How ironic that they have it in one of the most conservative states and it just got voted down here on the "left coast".......

its not about your life changing, Opponents dont think that their daily lives are going to be some how rerouted to gayville, its a religious issue for them.

Not really. The religious people just want control over other people's lives, whether it affects them in any way or not. Which is why I hate many religious people (ok, maybe not hate... that's a little strong, but certainly want them to reform their views on life so that it's not destructive toward other people, ie, refusing to give people rights because of their entirely PERSONAL beliefs).

The religious argument is invalid IMO (from a legal standpoint). Just because something does not fit into ones religion should have absolutely nothing to do with whether or not it is legal. We have freedom of religion in this country, so our laws should be based on how citizens are affected and protected by our laws, not by whether they fit into a religious ideology. As tres is pointing out, gay marriage does not threaten our way of life, or straight marriage/divorce, so what's the problem? I am straight, and I am certain that if gay marriage were legal, it would have absolutely no negative affect on my life.

Gay couples are not demanding to be married in churches that don't want to marry them. They just want to be able to be legally married, period. In the eyes of the government, marriage is a LEGAL contract. The religious and emotional components are based completely on personal values. Homosexuals are simply asking for the same legal rights as other citizens. It is my belief that to deny them that is un-American and unconstitutional.

That's my two cents. Do with it what you will

It is a legal contract. Not a sanctified union, although many churches will perform gay marriages.

It's unfortunate that this is still an issue, but I am hopeful that my generation will be able to change that some day. I believe in equality for all.

Wow, Christian Coalition. It turns out gay marriage is none of your fraking business after all. Republican Party, FTL.

No because most opposition to gay marriage has to do with religious beliefs.

"Not really. The religious people just want control over other people's lives, whether it affects them in any way or not"

the most laughable statement I have heard in awhile. Are you lumping christianity and religion together? or just ignorant for ignorant sake?

I think it's worth pointing out that the official platforms of the Republican Party and the Democratic Party contain the same position when it comes to gay marriage. (I happen to disagree with both parties, but I'm tired of the way Republicans are constantly vilified.)

people aren't complete idiots. They realize that allowing certain people to get married won't directly effect them. It's not about that. The problem is they think they invited marriage and all marriages should be defined by their rules.

Kimbo, with all respect, I think this is a really intellectually disingenuous statement. Democrats, as a general rule, don't drum up their base with homophobia. This is just not true for the right - making people afraid of gays has been a successful elective strategy.

Look at the preeminent figures of your party. Rush gay-bashes Barney Frank frequently. I've heard Marc Levine talk about how perverted he thinks homosexuality is, and it's the same with Michael Savage. I think it's not honest to claim that the Republican party isn't anti-gay rights.

You're so socially progressive, why not become a moderate Democrat? There are plenty of people in our party that are fiscally conservative like yourself. The tone is much more polite as well.

Spacekat, I referred to the official platforms of the parties, which are the same. I don't appreciate the fact that you called me a liar, not matter how you worded it.

I think it's very telling that people always turn to Rush and other pundits who are not elected representatives of the party when they are bashing Republicans. Savage himself says that he's conservative and not necessarily Republican.

I think the general tone amongst Democrats is actually much less polite and much more self-righteous. (Of course, there are always exceptions.)

All I have to say about this survey is: DUH! Of course it doesn't impact most people's lives, other than the ones who get to marry when they previously were unable to. Gay marriage should be a non-issue, what people do in their own homes and who they love is not a public concern, and allowing gay people to marry won't change anything except it'll makes everyone a little more equal. Gee whiz. If only we could get that message across to the people of California (and, well, everyone else...)

Kimbo, I would never call you a liar. I respect you and appreciate your point of view, even though it diverges from mine. I'm sorry if I wrote that in a way that it was perceived as pejorative.

To try to phrase it another way, I don't think it's your strongest argument. The electoral strategy and general tone of the two parties far eclipses anything that might be said in the platform. I just don't think you can claim that progressives are anti-gay rights.

As far as the tone, I spent 24 years as a hardcore conservative, and the last 4 as a liberal. I can tell you, from my experience, the people are a lot nicer and there's a lot less anger. It's also nice not having to be an apologists for Limbaugh and the like.

I don't claim that progressives are anti-gay rights. I claim that the Democratic Party as a whole, and particularly those with power in the party, aren't as progressive as some people would like to think.

I completely agree. I think the party's hesitation in passing health care reform is excellent evidence of that. I blame, in part, the corruptive influence of DLC corporate money.

Of course. I don't think this is much of a surprise to anyone.

notime: I absolutely agree with you, very well put. Religion should have no part whatsoever in deciding the laws of our country. Everyone should feel free to be whatever religion they would like, WITHOUT TRYING TO THEN FORCE THEIR BELIEFS ON OTHER PEOPLE through the use of the law.
I also agree with staple salad.

CaterpillarGirl: "the most laughable statement I have heard in awhile. Are you lumping christianity and religion together? or just ignorant for ignorant sake? "
How is that a laughable statement? As far as I can tell, it's basically true. Why else would religious people expect the entire country to live according to what they and only they, believe is right? Also, why can't Christianity and religion be lumped together? Last I checked, Christianity was a type of religion...? And what does that even have to do with the issues? I can't see where anyone started talking about Christianity specifically rather than just religion....maybe I'm just missing it.

I think it's just that marriage is traditionally a christian union.. but then, muslims and hindus and people who have no religion at all are allowed to be married.. so I suppose it doesn't make much sense!

lilkimbio and spacekatgirl- you guys sound so political! I can barely understand what you guys are saying, lol it makes me feel stupid!