Same Sex Marriage is Gay

Almost by definition, right?  Seriously though, I find it absolutely disgusting to even think about how so many voters went out last election to vote against gay marriage in every state that had a proposition on the ballot.  It sickens me to think of how many are going to go out this November to do the same thing in states that weren't proactive enough to have their bigotry put down into legal-speak in time for the last election.  Frankly the only people doing anything to expand "equal rights" in this country are the judges, and they're doing it with one hand tied behind their back while being beaten with the "Activist" stick and thrown into a boiling cauldron of "Un-American".

Most people don't realize this, but legally gays are not entitled to equal rights in any specific way.  There are three tiers of discrimination that are illegal in the United States: It is absolutely illegal to discriminate by race, it's fairly illegal to discriminate by sex and it's kind-of illegal to discriminate by age.  Sexual orientation is fair game. The judges who are ruling in favor of gays' right to marriage are doing so in spite of this, meaning that despite the fact that you're legally permitted to discriminate against gays (at least they can still sue and win) they're still entitled to the same rights and priveleges as Joe Homeless Guy and depending on the actual language of the law in particular states, that often includes the right to marry.

Some states do in fact refer to a man and woman in their marriage laws, but many just specify two parties without referring to gender (or, ergo the need for opposite genders).  Seems kind of cut and dry: Bob is legally allowed to marry Jim and Mary can marry Marie.  Of course then come the whackos who insist this kind of legal ruling is going to set precedent so Frank can marry (and consumate with) his dog and Father Brian would be able to marry little Timmy (if Catholic Priests were allowed to get married. Hey, maybe that's part of that problem right there?)

Yes, the Christian fundementalists of this country would like you to believe it, and the folks over at NAMBLA are dying to believe it themselves but frankly anyone who is standing a little further from the edge should see quite clearly that gay marriage will not impact their daily lives and, in fact, the illegalization of it has the potential to lead to the government stripping ordinary citizens of other rights down the road.  So anyone who cried havoc about the Patriot Act, but isn't supporting the gays on this issue should reexamine their priorities.

Enough said, I hope?  Seeing that I just wrote about weddings a few days back I find myself wondering about the wedding logistics of a gay marriage.  Is buying engagement rings customary? I suppose you either just get all bridesmaid gifts or all groomsmen gifts.  You probably have to get a lot of cheap wedding favors because you'll want to be nice to all the religious nuts who crash your reception.  Of course, a couple of gay guys is sure to have some close women friends… how do they include them in the bridal party?  All right, I give up. Planning a gay wedding has got to be really, really hard.  Just remember to use bird seed or wedding bubbles.  No rice!  Don't want to kill the little birdies.

- one