Box Turtle Bulletin
News and commentary about the anti-gay lobby“Now you must raise your children up in a world where that union of man and box turtle is on the same legal footing as man and wife…”
News and commentary about the anti-gay lobbyPosts Tagged As: Marriage
October 20th, 2008
I grew up across the street from a soft-hearted Mormon woman (and her late husband) in Ventura, CA. Back during the Prop 22 election she confessed to my mother her guilt and conflict because she felt a “yes” vote was a vote against a gay man down the street she knew personally.
Today I received a text message from my mom (she’s so hip) alerting me to a “yes on prop 8” sign that had appeared on the soft-hearted Mormon’s lawn.
I’ve never formally come out to her but I think the time has come to mail her a hand-written card:
With the upcoming vote on prop 8 I’m sending letters to people in my life who may not be aware people that I, and other people they care about are gay or lesbian. Under prop 8, I would no longer be treated as a full and equal citizen in the place I call home.
October 20th, 2008
In second part of his series about same-sex marriage, Dr. Albert Mohler, president of The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary seeks to make two points.
The first is a rather bold assertion that only a small minority of Christians see room within Scripture to allow for a cultural recognition of same-sex unions. The second is that only a small portion of the world’s nations offer such recognition. He presents each as evidence of the other.
Dr. Mohler relies on a premise that is troublesome to those who recall the history of Christian faith. He implies that majority interpretation equals correct interpretation. This approach to faith is not one that I would like to apply to the history of Christianity or theological positions ranging from indulgences, papal infallability, slavery, the divine right to rule, or the civil routing of heresy, all of which held strong support within Christendom at various points.
But, perhaps more difficult for Dr. Mohler’s argument, is that it is based on false assumptions.
Same-sex marriage is, for now, legal in three of fifty states in the United States. Beyond our borders, it is legal in the Netherlands, Spain, Belgium, South Africa, Canada and Norway. This represents a very small percentage of the world’s population. Same-sex marriage is, by any measure, the exception rather than the rule. Even when legalized civil unions and domestic partnerships are thrown into the mix, the countries that consider same-sex unions and heterosexual marriages to be equal before the law represent a small percentage of the world’s nations.
Mohler’s discussion is centered around Christianity and cultural effect.
And, considering such, we should only apply his reasoning to Christian nations and those strongly impacted by Christian thought. Surely, the cultural decisions of Quatar or Thailand have no reflection on whether Christianity as a whole accepts or rejects same-sex unions.
So then, the question is whether Christian nations have accepted or rejected same sex couple recognition. And in that question, Mohler is overly optimistic, both currently and with all reasonable projections.
Eliminating nations in which Christianity is not the dominant cultural force – Asia, North Africa, the middle east – we have the following geographic areas to consider (generally, though with some exceptions): Europe, Sub-Saharan Africa, Australia, and the Americas.
In Europe, nearly all of the nations in Western Europe offer either marriage or other recognition of same-sex partners. Ireland and Austria are in the process, and only Italy is a hold-out. Eastern Europe and the Baltic States are less gay-friendly, but they are also significantly less influential in world affairs or in the establishment of theological trends. There may well be a seminary in Moldova that will direct Christian thought for the next millenium, but I rather doubt it.
Sub-Saharan Africa is indeed hostile to its gay citizens. With one notable exception. South Africa is by far the dominating influence in Southern Africa. Its economic productivity towers overs its far poorer neighbors and its neighbors are impacted by its weath and culture. And in South Africa, marriage is recognized between same-sex couples.
Australia is in the process of instating a national registry to recognize same-sex couples. New Zealand has such a registry in place.
South America is a predominantly Catholic continent. Yet it is surprisingly becoming a welcoming place for same-sex couples. The nations of Ecuador and Uruguay both offer civil unions recognition, as do states in Argentina and Brazil. If trends continue, it is likely that much of South America will provide civil protections to same-sex couples within the next decade.
North America is comprised of three large nations, several small Carribean island nations, and a sting of nations connecting the large North American landmass with South America. And it is this continent that draws much of Mohler’s attention – and ours as well. Canada recognizes marriage. One of the states in Mexico offers civil unions, as does Mexico City. In the United States, three States offer marriage and seven others provide civil unions, domestic partnerships, or reciprocal benefits. And additional three recognize out-of-state marriages. Currently 92 million Americans, or 30%, live in a state in which they can obtain recognition for their same-sex relationships.
So if we look collectively at Christendom, we do not see a picture of rejection of same-sex couples. We see, instead, that the more affluent and industrialized a Christian nation becomes, the more likely it is to value its gay citizens. We see trends indicating that soon most of Europe, Australia, and the Americas will offer some form of recognition to same-sex couples. One might even argue that the more “Christian” a nation is (as opposed to Muslim or other religions), the more accomodating it is to gay couples.
Dr. Mohler may wish to warn the nation that recognition of gay citizens places it among a minority in the World. But he fails to mention that others in that minority are Canada, Great Britain, Australia, France and Spain while his “vast majority” of nations includes those that are not Christian – such as Iran, China, and Libya – or are, shall we say, less influential nations such as Latvia, Jamaica, and Nigeria.
If the States continue to refuse recognition of same-sex couples, they will soon be nearly alone among their close friends to do so.
October 20th, 2008
Remember those nearly identical television commercials running in Arizona and Florida in support of those states’ proposed “marriage amendments”? The Miami Herald has noticed them as well:
Bloggers have pointed out that new ad uses many of the same images and the same format as an ad running in Arizona. Arizona and California are also deciding whether to pass a constitutional amendment that would define marriage as between a man and a woman in November. Both the backers of Florida’s Amendment 2 and Arizona’s Proposition 102 hired the same media company, Stemberger said, but he said the fact that the ads were similar is “irrelevant.”
We posted both of those “irrelevant” ads alongside each other so you, too, can marval at the coincidences.
October 20th, 2008
On October 1 we reported that the student body government of American River College in Sacramento had endorsed Proposition 8. This triggered a recall effort from frustrated students.
We had noted that five of the supporters were part of the vehemently homophobic Slavic community in Sacramento. The Sacramento Bee provides addition information.
Three of the other student leaders up for recall are members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
In June, church leaders urged Mormon followers to “do what they can” to support Proposition 8.
Student Association Vice President Blaze Jeppesen, who authored the measure, declined to talk to The Bee about what role, if any, his LDS faith played in his decision to bring the hot-button issue to campus.
Association President Jacob Johnson, who also is a Mormon, said since he was conducting the meetings, he remained impartial. He said he didn’t try to influence the council and didn’t vote on the issue.
But Johnson said his faith is important to him and he supports Proposition 8.
His sister Heather Johnson supported the campus resolution and is on the recall list.
October 20th, 2008
The editorial board of the North County Times (a newspaper with circulation of about 95,000 serving Northern San Diego County) has taken a libertarian stance on marriage:
We believe the California and federal governments should not be in the business of defining marriage, especially not in an era with societal views on sexual orientation in flux, and that government should leave the definition of marriage to individual faith communities to determine.
This would allow government to deal with all civil unions or domestic partnerships without regard to sexual identities or religious traditions, and allow equal rights for all.
Defining marriage is something we believe is best left to the individual and the faith communities.
Based on this position, they then say
Vote your consciences on Proposition 8.
Wait. What?
There is no neutral stance on Proposition 8 for those who favor libertarian ideals or seek to reduce governmental interference. This amendment would introduce beuorocratic intervention into the lives of individuals and their bodies of faith, inquiring as to the make-up of the couples, approving some and denying others.
If one truly believes that the State has no business defining marriage, one cannot in good conscience support an amendment that does just that.
North County Times joins the Modesto Bee as the second paper with a “vote your conscience” position.
October 20th, 2008
This is huge. The Arizona Republic is the state’s largest, most influential newspaper. It is also generally a conservative one. But in this morning’s edition, the editorial board of the Republic strongly urges that Arizona voters reject Prop 102. And they did so in surprisingly strong terms:
One of the best arguments against a proposed state constitutional amendment to ban same-sex marriage is this: Secretary of State Jan Brewer blocked ballot language that would have told voters that state law already prohibits such marriages.
If voters were clear on existing law, many might decide there’s no reason to adopt the amendment.
The Republic also doubts the sincerity of the “Yes” side’s claim that this is a “simple” amendment:
Refusing to recognize another state’s contracts brings up federal constitutional issues. What about other types of same-sex legal partnerships?
Lawyers could use up a lot of billable hours parsing the exact meaning of “union” and “marriage.”
Arizona must get beyond the acrimony fueled by the fight over Proposition 102.
…
Arizona could use strong advocates of marriage. They should spend their time and energy hunting for real ways to shore it up. Proposition 102 is a needless distraction. Voters should reject it.
The Republic joins these other Arizona newspapers in urging Arizona voters to reject Prop 102:
The fight isn’t over, nor is it won. We can defeat this so-called marriage amendment again, but only with your help. Our opponents are on track to raise more than ten million dollars, and if they win this time, they will most assuredly decide to go after California again in a couple of years. We need to send a message: when voters say no, they mean it. They’re not dumb.
Please give as generously as you can today.
October 20th, 2008
Christian Broadcasting Network’s Senior National Correspondent David Brody interviewed GOP vice presidential nominee Sarah Palin over the weekend for a segment scheduled to appear on Tuesday on the 700 Club. Here is what she had to say:
Brody: On Constitutional marriage amendment , are, are you for something like that?
Palin: I am, in my own, state, I have voted along with the vast majority of Alaskans who had the opportunity to vote to amend our Constitution defining marriage as between one man and one woman. I wish on a federal level that that’s where we would go because I don’t support gay marriage. I’m not going to be out there judging individuals, sitting in a seat of judgment telling what they can and can’t do, should and should not do, but I certainly can express my own opinion here and take actions that I believe would be best for traditional marriage and that’s casting my votes and speaking up for traditional marriage that, that instrument that it’s the foundation of our society is that strong family and that’s based on that traditional definition of marriage, so I do support that.
See also:
Joe Biden: “If I Lived In California, I’d Clearly Vote Against Prop 8”
October 19th, 2008
The Arizona Daily Star this morning urges its readers to vote no on Prop 102:
Proposition 102 is a divisive, discriminatory initiative that would threaten to erode the rights of same-sex couples if approved.
Arizona voters rejected a similar — though more far-reaching — proposition in 2006.
Furthermore, this proposition isn’t needed because state law already defines marriage as the union of one man and one woman. The state law has been challenged and upheld in court.
…
We see Proposition 102, fundamentally, as an attempt by conservatives to legislate morality. We urge a “no” vote on Proposition 102 and hope we don’t see a similar measure in 2010.
The Arizona Daily Star joins these newspapers in opposing Prop 102:
October 19th, 2008
The Yuma Sun recommends voting no on Prop 102:
For a shameful period of time in our nation, interracial marriage was forbidden. We now know that was abominably wrong. That illustrates, however, the dangerous path one treads when you allow the government to define “proper” marriage.
It is best to keep the government as far removed from marriage as possible, and we therefore cannot support Proposition 102, or the statutory limitation that currently exists.
The Sun joins these Arizona newspapers in opposing Prop 102:
October 19th, 2008
The video at top is the pro-Amendment 2 ad that has been unveiled for Florida. The video on the bottom is the pro-Prop 102 ad which has been running in Arizona for the past three weeks. Just for grins, click to play both of them at about the same time (as quickly in succession as you can at least) and see if you can spot the differences. There are a few, obviously reflecting the geographical and ethnic differences between the two states, but the similarities are startling.
[Hat tip: Tucson Observer blog]
October 18th, 2008
Not busy on Tuesday? Got an extra $25,000?
If so, run on over to Ron Burkle’s house for dinner. Melissa Etheridge will be singing, along with Mary J. Blige. You’ll get to chat up the celebs, expected to include Babs herself. It’s definitely A-List Hollywood.
Here’s hoping that Burkle’s party is full to overflowing and that guest have such a great time that they feel compelled to write a big check on top of the per-plate charge.
October 18th, 2008
A number of newspapers in Florida are now coming out in opposition to Amendment 2, Florida’s so-called “marriage amendment” to the state constitution. A few of those papers are:
Readers are encouraged to provide more links to Florida newspaper endorsements against Amendment 2 in the comments.
Update: Add to that the Lakeland Ledger.
Update: Here are some more, thanks to our commenters:
October 18th, 2008
A group of about fifty Mormons presented stacks about 300 letters and a petition to officials of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints yesterday opposing the church’s efforts in support of Proposition 8 in California.
The letters were bundled in fifteen stacks and wrapped in pink ribbons, to be split among the Mormon Church’s three-man First Presidency and twelve apostles. The group sang the Mormon hymn “As I Have Loved You, Love One Another” during the event.
The protesters also deposited several manila envelopes containing signatures on the petition. It asks the LDS Church to stop “political organizing efforts and financial support of attempts to use the government to restrict the secular and religious rights of gay and lesbian individuals and publicly retract their request that members of the LDS Church support such measures.” The group also delivered bunches of carnations representing people they say have lost their lives in the gay marriage debate. They were referring to suicides by gay Mormons.
“We urge LDS leaders to read these letters and listen to their words,” said Andrew D. Callahan, an LDS high priest in Nebraska, who organized an Internet petition drive for Mormons who oppose the amendment known as Proposition 8.
Callahan, you may recall, faces a disciplinary hearing for charges of “conduct unbecoming a member of the church and … apostasy.” That hearing was originally scheduled for September, but has been put off until after the elections. Callahan runs the web site Signing For Something, which features several statements from fellow Mormons opposing the church’s efforts on behalf of so-called “marriage amendments” in California and Arizona.
October 17th, 2008
CBS5 has a new SurveyUSA poll out today and it is not much different from the one released on October 6th.
The poll of 615 likely voters released Friday found that 48 percent favored Proposition 8, while 45 percent planned to vote against the measure. Seven percent said they were not yet certain.
The poll has a four percent margin of sampling error.
The last poll found that 47 percent in favor and 42 percent opposed. It is difficult to draw any conclusions from this new poll or to show any shift in the electorate.
As I said on the 6th, I don’t put much trust in the SurveyUSA polling methodology. And in reviewing the breakout, some things seem illogical. For example, voters age 50-64 are more likely to vote “no” than voters 18-34 or 35-49. This seems inconsistent with what socialogists have noted in trends of acceptance.
Additionally, this poll finds Asian-American voters opposing Prop 8 by 48% to 42%, while a recent survey of Asian-American voting intentions found opposition to be 57% to 32%.
However, this poll should inspire us to greater efforts.
October 17th, 2008
Ellen DeGeneres has been using her popular daytime talk show to get out the message that same-sex marriage is life-changing and beautiful. She has also recorded a 30 second message to spread the word, a message that was viewed 80,000 times.
Now the Sacramento Bee is reporting that she cares so much about getting out her message that she’s funding the airing of the ad.
Eddie Fernandez of the No on 8 campaign said DeGeneres is starting by purchasing $100,000 in air time for the ad.
This appeal, made and paid for by someone that listeners may feel that they know and love, may make this proposition personal for some viewers. I commend Ellen on her efforts and generosity.
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