By Gpressnps

November 21, 2009 9:49 PM | Link to this

, that I am ill and incapacitated? I have had this discussion and have it written down and given my life partner my power of attorney to follow my wishes. In a state that says we shall have no rights that even look like or resemble marriage. No legal paper work no matter how legal. Will protect my partner. Or my final wishes. How then can we call it fair not to allow me the rights I wish with my belongings and the life we built together. That my beloved would not be able to keep what he and I built together. This is a crime against humanity. This has been going on for years. The vultures our families that tossed us aside like trash and called us perverts come to collect before our bodies have cooled. Marriage is the only way to protect my spouse. This is not a sexual issue. What can you find sexual about it? Also with out the law on our side. We have no rights like other couples to collect social security or pensions that are rightfully ours. We should have the right to a group or family coverage for medical just like anyone else. Anyone who see’s this as gross. Is having a problem with the p***s in the anus thing. A practice that started in ancient times and is practiced by heterosexuals more than homosexuals. This is not a sexual issue. this is a human rights issue. Who we love is none of anyone Else’s business. Against nature? Homosexuality has been found in over 500 species including human beings. So what do you say to an animal who is born gay? Its a crime. It is merely an orientation. everyone one has a sexual orientation. Not born that way? Those who say this have to admit they, heterosexuals, were born that way. It never crosses their minds to be attracted to the same sex. So how can this be for homosexuals? the same as your orientation. this is how you were wired. We are wired differently no one would chose a life of ridicule, abuse or discrimation. Just as hetero sexuals are different. Some woman are feminine. I have seen some women that were not feminine almost bull d**e like. And yet they are still heterosexual. The same with men Some heterosexual men are faminine yet they are still heterosexual. Such diversity exist in heterosexuals as well as in homosexuals. I find that if the flamboyant males or butch females bother you or PDA, just do like I do, look the other way and think about something else. Its maturity that will get you out of your mind set to think EWWW! Homosexuals think the same thing about heterosexual PDA and sex. but for the most part we don’t look at people in general and wonder what kind of sex they are having. Unless you are mentally ill.(perverted) It is the novelty of the type of sex ( truly Not a novelty)that throws you off. its the same sex just a different gendered partner. There the mystery is over. Just because you can’t picture yourself giving or receiving with a member of the same sex, dosen’t make it wrong. It is just wrong for you. So back to the point I was making with a slight teaching of sex and sexual behavior. We are born with our orientation just as heterosexuals. Why is it we are so hated demonized and discriminated against. I just want protection under the law. I want to be sure My wishes are granted me. My will is to my partner. along with a living rovocable trust that can be overturned. Because of a flaw in the law. This is against the constitution and yet we suffer because of others discrimination. We do not want to have sex on your porch we do that in our own homes. privately just as most do. I have seen more strait sex Not PDA in plubic than Gay sex in plubic. I also find that many that are busted in stings in public parks . Are married men who claim they are straight. Child molestations are perpitrated mainly by hetero sexual men. We are not mentally ill for our orientation we just are not the majority. Discrimination needs to stop.

By Vernon

November 16, 2009 1:47 AM | Link to this

“Well you should for this dispicable, perverted behavior that will NEVER BE LEGALIZED. Matter of fact I am thinking of petitioning for legislation for making homo activity illegal!!” So is it legal or illegal, Straight activist? The fact that you can’t seem to figure out the answer to that question warms my heart in ways you couldn’t even imagine. Please, do continue to spout additional nonsense along with your bigotry. People like you help us good guys a lot more than you harm us.

By Liz

November 15, 2009 5:46 PM | Link to this

Oh, and I should have added that one can get past the unconstitutional problem by amending the contitution, but that’s never going to happen. just so you know. it’s a very difficult process and Bush couldn’t even do it with Congress on his side, so it definitely won’t happen now. That was even just about marriage, not even outlawing ‘teh gay’ altogether, which would be even harder to get past.

By Liz

November 15, 2009 5:42 PM | Link to this

A voters’ decision can be overturned much more easily than the decision of a court. In most cases the decision of a court cannot be overturned except by the decision of a higher court (prop8 in cali being an exception), and a decision by the US Supreme Court, as far as I know (and I’m not an expert), cannot be overruled by anything other than itself. It MAY be that Congress can pass legislation that can overrule it, but it is likely to be brought BACK to the Supreme Court if it is an issue of constitutionality (which this case is). In any case, if it is unconstitutional, it is unconstitutional. The voters don’t really get a say at that point.

By Staight activist

November 14, 2009 1:58 AM | Link to this

“I just thought you should know that the US Supreme Court ruled those kinds of laws unconstitutional in 2003.” If the voters do not matter to Yates when the “Ohio voters in 2004 approved 62-38 percent the constitutional amendment banning same-sex marriage. The amendment also bars government from creating a legal status for situations such as civil unions that approximate marriage.” Then the maybe there needs to be a nationwide petition to ban homo sexual activity. If Yates and other Gay activists can keep this up then so can I along with the other voters in 31 states that have banned and made gay marraige illegal without recourse of gay sympathizing judges.

By Liz

November 13, 2009 11:18 PM | Link to this

“Matter of fact I am thinking of petitioning for legislation for making homo activity illegal!!!” I just thought you should know that the US Supreme Court ruled those kinds of laws unconstitutional in 2003. Check out Lawrence v. Texas. There were about a dozen states that still had those laws on the books at that time, but they were all struck down with the results of the court ruling.

By Straight activist

November 13, 2009 10:01 PM | Link to this

TO VERNON Feeling convicted and condemned Vernon? Well you should for this dispicable, perverted behavior that will NEVER BE LEGALIZED. Matter of fact I am thinking of petitioning for legislation for making homo activity illegal!!!

By TO VERNON

November 13, 2009 6:40 PM | Link to this

Vernon, as long as we’re in a majority rules society you should be prepared for a lifetime of dismay as you’re not going to get your way. Your way of life is a deviant, against the laws of nature, the morals of society and against any religion. You strike out!

By Vernon

November 13, 2009 1:29 PM | Link to this

Straight activist: You’re a fool if you believe that marriage equality will never come to Ohio. It’s already on its way and, no matter how many roadblocks you and the rest of the bigots throw in front of it, you will not win in the end. It doesn’t surprise me that you “people” would be so enamored of Carrie Prejean. She’s a perfect example of the merits of religion-based bigotry, specifically that 95% of it that is pure hypocrisy. Please, by all means, continue holding Miss Ladyfingers up as your paragon of moral virtue. Show the world what sort of “people” you are.

By Straight activist

November 12, 2009 10:08 PM | Link to this

To SH I am not going anywhere and the Gay Marriages will not happen in this state so why don you take your own advice and “Love it or leave it” I stand with Carrie Prejean who also denounced Gay marriage no matter the outcome or consequences!!! Come jail, come whatever I will never quit speaking out on this dispicable issue that is a social disease!!!

By John

November 12, 2009 4:23 PM | Link to this

I would think that the Catholic Church would be for men marrying kids. Who else would so many of their own priests marry?

By SH

November 12, 2009 12:30 PM | Link to this

A majority may be able to tell a minority what they can and can’t do, but that doesnt make it right. Might doesnt make right, is the saying. If you don’t like gay marriage, dont have one. The minority will not be oppressed forever. Not in America. You would have to change the words “all men are created equal and endowed with certain inalienable rights” to keep gay people down foreever. NO matter how hard you try….you can NEVER erase those words from our founding documents. THis is America, land of freedom and equality. Love it or leave it. So dear gay brothers and sisters…hang on and keep hoping…our day will come and America will live up to her promise for all her citizens…they cant take that away from us forever….and we shall overcome.

By Liz

November 12, 2009 7:58 AM | Link to this

You guys are being idiots, Steph said she was married but not in any way connected with a church, she never said she was gay, just not religious. She really is just as married as anyone else. Her comments about illegality were about how she thought there were people who shouldn’t have married the people they did (for other reasons than gender) but that she couldn’t make it illegal, so why should she worry about it.

By Mark

November 12, 2009 2:03 AM | Link to this

If you want to try and soften the words to discrination that is flat out not the case. It iS Illegal if he thinks he has been married in the state of Ohio who’s constituon says makes it illegal. He says he is just as married as anyone on else, which is a denial I have a legal wedding license, where is is? He cannot be married if he is He is Illegal and that is the plain fact of the matter that will not change!!! There could be a law suit against such a poposal!!! This will never get by the republican Senate!!

By jeff

November 12, 2009 1:44 AM | Link to this

A gay couple saying that they are happily married means that they are in a long term committed relationship. Would they like to have the same benefits and rights as straight couples? absolutely. Anyone that makes negative comments just simply does not understand what it is like to be gay, and be discriminated against. Telling someone that they are doing something “illegal” so sad and frustrating…..

By Mark

November 12, 2009 12:23 AM | Link to this

To Steph you said “I’ve been happily married for 10 years…but I can’t make it leagal”. If you have been so happily married when it is illegal what is the difference when no one is arresting you for your unlawful marriage. Is your agenda to force this on the overwhelming majority voters that turned this down. It is unconstituional for you to be “happily married”. Maine was the 31st state to vote gay marriages down. Now the gay activists people want to turn here again to try it again. By keeping this in the limelight it only tends to seperate people by keeping this very volitale issue on both sides in the limelight. No one in this forum is telling you to seperate what the opponents in this forum are saying is “NO” to legal marrige and this is not gaining any sympathizers on your side by Yates redundant proposal or further argunents.

By love changes everything

November 11, 2009 11:01 PM | Link to this

I only support gay marriage if both guys are hot :)

By Liz

November 11, 2009 9:49 PM | Link to this

posted by Y-not: “While we are at it why not allow a civil union between an animal and a human? After all, they are being discriminated against under the 14th amendment.” This is almost too stupid to be worth a reply, but here I go anyway, arguing with people that hate me. Animals do not have 14th amendment rights. The constitution guarantees rights to every PERSON. Animals are not people, nor can they sign a marriage certificate or consent to anything. This is absolutely one of the stupidest arguments out there. This entire comment thread is the reason I cannot wait to get my degree and get out of this state. Civil rights should not be up to popular vote.

By Steph

November 11, 2009 9:44 PM | Link to this

Marriage doesn’t have to be connected in any way to church. I’ve been happily married for 10 years and it wasn’t performed in a church by any clergy, and I’m no less married than anyone else. Practice your own beliefs within your own marriage and let others do the same - why should it matter to you? If you believe so strongly in God, let him be the judge. I know plenty of people who I don’t think should’ve been married for far more rational reasons than their gender, but I can’t make it illegal…

By bk

November 11, 2009 8:36 PM | Link to this

I agree with these quotes from commentors here: “no culture in all of recorded history has engaged in homosexual marriage” “Remember people only a democrat would try to shove this issue down our throats after it has been dissavowed in a land slide. Do the democrats really represent the best interest of your family and children?” “The argument that gay people are not mentally ill could also be made for any other kind of sexual deviation including pedophilia, etc. People need to stop trying convince the population that this behavior is now “normal”. It is not.”

By Jones

November 11, 2009 3:13 PM | Link to this

Tanya - your comments about “consent” lead me to believe that you just consider this a sexual issue? Oh how wrong you are. The connection here is sexual deviation, be it with another adult or a child. Consent has nothing to do with it.

By Mike

November 11, 2009 3:09 PM | Link to this

Well … I think if what the homophobes really want is to “protect” marriage, I say let’s help them out. First, amend Ohio’s constitution to FORBID DIVORCE. By GOD, when you say “Till death do us part,” you’re gonna mean it, fool. Second, make infidelity a 1st degree felony: can’t keep your pants zipped, off to the pokey, pal (or gal). Third, make child birth (and rearing) manditory. Hey, they’re all in it for the biology, right? Get to work, slackers. What, can’t have kids? Join the unfaithful then, you freaks. I’m sure God made you infertile for a reason, so … society has no use for you. Yeah: I say we start there. I can’t imagine any of them would have a problem with those, ‘cause they’re all so virtuous and protective of marriage, right?

By Larry-bob

November 11, 2009 2:59 PM | Link to this

“okay”, check out the book “Same-Sex Unions in Premodern Europe” by historian John Boswell for historical precedents. But anyway, we’re living right now, not in the past, and in our current society there are people getting their same-sex partnerships recognized both by religious and secular authorities.

By Mike

November 11, 2009 2:28 PM | Link to this

Um … Civil Discourse, can I have a word? “Eventually we will be able to correct it in vitro and then this will not even be an issue to discuss.” Will we also be able to “correct” liking the color red, or blue, or green? “Correct” the propensity to offend others? “Correct” left-handedness or red hair? There is nothing wrong with being gay that needs to be “corrected,” thanks. I appreciate your attempt at using civil language and all, but, real respect for others is not viewing them as something that needs to be “corrected.” Thanks.

By Vernon

November 11, 2009 2:25 PM | Link to this

Lots of hate and ignorance here. Big thanks to Stephen for being a voice of rationality here. The bigots don’t seem to understand or care that they’re going to lose this war in the end. The only thing these fools can do is slow down the process. I swear, sometimes, a lot of the time, I am truly ashamed to be an Ohioan. Rep. Yates is helping to soften that stance, just a little bit. It’s too bad thoughtful, respectful, fair-minded and intelligent people are still outnumbered by bigots and lunatics in the Buckeye State. Kinda fitting that a buckeye is a poisonous nut, eh?

By Mike

November 11, 2009 2:20 PM | Link to this

I love John’s comment “I won’t support [gays] being married. The entire lifestyle is not conducive to stabililty.” Since marriage is one of the stabilizing influences in society, doesn’t it make sense to bring MORE law-abiding individuals to it, John. Oh but no … you’d say “They’re not stable, so I’m not going to allow them to do things that would make them stable. Brilliant.

By Tanya

November 11, 2009 2:01 PM | Link to this

I know it’s hard for those of us on the side of equality to keep this in mind amid some of the disgusting, hateful things people say here, but look at that percentage: 62 to 38 in 2004. Imagine what that would have been in 1984, or 1964. Slowly but surely people are realizing that allowing LGBT people to live out their private lives in peace is not the end of the world or the end of the institution of marriage. We can see from other countries’ examples that opposite-sex marriage is still just as strong (or weak, if you actually look at divorce rates) after gays could marry as it was before. Equality is coming and some people aren’t going to like it, but in time, they’re all going to look back and wonder why they were so scared.

By Tanya

November 11, 2009 1:56 PM | Link to this

Goodness, it’s amazing the way people can make the logical leap from two consenting adults in a sexual relationship to an adult preying on children, who are unable to consent at all.

By Stephen

November 11, 2009 9:36 AM | Link to this

Civil discourse, Thank you for speaking up for having respectful conversations. I would have to disagree with your assessment that being gay is a “malady.” It isnt anything bad. It just is. The only thing that makes it bad is the way that other people treat gay people and the kind of harrassment and discrimination they go through. but it is hardly a disease or malady. The APA does not consider it an abnormal condition since 1970. Thank you for your plea for respect though.

By Civil Discourse

November 11, 2009 9:08 AM | Link to this

JJ, no need to be hostile. For once, just put yourself in their position. (figuratively speaking) They feel like people are out to get them because they are different. (We’re all different in our own way.) While some choose to dress flamboyantly and attract the most attention possible, most just work at their careers without trying to make a scene. Like I said before, there is no choice in the matter. No one would actually choose to be gay, handicapped or any other malady. We just have to live with the cards that nature deals to us.

By JJ

November 11, 2009 7:45 AM | Link to this

This gay stuff is all a bunch of BS. Sure they might have been born liking men or women better the way some of us like one color or another better, but they don’t have to engage in homosexual acts. They don’t have to say they’re not attracted to women, all the while mincing around like some little girl or they might say they’re not attracted to men all the while wearing suits, getting that stupid lesbian hair cut they all get, putting tattoos on and trying to grow their eye brows together. Its a choice to dress up in 12 inch heels and march in some gay pride parade. The whole flamboyant gay lifestyle is what has costs gays any support they might have received. Trying to force the public to accept what most believe are deviant acts is stupid, but typical of a democrat. Too bad what the majority wants and voted for, we the few, the flaming democrats know so much better what you need. Yates go pizz off. Earn your money idiot and do something that is good for the people. We have already voted on this.

By RR

November 11, 2009 5:29 AM | Link to this

Stephen - your analogy is incorrect. People with diferent skin color and gender cannot change the way they were born.

By RR

November 11, 2009 5:26 AM | Link to this

The argument that gay people are not mentally ill could also be made for any other kind of sexual deviation including pedophilia, etc. People need to stop trying convince the population that this behavior is now “normal”. It is not.

By Jeff

November 11, 2009 1:58 AM | Link to this

In response to an earlier threat trying to link homosexuality to an mental illness. I am a licensed mental health professional and I can say that in the last two Diagnostic and Statisical Manual of Mental Disorders, the book that is used to diagnose mental illness, homosexuality is not listed…..what I sense is fear. People whom do not take the time to open up to others and understand those that are different often cope by being driven by fear. You can not “catch” being gay, you are born with it. They have done extensive research and have done brain scans (cat scans) on straight individuals and gay individuals, there brain configurations are completely different. That is not good nor bad, right nor wrong, nor christian or non christian. that is science. You can not change a gay persons orientation. I am not saying this to put down the person whom posted this subject, I am just trying to explain the facts…..

By jeff

November 11, 2009 1:48 AM | Link to this

I am very impressed by the comments on this thread. I am most impressed with Stephen’s points. You are 100 percent correct. It will come, and we will prevail. Remember the only threat to straight marriage is divorce.. then outlaw divorce. Gay people have no baring on straight life styles…again great posting, especially to Stephen…..who started this tread…

By stephen

November 11, 2009 12:44 AM | Link to this

So all you prove is that for all of human history gay people have been oppressed. People said the same thing about interracial marriage; that is had always been between people of the same race. Should we have kept it that way, just because it always was? Women never entered the workplace in all of human societies too. Should we keep them in the kitchen just because it had always been that way? People for all of human history thought the world was flat. Should we keep the science books saying that? That the world is flat just because we always thought that? Sometimes its okay to learn and move on as a society…its called progress. The argument that “its always been that way” is not a good argument and not a reason to keep discriminating against gay people. Gay people will be allowed to get married. Im sorry! Deal with it! Its already legal in Canada, Spain, South Africa, the Netherlands, Sweden, with civil unions in many other countries. The oppression of gay people is coming to an end long at last. An apple is an apple. and marriage is marriage whether between two gay people or straight people.

By okay

November 10, 2009 11:06 PM | Link to this

Even if we remove religion entirely from the argument, the fact remains that no culture in all of recorded history has engaged in homosexual marriage. Some have looked the other way while one partner had a same-sex “thing on the side”, but marriage, by definition, across all of humanity, from a purely secular, sociological standpoint, an entirely heterosexual institution. You can call an apple an orange all you want, but it doesn’t make it so.

By Y-not

November 10, 2009 10:46 PM | Link to this

While we are at it why not allow a civil union between an animal and a human? After all, they are being discriminated against under the 14th amendment.

By Jones

November 10, 2009 10:43 PM | Link to this

Yates should stop worrying about the same-sex marriage ban and concentrate on getting homosexuals the counseling they need for their mental illness.

By shelby

November 10, 2009 10:35 PM | Link to this

Stop freaking out about what the bible says, what does that have to do with anything in 21st century America, we’re not run by “the church” anymore so stop using the the bible as a just argument AND if you weren’t aware not all religions follow the bible so why should same-sex couples who 1. don’t have a religion OR 2. their religion doesn’t use the bible, have to follow YOUR religions rules? …they shouldn’t…infact i’m pretty sure it would violate there FIRST Amendment rights, so same-sex couples should have the same rights as the male-female couple, but if you don’t think so, fine, but Don’t use the Bible as an argument..it makes you sound the average idiotic conservative

By shelby

November 10, 2009 10:34 PM | Link to this

Stop freaking out about what the bible says, what does that have to do with anything in 21st century America, we’re not run by “the church” anymore so stop using the the bible as a just argument AND if you weren’t aware not all religions follow the bible so why should same-sex couples who 1. don’t have a religion OR 2. their religion doesn’t use the bible, have to follow YOUR religions rules? …they shouldn’t…infact i’m pretty sure it would violate there FIRST Amendment rights, so same-sex couples should have the same rights as the male-female couple, but if you don’t think so, fine, but Don’t use the Bible as an argument..it makes you sound the average idiotic conservative

By whose right

November 10, 2009 10:33 PM | Link to this

to the likes of JJ and PHILMAN. Ever stop and look at the folks who are molesting children and caught in theparks in misapprioriate behavior-they are everyday BIBLE totaing people, THINK before reacting.

By Matt

November 10, 2009 10:22 PM | Link to this

The same reasons given as to why gays cannot marry was given for interracial couples. Why don’t you see that? The bible also commands not to eat pork. Why don’t you see that you are picking and choosing what you want from it?

By The Truth

November 10, 2009 10:04 PM | Link to this

It is pure and simple…it is “Adam and Eve,” not “Adam and Steve.” Homosexuals do not have any right to ANY union - civil or wedded. Their lifestyle is a CHOICE; they are not “born that way” as they try to claim. Since it is a “choice” they should have no “special” rights to any “special” treatments, whether it be jobs, work, marriage, or any other situation.

By HAHAHA

November 10, 2009 10:02 PM | Link to this

I am sadly laughing at all of the idiots and bigots posting about pedophiles and the bible. What ever happened to “love thy neighbor” and “live and let live”? By the way - ThereforeIam…you are am moron…the correct spelling is Ménage à trois…it’s french.

By Stephen

November 10, 2009 9:59 PM | Link to this

I dont care to debate with homophobic people because it will go on forever and its like debating a table. Its endless and is pointless. The bottom line is: have whatever opinion you want about gay people and gay marriage. But you cant deny a minority their equal rights under the law in America forever based on your opinions. Eventually two law abiding consenting gay adults will be able to get married and have equal rights just like all other adults. Like all minorities eventually do they will get their fair day in America. It might take 100 years which is sad, but it will eventually happen, because equality is a basic American ideal and freedom for gays is what is happening in the rest of the free world. I wish we could be leaders and not be so far behind other countries, but so be it. So fight as long as you can, it will eventually happen. Im sorry to upset you with the truth! but have a great night anyways :)

By Billy

November 10, 2009 9:59 PM | Link to this

These types of relationships should be hidden, not paraded out in public as if they are proud of their disgusting lifestyle. Even if our legislature goes through with this, people should refuse to accept it and remember the legislators who did this come next November. This is gross.

By ThereforeIAm

November 10, 2009 9:42 PM | Link to this

If you’re gonna vote for this, you should then be for manaja twa relationships. Horny men and women have rights too. Is it not biological?

By barking bulldog

November 10, 2009 9:38 PM | Link to this

Remember people only a democrat would try to shove this issue down our throats after it has been dissavowed in a land slide. Do the democrats really represent the best interest of your family and children?

By Skeptic

November 10, 2009 9:36 PM | Link to this

Marriage is a fine and noble institution. Yet 50 percent of marriages end in divorce. No one is perfect, so why should straight people have all the fun? Legalizing gay marriage is the right thing to do. Ohio needs to catch up before we fall any further behind the rest of society.

By Ben

November 10, 2009 9:21 PM | Link to this

I don’t think anyone has a problem with a gay person getting married. You gay guys go find a straight gal and you lesbians go find you a nice straight guy and get married. You can still be gay, you just can’t marry another gay.

By Anonymous

November 10, 2009 9:11 PM | Link to this

msmnsoda, gay marriage is a farcry from interracial marriage. Its comparing apples and oranges. I am all for civil unions I just do not care for these strawman arguments like yours. Why do you find the need to post your opinion three times?

By Mim

November 10, 2009 9:09 PM | Link to this

I know a kleptomaniac. He says he was born with the tendency. I told him to knock it off. He says he wants a man. I told him to resist that tendency, too. He did ok for a while but now I think he swiped a wax figure of Aaron Burr.

By msmnsoda

November 10, 2009 8:58 PM | Link to this

It’s time for Ohio to join the states that respect the US constitution. How can civil rights be put up for popular vote? Many states would not let blacks and whites marry, even today. How would straight america like to be told one could not have rights with a soul mate because “the masses” voted it so? It’s about equal rights, plain and simple. I’m thrilled Ohio is beginning to revisit this.

By Civil Discourse

November 10, 2009 8:47 PM | Link to this

Stephen, I bear no ill will toward you or anyone else. Unless you can asexually reproduce you do not further the longevity of the species directly. It may be true that the less populous the planet becomes the more inhabitable it becomes for future generations. I will never know whether or not that is true, nor my offspring. Please don’t be so hateful; we should all try to get along. Sometimes that means understanding each other, even biologically. The human genome project will definitely benefit our understanding on what causes certain mutations to exist and happen in the first place. I have negative mutations also and I don’t pretend to judge you in any way. There are certainly infertile heterosexuals and their genes are not carried down into future generations, and yes, everyone can contribute to mankind. I was strictly talking about the longevity of the species. We won’t always be here as the species as we know it. Evolution is still occuring. We understand that you have no choice in the lifestyle you lead and I will you all the happiness in the world. Peace.

By Philman

November 10, 2009 8:47 PM | Link to this

I guess you pro gay marriage folks don’t have a problem with Pedophiles either, is it ok if a 40 year old man gets it on with your 12 year old son or daughter, come on now dont try to push your morals off on him. 90% of the animal kingdon doesnt have age barriers, if your born that way who are YOU to say NO???

By JJ

November 10, 2009 8:41 PM | Link to this

While we’re on a gay discussion, can one of you gay folk tell me why if lesbians don’t like men or aren’t attracted to men, why then do you work so hard at looking and dressing like men? It’s bothered me for a while. Give me a lipstick lesbian any day of the week.

By T. Jefferson

November 10, 2009 8:40 PM | Link to this

I guess it’s democracy when the people voted nearly 2-1 against and a liberal wnts to overturn the vote to appease 1/3 of the people to try and get himself re-elected.

By Stephen

November 10, 2009 8:16 PM | Link to this

How do you know it doesnt further the propagation of the species? Are you a scientist? are any of these insulting homophobic comments actually based on fact or any type of research? Or is it all spouting of fears and misinformation and lies told by your belief systems? Why then do gay memebers keep appearing in 90% of animal populations including the human species? The most recent research actually found a link between the gene that makes women very fertile also makes men more likey to be gay. Also gay people do alot for the species and its insulting to suggest that they don’t. Arent there infertile straight people? Are you suggesting they don’t matter either because they can’t procreate? Get on with it and over it people? Open your minds. There are many different kinds of people and all are beautiful as part of creation. Give it a rest.

By Civil Discourse

November 10, 2009 8:07 PM | Link to this

Why all of the animosity towards gay people? This is just one of many genetic mutations that does not further the propagation of the species. It will eventually eliminate itself as Darwin’s laws dictate. Eventually we will be able to correct it in vitro and then this will not even be an issue to discuss. You don’t know anyone that would actually choose to pursue the lifestyle, do you? Life is hard enough, let alone having to go through your life being ridiculed and people laughing behind your back. It’s genetic and that’s all I’ve got to say on it.

By stephen

November 10, 2009 8:01 PM | Link to this

doesnt the Bible also speak of eating shellfish as a sin? And refers to women as property? hmm…might wanna read the whole thing and remember it was written a very long time ago by men who also thought the world was flat.

By Devra

November 10, 2009 7:44 PM | Link to this

I have no problem with people saying gay people should not get “married” because it is a religious matter as long as they understand that no one should have legal rights as a couple just because they got “married” by a church. If marriage is a religious rite, then the state should not require licenses or offer any incentives to “married” couples. On the flip side, people should be able to enter into a union or partnership in the eyes of the state without having to find a religious officiant to sign off on it. You can’t have it both ways.

By SoWhat

November 10, 2009 7:38 PM | Link to this

So what’s it matter? How about for starters, this isn’t church, it’s a government entity. Separation of church and state ring a bell? Besides…the bible, well, that was written by MAN, not GOD.

By John

November 10, 2009 7:36 PM | Link to this

Allowing gay marriage forces others to accept a deviant lifestyle. Taking religion out of the discussion, gay relations go against the biology of a human. Trying to get others to say that way of life is okay is a slippery slope and I won’t support it. I have gay friends who I wish were straight and so do they, but I won’t support them being married. The entire lifestyle is not conducive to stabililty.

By lanibelle

November 10, 2009 7:32 PM | Link to this

Why should it matter to anyone if Gays are married, do you think they would no longer be gay if you say no? Gays are born that way and they should have the same rights as everyone else.Would you also rule against mentally challenged people getting married also?

By jane

November 10, 2009 7:30 PM | Link to this

The church and bible speak of a union between a man and a woman, not between man and man or woman and woman. So what is there to argue?

By Juice Guy

November 10, 2009 7:29 PM | Link to this

Divorce lawyers should love the ban being overturned. It will increase marriages thus increasing the divorce rate and make lawyers richer.

By jackphat

November 10, 2009 7:29 PM | Link to this

This state has far more serious problems right now. The fact the people of Ohio overwhelmingly voted against this means it’s not something people agree with. This institution of marriage is commonly between a man and a woman. Perhaps civil union is a better way to approach this. It’s become popular to refer to some people as homophobic when in fact it would be nice to have at least one institution remain intact in todays society.

By Stephen

November 10, 2009 7:18 PM | Link to this

The USA is supposed to be the leader in the world on human rights. Yet, Canada, The Netherlands, Spain and other countries allow gay marriage while England and others allow civil unions and have moved on from this issue. It should be an embarrassment in America that we are behind on this issue in the free world. We need to live up to our ideals of equality and freedom and catch up with these other advanced societies.

By Joe

November 10, 2009 7:10 PM | Link to this

J- As you can see above - the amendment was passed by the Ohio voters overwhelmingly. Perhaps the will of the people should hold a little sway, so likewise just because you think gays should be able to marry doesn’t mean you are correct. Also, there is a difference in arguing for gay marriage and civil unions. The term ‘marriage’ has religious implications and should likewise be respected.

By J

November 10, 2009 6:46 PM | Link to this

Vanessa - if you want to treat gays with respect, then why disrespect them by refusing to allow their marriage? I applaud Rep. Yates. This is pure common sense. Homophobia is all that’s keeping this from passing, and Gretchen is correct, this is discrimination. Just because you personally don’t feel gays should marry, doesn’t mean your opinion is correct.

By Gretchen

November 10, 2009 6:38 PM | Link to this

I just don’t understand the rationale behind preventing gay marriage/civil unions. The only real argument is religion and gays are not asking to get married in church, they are asking to be married in the eyes of the law to get the same benefits that heteros get. The discrimination against gays today is our generations race segregation - and it needs to stop.

By vanessa

November 10, 2009 6:24 PM | Link to this

I dont agree with gay marriage or civil unions for gays.I can say this fight is getting ugly these are people not animals. Lets treat one another with respect.

By Kevin

November 10, 2009 6:12 PM | Link to this

I would be happy to see civil unions. I am a gay man and would appreciate having some benefits for my partner and I. Why cant we be equal? The marriage is not important to me, the civil union is.

By Jim

November 10, 2009 6:09 PM | Link to this

Either gay marriage should be legalized, or go with civil unions for everyone, and leave marriage strictly for the church. Right now, gays are being discriminated against under the 14th Amendment.