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politics
Mapping the Gay Marriage Debate
First Iowa, then Vermont -- two states, in less than two weeks, have conferred marriage rights to same-sex couples. In the nation's capitol, meanwhile, the D.C. Council has approved a measure that would recognize gay marriages performed out of state -- a decision that, while unanimous, is still subject to a final vote and Congressional approval.
In 29 other states, however, constitutional bans still prohibit in-state gay marriage, fail to recognize out-of-state gay marriage contracts, or bestow no domestic partnership benefits upon same-sex couples.
The following map outlines those states in which gay marriage-related laws have been passed:
View Larger Map (Please note that due to the size of the window, Alaska and Hawaii were omitted. Both states have banned gay marriage)
In 29 other states, however, constitutional bans still prohibit in-state gay marriage, fail to recognize out-of-state gay marriage contracts, or bestow no domestic partnership benefits upon same-sex couples.
The following map outlines those states in which gay marriage-related laws have been passed:
View Larger Map (Please note that due to the size of the window, Alaska and Hawaii were omitted. Both states have banned gay marriage)
How to use: Click on each state to read any applicable information, or click on the map to open a larger window.
Legend:
INFORMATION COURTESY OF THE ASSOCIATED PRESS
Green - State performs gay marriages
Yellow - State performs civil unions
Blue - State endows same-sex couples with domestic partnership rights
Red - State bans gay marriage
Pink - State recognizes out-of-state gay marriages and/or civil unions
Yellow - State performs civil unions
Blue - State endows same-sex couples with domestic partnership rights
Red - State bans gay marriage
Pink - State recognizes out-of-state gay marriages and/or civil unions
INFORMATION COURTESY OF THE ASSOCIATED PRESS
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E-Dude
8:16AM 8:16AM Apr 8th 2009
What's there to discuss? When you have crooked judges who over-step their boundaries and makes changes to a law that they have absolutely no right to do, then you have people getting "rights" that they have not earned.
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bill
10:24PM 10:24PM Apr 15th 2009
Who didn't earn?? I have paid taxes for over 35 years, was born in the Midwest, can trace my roots back to those meeting the pilgrims, and been in a relationship for almost (in 3 months) 25 years. My father fought in two wars for this country, an 5 uncles also fought in wars. Both my brother and sister are veterans - as is my life partner (Az doesn't think we deserve those "special rights" of which you speak.) I have to pay a lawyer to make sure we can visit each other in the hospital, to assure the state doesn't take all we have accumulated from him if I were to pass away before him. We just ask for the same treatment any other committed couple takes for granted.
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kznte
11:53PM 11:53PM Apr 8th 2009
EXCUSE ME??? "Earned Our Rights"? Let's see. We work the same jobs everybody else does. We pay the same taxes as everybody else does. We walk the same streets, drink the same water and breathe the same polluted air as everybody else does. We live in the same neighborhoods as everyone else and pay the same property and school taxes that everybody else does. And we are subject to the same laws, fines and punishments that everybody else is subject to. But yet, we are still not equal to everyone else in the one area that matters most, love. People like you, E-Dude, are a major part of what's wrong with the world today. Come judgement day, I think you're gonna be in for a very rude awakening, E-Dude.
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E-Dude
11:40PM 11:40PM Apr 15th 2009
Bill,
You make statements that are unnecessary. Paying an attorney is all you have to do to get what you want; there is no need for 'marriage'.
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GYTrekker
9:35AM 9:35AM Apr 8th 2009
How is it possible to "earn" rights? Either the citizens of a state are all treated equally under that state's laws, or they aren't.
Strange that religious conservatives never quibble about the undeniable "special right" of tax-exempt status for churches.... Let's see a nice court debate about how they've "earned" that right!
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mahalapril
10:09AM 10:09AM Apr 9th 2009
Gays sexual practices of multiple partners in bathouses are purely for lusts not love. The only reason they want marriage instead of just civil unions is purely for financial selfish interests for lust.Gays practice anal-penile-oral sex which facilitated the transmission of AIDS when AIDS came to America from Africa in the early 80's which forced the gays to become monogamous to avoid extermination. Gay sex and heterosexual promiscuity are all about lusts and not love.AIDS is also transmitted among heterosexual although not as efficiently by blood transfusion,I.V drug abuse and bodily fluid exchange especially blood during sex among heterosexuals.If gay marriage is legalize nationally when is enough is enough because this will be followed by people marrying animals, marriage between parents and children/grandchildren,between brothers and sisters,between brothers and brothers, and between sisters and sisters. Why are gay advocates avoiding responding to my statements. Contradict it.
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Bob
3:40PM 3:40PM Apr 8th 2009
Since animals do not have legal standing to enter into contracts, (which is what marriage is in the eyes of the law--NOT BIBLE, LAW!) I wouldn't worry too much about that. There are laws in the states (to varying degrees) that prevent inter-family marriage, etc. These are not in question. Doom and gloom was predicted when women got the vote, when the military was integrated, when civil rights were passed, and it all turned out to be a bunch of religious hooey. Same deal here.
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tajoch
7:55PM 7:55PM Apr 8th 2009
mahalapril
Why are gay advocates avoiding responding to my statements. Contradict it.
//:://Contradict what?? exactly? that your leaps of non-logic are supposed to have meaning??
The %of Gayz who go to bath houses (Out of the total Gay population) is quite probably a smaller percentage then the actual number of Str8 swingers who are exchanging multiple partners, usually while they are married.
Gayz are not likely to become extinct, because Str8 people keep birthing more of them.
As for Gay marriage leading to all sorts of other types of marriage-Since Animals have the same class before the Law as children. That is they cannot legally enter into a contract. (big Period) except in Kansas of course where it's legal for an adult male to marry a 12 yr old female with parental consent (a law which has been on the books since before you and I were born and not something that came about because of allowing gayz n Lesbians to marry. As for Close relatives being allowed to marry, I Cannot begin to tell you just what sort of inbreeding I think that would create a brain that could make a leap of non-logic like that.................
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lostinram
10:11AM 10:11AM Apr 9th 2009
First, don't tell me my reasons for wanting to be married, and in fact, I did marry, my life partner, while it was legal in California.
Second, don't suggest that all gays, are promisicous, and powered only by lust; and that only because of AID's and HIV, did we care about marraige. There are many gay life partners, through out the centuries, who lived in quiet and happy loving parnterships. Long before Aids became an issue.
Third, Why would the legalization of gay marraige lead to marrage of brothers, sisters, and animals? One thing has nothing to do with the other, and no logical, rational thinking human would think that they do. This is fearmongering at it's worst. Why is it, that the right wing conservative groups did not fight the proposition 8 battle with truth. Because if they did, they would have lost handily. They had to promote fear, with ridiculous lies, to win the battle.
why are you so scared of change, Massachussetts has had gay marraige for 5 years. Has it fallen into the ocean? Has the society crumbled because of it, no. More than 10,000 gay couples married in California last year, California is still here. Canada has allowed gay marraige for several years, again no detrimental response from the almighty.
Please understand this is about love, not lust. I fell in love and married the person, I wanted to spend the rest of my life with. Regardless of any laws you try to impose we have been married, and will continue to be married. Just because you, or certain states or the federal government do not want to recognize it does not make it untrue. I am legally married. regardless of your fears and phobias.
There was a time, when one race could not marry another because of laws. These laws were struck down as unconstitutional by the courts. Will you now say that these courts are wrong because the courts should not legislate? The courts have to interpret the laws and the Constitution, that is the job. That is the whole reason for checks and balances, to prevent conservatives from imposing laws on people that limit rights, based on their own morality.
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Vince
3:36PM 3:36PM Apr 8th 2009
Leave it to Vermont and Iowa to be the most progressive states in the nation, shame on us here in California for passing Prop 9. Whether you call it Gay Marriage or Civil Union, the basic premise is that every person should have equal rights. It’s good to see that some states are progressing, I made a list on my site of the states I think will legalize Gay Marriage first: http://www.toptentopten.com/topten/first+states+that+will+legalize+gay+marriage
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wongtpa
4:12PM 4:12PM Apr 8th 2009
Until a man and a man or a woman and a woman can conceive a child, marriage is between a man and a woman, period! Artifical means aside! Most states have it right and they must maintain their position.
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tajoch
8:05PM 8:05PM Apr 8th 2009
E-Dude
What's there to discuss? When you have crooked judges who over-step their boundaries and makes changes to a law that they have absolutely no right to do, then you have people getting "rights" that they have not earned.
//;;//Ok first and foremost it's the JUdge hearing the case who is required to ensure that ALL Laws are followed. That starts with the US Constitution, the applicable State Constitution and all applicable laws. In actuallity Congress, and any state goverment can pass a law allowing or forbidding almost anything. Just because a government passed a law. that doesn't make it Legally binding. and remember the US Constitution Trumps all State laws. Also remember the 16th ammendment forbid's the creation of second class citizens. So don't blame the judges, they are just doing they're jobs!!
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tajoch
8:10PM 8:10PM Apr 8th 2009
wongtpa
Until a man and a man or a woman and a woman can conceive a child, marriage is between a man and a woman, period! Artifical means aside! Most states have it right and they must maintain their position.
//;;//Actually creating a baby from 2 eggs is fairly easy. So per you a couple even a str8 couple aren't really Married if they haven't created a living child??????
How sad your world must be..........
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charlie
4:41AM 4:41AM Apr 9th 2009
This is not about procreation. It is about living a life joined repectfully for many reasons, including love, sex, and companionship. If one was required to procreate to be married, then if that ability ends, by health or other means, or if you never could procreate at all, you would never be allowed to marry. However, we are not really talking about procreation. We are talking about the legal relationship between two people including privileges granted by government in taxation, adoption, and other matters. As citizens we all share certain inalienable rights...the dilemma is that some think they can discriminate based upon procreative abilities by calling them sacred. Ritual is a learned behavior. Ritual is not a right.
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E-Dude
3:22AM 3:22AM Apr 9th 2009
Progressive? You call crooked judges who have no right to change a law progressive? Rights as in right to marry...you have the same rights any straight person. You can do a power of attorney to get any visitation rights. You talk of laws already on the books that will prevent certain types of marriage. You've changed on law, whats to stop any one from changing other laws. The whole idea is to have ALL consenting adults marry whom they want because its about love and it makes them happy. if gay "marriage is so special as you say it is, let it stand on its own 2 feet not piggy back on something else.
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charlie
5:03AM 5:03AM Apr 9th 2009
This is not and never has been about procreation. Anyone can have children that is able to produce viable sperm or egg cells. That however doesn't make a marriage. Not all married people do or can bear children. Some heterosexual couples adopt childre, use artificial insemination, or have surrogates. Are they persecuted in their communities? Are they denied civil rights that other married couples have? Hardly.
This is not about sexual activity or procreation. It is about sharing lives in civil union or marriage. It is about the legal rights associated with that status. It is about equality, not special circumstances. It is about shared rights. Inalienable rights. To attack those requires denying our citizenship. That is the reason for contention. No one should deny gay people what we dearly guarantee to any heterosexual citizen.
Why would my leaving my pension to a marriage partner affect the scheme of God for the universe?
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mahalapril
11:43AM 11:43AM Apr 9th 2009
When we approve gay marriage we change the law. So what will prevent in the future if parents WANT to exercise their civil rights of marrying their children,of brothers marrying sisters,brothers marrying brothers and sisters marrying sisters. Inbreeding has advantages as well before. Look at those inbreeders before. They were all kings,queens,princes and princesses.So now that gay marriage becomes acceptable when it was not before , then inbreeding may become acceptable again. So why is inbreeding a perversion and gay marriage a civil right. Just imagine a gayman inserting his penis to the anus of another gayman, a gayman performing oral sex on another gayman, does it sound like love or lust.This is a very efficient way of AIDS transmission. This is the reason that gays were forced to become monogamous or face extermination. Original bathouse sexual practices were the normal routine and is about lusts from the very beginning. We can't sanitize this practice by calling it gay marriage. Civil union should be enough but gays are becoming arrogant,aggressive and violent and want gay marriage only to get more money.This ARROGANCE WAS EXHIBITED BY THE HOMO QUEEN CONGRESSWOMAN BARNEY FRANK [A LIAR,CORRUPT POLITICIAN RESPONSIBLE FOR THE HOUSING CRISIS] WHEN HE CALLED SUPREME COURT JUSTICE SCALIA A HOMOPHOBE. BARNEY FRANK HAS NO RIGHT TO INTEREFERE WITH THE INDEPENDENT JUDICIARY BRANCH OF OUR GOVERNMENT.FEED THE GAYS TO THE TALIBANS. Remember I am an atheist.My arguments are about science and protecting our health,moral values even without religion and preventing the destuction and confusion of the future of our children and grandchildren. Why are gays so selfish that they are willing to destroy the natural order of marriage by not just accepting civil unions and forget about the money. They can still enjoy their lusts.
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mahalapril
11:51AM 11:51AM Apr 9th 2009
Obama is against gay marriage. Why don't gays accept the majority rule in a democracy. The people have spoken. You can't reverse the majority's will through the courts. That is cheating. The gays and the homo queen BARNEY FRANK are becoming very arrogant,aggressive and violent.
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mahalapril
12:02PM 12:02PM Apr 9th 2009
lOSTINRAM- YOU ARE CONFUSING THE RACISM OF MARRIAGE BETWEEN BLACK MAN OR WOMAN WITH WHITE MAN OR WOMAN. IT IS NOT SAME SEX MARRIAGE. THIS IS ABOUT SCIENCE,HEALTH AND THE PSYCHOLOGICAL FUTURE OF OUR CHILDREN AND GRANDCHILDREN. I AM AN ATHEIST . I AM TALKING ABOUT HOMOS BEING WEAKER BECAUSE THEY DID NOT EVOLVE FIRST OTHERWISE THE HUMANS WOULD HAVE BECOME EXTINCT. THE HETEROSEXUAL EVOLVED FIRST AND SINCE THEN THE GAYS HAVE BEEN PARASITES OF THE HETEROSEXUAL BECAUSE THEY WILL BECOME EXTINCT IN ISOLATION BECAUSE THEY CAN'T PROPAGATE.
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recruiter
10:53AM 10:53AM Apr 21st 2009
Why has mahalapril been banned from this and every other discussion? This "person's" comments are violent, uneducated, and smack of the very terrorist reptilian-brained programming the government avows to monitor. Perhaps they ARE monitoring this mahalapril and that is why this idiot needs the spotlight - so let's all let mahalapril go unnoticed. Vote comments down, flag them, what have you but quit replying to this little speck of dirt on an otherwise stunning globe of humanity.
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