Category Archives: Marriage
Georgia GOP Chairwoman, Sue Everhart, Warns Of ‘Free Ride’ Gay Marriage Fraud
“You may be as straight as an arrow, and you may have a friend that is as straight as an arrow,” she told the Journal. “Say you had a great job with the government where you had this wonderful health plan. I mean, what would prohibit you from saying that you’re gay, and y’all get married and still live as separate, but you get all the benefits? I just see so much abuse in this it’s unreal. I believe a husband and a wife should be a man and a woman, the benefits should be for a man and a woman. There is no way that this is about equality. To me, it’s all about a free ride.” - Georgia GOP Chairwoman Sue Everhart
I’m sorry Ms. Everhart, but you are an absolute idiot. What is stopping two friends, who happen to be straight, from doing this now? Or better yet, if we (the gay community) can’t get married legally, what happens if gay men decide to marry gay women to receive said benefits? Anyone who wants a free ride can do it, with or without gay marriage being legal. The argument that Sue Everhart is making has no validity and is rather moronic to even mention, if you ask me.
There is also the issue of marriage fraud in order to obtain citizenship. Does she not know that this is already something that occurs? And even though marriage has been legal for many years and people have been fraudulently marrying, the percentage of those who do so is INCREDIBLY low.
I understand that she’s striving to put forth a better argument than ‘the bible doesn’t allow it’, but this is just a pathetic attempt to keep homosexuals as second class citizens.
“If it was natural, they would have the equipment to have a sexual relationship,” Everhart told the Journal.
[VIDEO] Adopted Son of Two Gay Dads: Daniel’s Letter To Chief Justice Roberts
Proposition 8 is an issue that I am very much interested in seeing resolved. Being a lesbian myself, with a wedding planned for 6 months from today, I want nothing more than to be able to LEGALLY wed my fiancee on that day. Unfortunately, even though same-sex marriage was legalized in California, it had been overturned on appeal and a final decision is being considered as of now. In fact, the hearings have already begun and a decision is to be expected by the end of June. I am very hopeful that this day will happen and I will truly be marrying the love of my life as opposed to showing a symbol of our affection (at the same cost ha).
[for more information on the case, scroll to below the video]
The video below is of a young man, Daniel, who was adopted by two gay fathers. This extraordinary kid decided to write a letter to Chief Justice Roberts, after discovering that he, too, adopted two young kids.
The justices will hear arguments Tuesday on Prop. 8′s constitutionality, followed a day later by a hearing on the Defense of Marriage Act, the 1996 law that denied federal benefits to married same-sex couples. Rulings are due by the end of June.
The court said Tuesday that it would release same-day audio recordings of the hearings in both cases, the first time it has done so since last year’s arguments on the federal health care law. It does not allow hearings to be televised.
The Obama administration will take part in both hearings, arguing that laws discriminating on the basis of sexual orientation should be considered suspect because gays and lesbians have been subject to persecution.
Despite recent gains, they are still unable to marry in most states, are unprotected by discrimination laws in many states and lack substantial political power, the Justice Department said.
That argument was disputed Tuesday by Prop. 8′s sponsors, a conservative religious coalition called Protect Marriage.
While “gays and lesbians have been subject to a regrettable history of discrimination,” the prejudice has “waned dramatically in recent years,” the pro-Prop. 8 lawyers wrote.
“Aside from redefining marriage, it is difficult to identify any objective that gays and lesbians in California have not achieved,” the lawyers said, citing the state’s domestic-partner and antidiscrimination laws.
Lower federal courts have ruled Prop. 8 unconstitutional, saying the denial of marriage to gays and lesbians would not benefit opposite-sex couples or the institution of marriage and was ultimately based on moral disapproval of homosexuality. Backers of the measure disagreed.
Marriage was never intended to be “genderless” and was meant, instead, to “channel potentially procreative sexual relationships into enduring, stable unions” to raise children, the Prop. 8 lawyers said.
Mitt Romney: Hospital Visitation For Gay Couples Are ‘Benefits’ Not Rights
I am getting really sick and tired of this conservative Mormon telling me what I can and cannot do with, or for, the one I love. My relationship, whether deemed appropriate or not in his mind, is MINE to handle as I please. If my fiancée (soon to be wife) is in the hospital, there is not one person who will be able to keep me from visiting. Why would anyone want someone who is ill to not have the support of those who love them by their side? It’s an unnecessary way of torturing gay individuals who don’t live up to the religious standards of some Americans. I don’t know when we decided that separation of church and state was no longer working, but I can reassure you that I most certainly wasn’t involved in that vote. Oh wait, nothing of the sort ever took place, yet we still manage to create laws based upon religious beliefs.
Two years ago, the current President of the United States of America, Barack Obama, required all hospitals to treat same-sex couples with the same rights as married heterosexual couples, which includes visitation rights. This is also included in Obamacare, for those who were wondering.
Unfortunately, the presidential candidate, Mitt Romney, feels that is no longer necessary. In fact, he believes that allowing same-sex couples to visit each other in the hospital is not a civil right, but rather, a “benefit” that states can take away if they choose. While this is disgusting, there is also the matter of gay adoption on the table. This too, is something Romney feels the states should be deciding. Instead of allowing some good-hearted, loving couples or individuals to adopt children in need, the state will decide if that isn’t in the best interest of the child. Let me remind you, there have been numerous cases of children who have been adopted to heterosexual couples and are found to be abused physically, sexually and emotionally. I can see how that could be a better upbringing than a non abusive gay household.
“Governor Romney supports a federal marriage amendment to the Constitution that defines marriage as an institution between a man and a woman,” Romney advisor Bay Buchanan toldBuzzfeed today. “Governor Romney also believes, consistent with the 10th Amendment, that it should be left to states to decide whether to grant same-sex couples certain benefits, such as hospital visitation rights and the ability to adopt children. I referred to the Tenth Amendment only when speaking about these kinds of benefits – not marriage.”
A President that only supports a percentage of his country, will most certainly not be a great President historically. The gay rights movement will one day be a thing of the past, just like the civil rights movement. I’m not saying that people no longer face discrimination based on skin color, but the laws have most certainly come to their aid in since the 1950′s/1960′s and I am positive the same will happen for those fighting for gay rights.
I am a liberal, but I do not vote based solely on my political party, I vote with the individuals political policies in mind as well as their plans for America’s future. I am disgusted with the fact that people are still willing to vote for a man who does not respect a good percentage of Americans, simply because they do not want to vote for Obama. Think before you recklessly vote for someone based on ridiculous matters. This is our country, our freedom and our way of life. Vote smart.
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[VIDEO] Selma & Kenny’s Marriage Advice: Amazing
Selma and Kenny have been married 72 years and have some wonderful words of wisdom for their grandson, Mike. Luckily, we’re all lucky enough to take hints from them as well.
Originally posted by AwkwardFamilyPhotos
[VIDEO] Macklemore & Ryan Lewis – Same Love feat. Mary Lambert (OFFICIAL VIDEO)
If you haven’t heard of Macklemore & Ryan Lewis, today is your lucky day. The collaboration of these two is amazing and I just started listening to their music (Thrift Shop Music Video) a couple of months ago, but know I am a huge fan already. Then, today, I find this video, which shows their support for marriage equality, as well as equality in general, but specifically homosexuals. For me, this makes me an even bigger fan, who will show my support not only for their great music, but also for their morals and integrity. Musicians have the power to influence people, and I’m glad Macklemore and Ryan Lewis are doing it in this way.
Same Love feat. Mary Lambert on iTunes:http://itunes.apple.com/us/album/same-love-feat.-mary-lambert/id543948282
We support civil rights, and hope WA State voters will APPROVE REF 74 and legalize marriage equality. Visit http://www.music4marriage.org for more info. Support Marriage Equality by ordering the limited edition Same Love vinyl here:http://www.subpop.com/catalog/artists/macklemore_and_ryan_lewis
Same Love, as featured on the debut album from Macklemore & Ryan Lewis, The Heist, will be available 10/09/2012
The Heist
iTunes Pre-Order:http://itunes.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewAlbum?id=560097651
Amazon: http://amzn.com/B00908DDZM
Deluxe CD Pre-Order: http://www.macklemoremerch.com
In-Stores 10/09/2012
Same Love, A Film By:
Ryan Lewis
Jon Jon Augustavo
Tricia Davis
Directed by:
Ryan Lewis
Jon Jon Augustavo
Produced by:
Tricia Davis
Director of Photography:
Mego Lin
Associate Producer:
Honna Kimmerer
Starring:
Jairemie Alexander
William Pontius
Shelton Harris
Sarita Valdez
Jay Sommerville
Cast:
Jairemie Alexander
William Pontius
Shelton Harris
Sarita Valdez
Jay Sommerville
Thomas Collins
Tina Tsiakalis
Kendall Kapsner
Rosie Cole
Rory King
Josue Gonzalez
Mia Clapp Perfetti
Mary Lambert
Robert Braxton
Jaida Kimmerer
Brooklyn Thornton
Crew:
Tricia Davis – Producer
Mego Lin – Director of Photography
Honna Kimmerer – Production Design
Miles Johnson – Lead Green
Evelyn Brodersen – Lead Green
Jennifer Terrana – Lead Green
Jennifer Popochock – Makeup Artist
David Herberg – Key Grip
Wil Drake – Best Boy Grip
Mike Dyrland – Best Boy Grip
Yu Chen Lin – Gaffer
Blueboy Sguiggley – Production Assistant
Seth McDonald – Production Assistant
Chris Duerkopp – Steadicam Operator
Craig Nisperos – Still Photographer
Austin Santiago – Location Services
Ben Haggerty – Story Supervisor
Sahwn Anderson – Transportation Coordinator
Nic Adenau – Additional Footage
Special Thanks To:
Tina Tsiakalis @ Eastlake Center For Birth - http://centerforbirth.com/
Greg Turk & Ray Nutter @ All Pilgrims Church - http://www.allpilgrims.org/
The Parry Family & The Kimmerer Family
Miles Johnson @ Fiori Floral Design - http://www.fiorifloraldesign.com/
Meadowbrook Community Center -http://www.seattle.gov/parks/centers/meadowbrookcc.htm
Kelly Warner-King
Kristie Gamer and Alvin Stillwell
And a VERY special thank you to Kerri Harrop (Music for Marriage) for her hard work and dedication in the fight for marriage equality and her devoted support to Same Love as an idea, song, and finally now as a music video. “Same Love” and the campaign to approve Ref 74 wouldn’t be the same without you, Kerri.
SONG:
Macklemore & Ryan Lewis
Same Love feat. Mary Lambert
(B. Haggerty, R. Lewis, M. Lambert)
Macklemore Publishing BMI, Ryan Lewis Publishing BMI
Produced by Ryan Lewis for Macklemore DBA Ryan Lewis LLC
Written by Macklemore, Mary Lambert
Piano performed by Josh Rawlings
Violin by Andrew Joslyn
Cello by Natalie Hall
Trombone by Greg Kramer
Recorded and Mixed by Ryan Lewis, Ben Haggerty
Macklemore/RyanLewis Studios, Seattle, WA
Mastered by Sterling Sound, New York City, NY
Macklemore & Ryan Lewis managed by Zach Quillen
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[VIDEO] Expedia Made Me Cry: Find Your Understanding
Expedia has shared its support for same-sex couples before, but this time, they have come out with a rather heartfelt video that definitely made me cry. This video is a portion of Expedia’s “Find Yours” ongoing campaign, and shares Artie Goldstein’s story. This father explains how he feels a bit uneasy when traveling to his daughter Jill’s same-sex wedding in California, but then goes on to show his support.
“My expectations of what Jill’s life was going to be included a husband,” Goldstein recalls. “So when Nikki came to ask permission to marry our little girl, that startled me. I told her, ‘This is not the dream I had for my daughter.’ I didn’t say yes, I didn’t say no.” Stunning footage of Jill and Nikki’s nuptials accompany Goldstein’s emotional narration. “You come to terms with it…it’s supposed to be this way,” Goldstein observes.
The two beautiful brides wrote to HuffPost Gay Voices and shared their appreciation of Expedia featuring their journey in this campaign.
“Our hope is that all families can experience this type of closeness and support, regardless of sexuality,” Nikki and Jill Weiss-Goldstein said. “We are extremely proud of our father and his personal journey that has led him to his understanding.”
Expedia was able to portray a message of tolerance, understanding, and family all entangled with the unique experience of travel. They didn’t focus on the physical journey that Artie Goldstein took, instead paid more attention to the emotional journey he was embracing. Goldstein was able to overcome his unease and make a trip to walk his little girl down the aisle. Thanks to the love for his daughter and the ease of Expedia getting him where he needed to go, you see how this man’s journey was a good one, all while highlighting Expedia’s support for same-sex couples.
Well done Expedia, well done.
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[VIDEO] Legalize Love: “CinderFella” by Todrick Hall
Being creative and making a statement that catches the attention of over 600,000 people, is one hell of an accomplishment; This video most certainly deserves it. Not only is it entertaining, well thought out, but also represents how all of us as children have dreams of one day finding love and should have the right to share that, no matter what our differences are.
Published on Jul 24, 2012 by Toddymobs
Please subscribe to my main YouTube channel:http://youtube.com/todrickhall
I wanted to tell this famous fairy tale in a new and innovative way, combining familiar top 40′s songs with classic Disney melodies. This story speaks volumes and I think that love is as classic as this fairy tale. It’s time for us to legalize love in all shapes and colors. Please support this movement by posting this on your social media sites.
Special Thanks to:
Camarillo Ranch
Valentino’s Costume Shop
Enchanted Carriages
James Alsop
DanceOn
@colinhduffy, www.colinhduffy.com, colinhduffy.tumblr.com, www.dastolidigital.com
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Thursday 4Play: Chick-Fil-Anti-Gay
While I’m sure many of you are sick of hearing about Chick-Fil-A, I’m not. So, there are a couple extra photos…
We always regret the injustices of our past.
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The Real Reason We Should Be Boycotting Chick-Fil-A
There have been many differing views when it comes to the Chick-Fil-A controversy, the statements made by Dan Cathy and the financial support he gives to anti-gay organizations. For me, I could care less about what he has said or what he believes. In fact, I respect his opposing viewpoint, I just don’t agree with hatred that has been ignited by religion. The problem that I have with supporting Chick-Fil-A is that it not only means we’re keeping them in business, but giving money to groups that I find disgusting, immoral and based on pure hate.
Their money has been used in an attempt to fight for Ugandan’s government’s right to kill people who are found out to be gay?!?! This is murder; Murder because of who they, we, are. Chick-Fil-A supports and provides finances to organizations that would like to see gay people killed, not just deny them the right to marry who they love. This is sick. For anyone who thinks that supporting them because of Dan Cathy’s right to freedom of speech or because of their religious ties, I would be ashamed if I were you. Wanting to deny someone something is one thing (albeit, pretty fucked up), but wanting them dead is absolutely absurd.
Chick-Fil-A’s corporate “charity” arm WinShape has donated millions of dollars to groups like Family Research Council. FRC doesn’t just oppose marriage equality, they really do HATE gays. Its president Tony Perkins has said of LGBT people:
“They are intolerant. They are hateful. They are vile. They are spiteful…pawns of the enemy.”
And in 2010 Tony Perkins’ Family Research Council claimed in federal forms they had spent $25,000 to lobby Congress on “CIVH.Res.1064Ugandan Resolution Pro-homosexual promotion.” This proposed Congressional resolution condemned the Ugandan government‘s legislative efforts to make “homosexuality” an offense punishable by death.
How can anyone oppose condemning that? But Family Research Council apparently did.
And Family Research Council gets money from Chick-Fil-A. Joe Jervis was the first to break this story, more details can be found here.
Before you support and boycott someone, something, please be sure to get all the facts. Again, Dan Cathy can speak about his beliefs all he wants, but my money will NOT be used in an effort to allow people to be murdered based on who they are and who they love. My fiancée is the greatest thing that has ever happened to me and I will fight for our rights as long as I possibly can. If I ever thought that she or I could be murdered because of this love we share, I could only hope that someone, everyone would be willing to stop eating the damn chicken and stop supplying these groups the money they need to even put up a fight.
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[VIDEO] Chick-Fil-A Lover Speaks Eloquently About The Controversial Situation And How She No Longer Supports Them
JacksonAPearce (YouTube handle) wrote:
The long and short of it– on 8/1 (the day Mike Huckabee wants Chick-Fil-A supporters to patronize the restaurant) go to Chick-Fil-A. Ask for a large water and nothing else. See if they adhere to Proverbs 25:21 and give it to you. If they do, yay! You took a few cents from their hate fund! If they don’t, well…I guess they’re proving their principals aren’t so “biblical.”
If you’re in, pass the word on, please. #Proverbs2521
Also, while I consider myself well-versed in the Bible, Bradley Hartman saved me EPIC AMOUNTS OF TIME by writing a very awesome open letter to Chick-Fil-A that helped me locate these passages. Many thanks.
With everything being said from both sides, I feel this was very well said. Do the right thing and don’t let Chick-Fil-A encourage hate and homophobia.
This YouTube user also had this to say:
My books:
http://www.amazon.com/Jackson-Pearce/e/B002BM3CDC/ref=sr_tc_ep?qid=1341157647
A REALLY DELICIOUS make at home Chick-Fil-A recipe (called the Chick-Fil-Gay!):
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