CA Supreme Court to rule on Gay Marriage today (5/15) at 10:00am

[Gemini Cricket]

A study issued this week by UCLA's Williams Institute for Sexual Orientation and the Law projected that gay men and lesbians will spend $684 million on cakes, photographers and other services over the next three years unless voters reverse the high court's ruling in the fall.
The researchers found that about half of the state's more than 100,000 same-sex couples will get married during the next three years, and an additional 68,000 out-of-state couples will travel to California to exchange vows. The study estimated that over that period, gay weddings will generate $64 million in tax revenue for the state, $9 million in marriage-license fees for counties, and some 2,200 jobs.

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[NirvanaMan]

Originally Posted by Gemini Cricket

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And just think how much more revenue will be generated in divorces! It boggles the mind as to why anyone would oppose it, strictly from a practical perspective.

I on the other hand don't believe there should be state/federal recognition of the institution of marriage at all (Man/Woman included), but that is a whole other can of worms. If you are going to recognize this contract for what it is in the eyes of the law, a financial agreement between two parties, then how on earth could they ever discriminate and claim to hide behind the law, or worse, the will of the people. For one rare moment, I do applaud the CA Supreme Court and I did crack a smile upon hearing of their decision last month.

[Gemini Cricket]

I applaud the marriage ruling for the rights aspect. But without the Federal government getting on board, it's still kinda sh!tty.
I'm in the marriage camp for a couple of reasons.
I like the idea that someone says "That's it, you're the one and I'm going to let you and the world know." It puts my mind at ease somehow.
And I like the idea of a big celebration with all my fam and friends at a ceremony. I guess you could do it without the ceremony, but I've always wanted one for me. Not to mention the gifts...!

Yeah, the man of my dreams could just say that there's no one else, but a public display of commitment with gifts would be even better.

[Ghoulish Delight]

Originally Posted by Gemini Cricket

And I like the idea of a big celebration with all my fam and friends at a ceremony. I guess you could do it without the ceremony, but I've always wanted one for me. Not to mention the gifts...!

Yeah, the man of my dreams could just say that there's no one else, but a public display of commitment with gifts would be even better.

But what does that have to do with law? I'd much prefer that the government, at any level, had nothing to do with marriage between anyone. You shouldn't have to sign a paper and pay for a license to have a big party. But since it's far too intertwined in our culture to separate it out now, then it definitely should be open to anyone and everyone.

[Gemini Cricket]

Originally Posted by Ghoulish Delight

But what does that have to do with law? I'd much prefer that the government, at any level, had nothing to do with marriage between anyone. But since it's far to intertwined in our culture to separate it out now, then it definitely should be open to anyone and everyone.

I guess on a personal level it has nothing to do with law. I agree that the gov't should keep out of it, but, you're right, it's in it.

I want the Federal Government to recognize my marriage. I want the country I'm in to acknowledge me and my husband the same way as every straight couple who has been married. I want to know that we're equal in the eyes of our gov't. Because right now, we're not.

[Kevy Baby]

Originally Posted by Gemini Cricket

I applaud the marriage ruling for the rights aspect. But without the Federal government getting on board, it's still kinda sh!tty.

At first blush, I was kind of in the same camp. But then I realized that you can't change the world overnight: this is just one of many steps in the march. Within a few short years, it will be a nationwide (legal) acceptance and then within our lifetime, we will be wondering why there was ever such a fuss.

The masses are slow at changing, especially in mindset.

[Gemini Cricket]

Yep. Americans got used to miscegenation didn't they? Well, maybe not all Americans...

[Chernabog]

Originally Posted by Kevy Baby

At first blush, I was kind of in the same camp. But then I realized that you can't change the world overnight: this is just one of many steps in the march.

It may also another step in the legalization of federal recognition, via the U.S. Constitution's "Fair Faith and Credit" clause (and the unconstitutionality of DOMA).

Originally Posted by innerSpaceman

When's the first meeting? Where?

I only talked to Tom Watson for a few minutes about this -- all he said is Tuesday nights so far, and there may be another meeting Wednesdays. Tom and his partner live off of Mulholland, but I'm not sure where the meetings are. I'll email info@lovehonorcherish.org and if I don't hear back by tomorrow I'll give Tom a call at work.

[NirvanaMan]

Originally Posted by Ghoulish Delight

But what does that have to do with law? I'd much prefer that the government, at any level, had nothing to do with marriage between anyone. You shouldn't have to sign a paper and pay for a license to have a big party. But since it's far too intertwined in our culture to separate it out now, then it definitely should be open to anyone and everyone.

Well this is spectacularly unusual and worthy of celebration in and of itself. GD, we completely agree on this.

That is my position to a T.