Gay Marriage: Inciting a backlash, or dragging along too slowly?

[gattaca]

Actually... since this topic surfaced.  I've wondered why some enterprising GBLT group with some very clever lawyers have not coalesced, created a "church" - established by-laws, and essentially organized as a "religious organization" and then including in those by-laws operating doctrines such as the right to same sex marry, etc..  Once organized as a "religious organization"  (see Mormon models) then use the big stick of "religious freedom and protection under the constitution" argument essentially to nullify the constitutional amendments banning same-sex marriage, nullify DOMA, etc.. It seems that's all it would take to bring down the ENTIRE house of cards these hateful ((*#*(@) have assembled, the amendments already passed, the statutes etc..      It would be a game-changing play to turn the tables once and for all and something the right-wingers could not argue against b/c as soon as they try to strip the rights of any religious organization, then they are in essence attacking themselves. ?   Food for thought?   V.

[fritzkep]

Quite true, Vincent. Those churches which accept marriage equality haven't gone on the offensive about it, but it would be really funny if one did!

[killersmom]

Really good point, Vincent!
Something to think about.

[jack]

Quite true, Vincent. Those churches which accept marriage equality haven't gone on the offensive about it, but it would be really funny if one did!

which speaks to the point that it wouldn't be necessary to create a new religion, as several christian denominations already espouse the complete acceptance of the lgbt community in the rites of their church.  i have often wondered why none of them has been more vocal about the government interference in THEIR religious practice.

[estefue]

Minnesota senate votes yes on marriage equality! Governor to sign bill tomorrow!!!!

[fritzkep]

Even dozen, a baker's dozen with DC!

[jack]

i don't have them at hand, but some very recent polls show huge shifts in public opinion in surprising states, if i recall, michigan, arizona, and virginia, and a less surprising new mexico.  shifts of 20 points in several.  polls are polls, not facts, but clearly the tipping point has been reached and passed.  it is unfortunate that without a big boost from the scotus, undoing all those state constitutional amendments will take time that some people really don't have to spare.  if the court leap frogs from just part 3 to restore the full faith and credit clause the amendments will become just about moot, with almost everyone able to reach a state that recognizes same sex marriages.

in fact, it may be possible that only one partner needs to make a journey, as proxy marriages, even using skype, may be considered legal.  we will know soon what is going on behind those closed doors of the courthouse.

[fritzkep]

Yes, the lastest poll shows a surprising shift even in Virginia. But there's that nasty constitutional amendment that has to be eliminated first, either by the voters or the Supremes.

[killersmom]

Yes, the lastest poll shows a surprising shift even in Virginia. But there's that nasty constitutional amendment that has to be eliminated first, either by the voters or the Supremes.

As is the case with numerous states, including Texas.

[Lyle (Mooska)]

Good News/Bad News...


12 States That Will Probably Legalize Gay Marriage Soon

http://www.policymic.com/articles/29294/12-states-that-will-probably-legalize-gay-marriage-in-2013-2014

FYI, from the recent article, the states in question, two of which have already approved
marriage equality, are:

Illinois
Rhode Island
Delaware
New Jersey
Minnesota
Hawaii
Michigan
Oregon
Colorado
New Mexico
Nevada
California (it says 13th year because CA had a proposition on the 2000 ballot that was subsequently
              taken to court.)
The most complex, unusual, and long-running marriage equality battle in America continues to entertain, and to anguish. Now in its 13th year, the final disputes are before the U.S. Supreme Court to decide three main questions: whether the defendants (the sponsors of California Proposition 8, which ended marriages between same-gender couples) can defend a state law after state officials opted not to; whether those defendants would suffer harm from same-gender marriages; whether it's constitutional for California voters to repeal same-gender couples' constitutional right to marry; and whatever other topics the court might add. The possible rulings could affect just California, or all of the Ninth Circuit states, or multiple states in multiple Circuits, or all states, so the potential rulings are too numerous to itemize. But if the courts do not restore full marriage rights, then California voters — who now favor repealing the ban that they passed five years ago — will undergo another ballot campaign in 2014, perhaps costing another $80 million in private political funds.


Of course, there's also this:

Same-sex marriage could take decades to be legal in every state
by Harry J Enten
The Guardian
May 20, 2013
Unless the federal government or supreme court acts, it could take years and years for
many southern states to legalize same-sex marriage.

http://www.guardian.co.uk/commentisfree/2013/may/20/same-sex-marriage-could-take-decades

***

Yes, SCOTUS, you could make life easier and happier for so many people with a broader ruling,
but no one seems to think you are likely to do it.

[fritzkep]

Unfortunately, they believe by firmly saying no the nation will come around to their way of thinking.

Child labor laws, slavery, a host of social movements were delayed by them, sometimes by centuries.