitalia some have had surgery to modify the physical appearance. If a man has a sex change operation and then wants to marry a woman will that be ok?
Inquiring minds want to know. How can we define marriage without first defining man and woman? It would be an interesting legal battle which would force this country to examine itself both physically and intellectually. Someone please get this question out there and require a legal definition to be established before the rednecks proceed.

[jansu]

2. What about those who are neither man or woman? Can they marry?

It is a civil matter as the State issues licenses for Marriage. You can not get married in a church without the States License, so there is no such thing as a religious marriage!

[MissB]

3. So write a letter to the editor pointing this out.

Today, i counted three letters in the local opinion page that said that gay marriage would change the definition of marriage.

The only way to counter that is to point it out.

[Muddleoftheroad]

4. Of course we are

Marriage was defined one way. We urge another.

[DrWeird]

5. Actually, marriage is defined several ways.

At least according to Webster's


Main Entry: mar·riage
Pronunciation: 'mer-ij, 'ma-rij
Function: noun
Etymology: Middle English mariage, from Anglo-French, from marier to marry
1 a (1) : the state of being united to a person of the opposite sex as husband or wife in a consensual and contractual relationship recognized by law (2) : the state of being united to a person of the same sex in a relationship like that of a traditional marriage <same-sex marriage> b : the mutual relation of married persons : WEDLOCK c : the institution whereby individuals are joined in a marriage
2 : an act of marrying or the rite by which the married status is effected; especially : the wedding ceremony and attendant festivities or formalities
3 : an intimate or close union <the marriage of painting and poetry -- J. T. Shawcross>

[Muddleoftheroad]

6. Not in the U.S.

Despite the dictionary, we all know marriage is only defined one way.

[DrWeird]

7. Well God Bless America.

What do americans use to look up definitions then? Atlases?

If I didn't know better, I'd think you'd have a problem with the dictionary's definition of marriage.

[drdigi420]

8. most fundies do

[DrWeird]

9. Indeed.

Fucking bigots.

[Muddleoftheroad]

11. I only have problems with propaganda

We are changing the definition -- for the better. But we will need to make it clear what the new defintion entails and what it does not.

[drdigi420]

10. nope, we arent

was it redefining freedom to abolish slavery?

no, it was applying freedom equally without discrimination (or supposed to be)

the tired GOP talking point of "redefining marriage" is just a way of frightening the ignorant into believing that gay people getting married is somehow going to affect them

[Muddleoftheroad]

12. No, but it was redefining who was a citizen

When we got the vote.

Marriage has meant the same thing for hundreds and hundreds of years. If we change it, it is mere sophistry to claim that we are not redefining it.

[arewethereyet]

13. it is unhelpful to claim that this does not represent a re-definition

its incorrect and everyone knows it, its just foolish.

[kayell]

14. Marriage has gone through a lot of changes before and not expired

From the days when marriages were almost always arranged, when women were not asked first but the ownership was essentially transferred from father to husband. From widespread polygamy to primarily monogamous (legally at least) marriage. From the days when the male spouse had ALL the power, owned anything his wife brought to the relationship, could beat her with impunity, could legally determine or forbid anything she did. Womens voting was allegedly going to destroy marriage. Women working for wages that they controlled (women have ALWAYS worked) was going to destroy marriage. Marriage has improved IMO by the changes. Perhaps some also called these redefinitions.

[drdigi420]

15. we are not redefining it

we are applying it equally for a change

thats all

but thanks for helping to perpetuate GOP talking points

[Muddleoftheroad]

16. It is a redefinition

To deny it loses all credibility.

It is a BETTER defintion, but it is still a change.