wow...was that english? america is screwed with people like you in it.

I don't "support" it either, Trevor ~ but neither do I feel commissioned by any authority to condemn those who do. I am fully aware of the biblical admonitions and the beliefs held by those who embrace those admonitions but our societal laws are grounded in the Constitution, not a religious doctrine of any form. Ultimately the matter of Equal Protection will wind its way to SCOTUS which will be forced to render a decision. It is worthy of note that the Equal Protection Clause is asexual and gender neutral. I suspect that state initiatives to circumvent Roe v Wade will force the court to clarify that issue just as bans on same sex marriage will ultimately be confronted by the federal judiciary. The issue of states' rights does not trump the constitutional guarantee of equal protection under the law. The sooner both issues are clarified, the better.

The fact that same-sex marriages should be legally supported in all states is what is afforded to all people by the Constitution. The Constitution does not state that you have the right to "life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness" only if you are a heterosexual. That statement is meant for all individuals regardless of their sexual orientation. And sexual orientation is not something that you "chose" is it a biological trait that is there from birth. Individuals have no more control over their sexual orientation than they do the color of their skin.

I suggest doing some more research and actually read the Constitution. It says nothing about "life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness". That language is contained in our Declaration of Independence.

Trevor

Is your position that adherents to the bible should be denied the opportunity for equal access to the benefits of marriage, but non-believers should not be prohibited?

Seems like if you want to use the Judaic/Christian biblical tradition as a basis for legislation, it should only apply to the believers.

Hey Mr. uninformed. News flash you don't have to support or be happy or anything about it but guess what, it is a basic right all people have. Is it a coincedence that the same southern block of states that was against interracial marriage are now against gay marriage. Unless you are a member of the right wing religious nut house, civil rights based on race and sexual orientation are the same principle.

Just because something makes you uncomfortable doesn't mean its not right.

Are you saying the Declaration of Independence is not an important document to our country. That the very principles that guided our founding fore fathers to create this great nation should be ignored? Whether it states it in the Constitution or the Declaration makes no difference discrimination and hate is discrimination and hate no matter how you slice it. BTW please point to the part of the Constitution that defines marriage for us...

Trevor G Free

you have got to be the biggest idiot alive WOW...Learn to spell you ignorant fool, you should not be allowed to have kids. All these bible banging fools need to die...wow are you stupid

WOW...you have got to be the biggest idiot alive, how can you be this stupid LEARN TO SPELL moron. You should not be allowed to have kids you are to stupid. these bible banging morons need to die...WOW is there anyway we can get rid of the south.

Excuse me, dmbass, but maybe you should get an education yourself. You are too stupid to correct anyone. And are you suggesting a final solution for Christians like Hitler did for the Jews? Do you want to build some gas chambers and fire up the ovens again? Is that what the left is leaning toward? You make the left look pretty bad. If you disagree with Trevor, fine. Say so like some others have. Trevor has presented some extreme views worthy of criticism. But the abuse you present here is outrageous and should be considered hate speech. You appear to be advocating genocide. Maybe you should shut up.

By trying to stop us from getting married, you ARE forcing your Bible down our throats. By demanding equal rights, we're not forcing anything on you. Well, okay, we're forcing you to be civil and accepting, but apparently you consider that a bad thing. By the definition of the word, you, Trevor, are, in fact, a bigot.

@ Trevor being gay is not about race, but it is the same prejudice. the black people were not accepted, or allowed certain rights because they were born the wrong color according to many. The gay people are not accepted, and denied rights also because they were born to find the same sex attractive to them. I had my first crush on a girl at age 5 and it continued that way all my life. Baby I was born this way. So it may not be racism but it is preceived the same way. The prejudice is the same in a sense. Just because you do not like something or agree with it does not give anyone of you the right to deny any american what another american has. It is unconstitutional to deny any man or woman any RIGHT based on color or whom they are attracted to and love!!! So you do not support homosexuality ok thats your right to opinion. i respect that but in the midst of your opinion do not deny me any rights because you believe a certain way. America was not meant for that...it was meant for freedom for ALLL!!!!!!!!!!

Way to stand up Mr President

Ok, enough is enough ~ We are never going to be able to change the minds of the people who have made a choice to dishonor God and live a life with the same sex. Obvious they do not want to change, although many do & have come forward and admit that there distructive lifestyles were a sin according to our God.

All the gays have to do is read the Bible and they will see that being gay is a sin and they are headed for damnation. It makes me sad for them, and wonder just why they don" want to go to Heaven & live a new wonderful life for all eternity...???????

You are absolutely free to believe what you wish, but the Constitution is the governing document and gives us certain rights that everyone has from a legal perspective. Even Obama said this issue is up to state legislators to decide.

so let me create laws which uplift these unrepresented masses who need them?

Even Obama said this issue is up to state legislators to decide.

Obama is right to stand up for Equal Rights - even brave to do so, considering this is such a wedge issue during an election year. But Equal Rights/Civil Rights are never state issues. Equality under the Law is a federal doctrine, and civil rights are always a matter of constitutionality at the Federal level.

It would be similar to saying "interracial marriage" is up to state legislators to decide.

I respect him more because he LISTENED. He took his time to think about it. Not based on a book, but real people. I believe him 100% when he said he didn't know the effect of not allowing gay marriage. I know this because I've talked to a lot of straight people who didn't realize. I've watched people (Christian's even!) think about how things REALLY are for a group of people they only had assumptions about. When they finally came back to me to talk about it, and thank me for being open enough to have the discussion and how it changed their point of view I certainly didn't think they'd "flip flopped" on the issue. Ignorance breeds hate. Like many straight folks, our President thought that "separate but equal" was good enough. He didn't know. He's had time. He's spoken to many people, and many gay couples have written to him on the subject. It's hard for a straight person to REALLY listen... even harder to accept he was wrong. He has, though. Once a person learns a truth, that truth can't be ignored. I have no reason to believe he'll go back to believing that 'separate' is OK.

@MikeMacD

So you never grew up or went from not thinking something was OK, to finally learning and realize it is?

You talk about the Bible, as many do, but forget to mention a huge fact from the Bible. God gave man freewill, the ability to think and decide for themselves and the ability to choose to follow his word and come to him. With that said, who are you or any religious person to go against the decision GOD made and is written right in the beginning of the Bible? Remember God will be the one deciding on YOUR actions too. God gave man freewill you have no place to go against Gods decision in following your Bible.

As far as going back and forth, the flip flopper Willard has no match... yet you'll vote for him???? The man with one conviction to gain as much money and power for himself as he can? Can you say hypocrite any louder?

So straight people who believe in "equality" are all secretly gay? I suppose those that supported civil rights for blacks were all secretly black, then? You CAN be fair to others without BEING the 'other' (person). Oh, and I HAVE a license that says I'm married to my wife... but I didn't need it to have sex with her. Do straight people need a license to have sex??

And personally, I disagree with homosexuality and it has nothing to do with the Bible (apathetic towards religion). A big part of it has to do with the fact that two men will NEVER be able to reproduce. I am not talking about infertility issues either. No matter what, two men will never naturally be able to reproduce.

That's fine, but what does that have to do with marriage? Reproducing has NEVER been a requirement of any marriage in the US -- which is why millions of straight couples who either cannot have children, or choose not to have children, still get married, and are not required to divorce. So, why does the inability to reproduce apply here, but not to other marriages?

Your hate is showing. You don't want to admit it -- but it is.

Cheers!

If Pride makes you uncomfortable, then don't go! I was in Pride a few years ago. Right where the parade started, there were a bunch of bible bangers yelling and calling names. Maybe they didn't realize it wouldn't have much effect, as we go through this all the time. Pride is OUR celebration... because we're treated like crap a lot of the time and this is our time to get together and be OK in our own element. It also allows us to learn of organizations, political groups, etc. Trust me... it's not about you.

My wife and I got married in Vermont. When I fill out ANY government form I have to lie and put that I'm single. That goes against my beliefs... but it's not important to you. Being able to have kids has NOTHING to do with marriage. It's not a requirement for anyone. You don't have to concern yourself with whether or not you like gays, because no one asked you to. You love who you love, and I'll love who I love, OK?

On choice.. when did you decide NOT to be gay? Do you make the choice to be straight every single day? If it's not a choice for you.. and you liked the opposite sex for as long as you can remember, then WHY do you people insist on saying it's a choice for us? That doesn't add up. Either sexual preference is a choice or it's not. I haven't seen a single person yet (except Bi-sexuals) say they CHOOSE to be straight. They just are. Right?? So please stop talking like you know what it's like to walk in our shoes. You don't. It's not a choice. No one chooses to live a life where so many people hate you, call you names, threaten you, etc. NO ONE!! So yes, it IS a civil rights issue.... just like race. I'm tired of people ignoring the 14th Amendment. I'm tired of Christians saying we're going to hell. Who cares if we don't believe in your religion? Your religion is between you and your god. No one is telling straight people that they can't get married and get all the state and federal benefits. Since I've been married, I've not caused any harm to any straight person or their marriage. It's just not happening. Equality under the law needs to happen.... or our Constitution and Declaration of Independence mean nothing.

Again, why is my personal opinion wrong if it's the way I feel? You guys are so freaking hypocritical and that is what really pisses me off. You advocate tolerance for homosexuality, but you have no tolerance for people who do not agree with it.

I have never voted against homosexuality or for it because I don't feel that it is MY right to tell anybody what they can and cannot do. But I will not be afraid to state my views on it and I will certainly not be told to be tolerant by people who cannot respect my difference in opinion.

Being able to reproduce and continue populating the world is important to ME. I shouldn't have to defend my point of view just as you shouldn't have to defend yours.

The bottom line is that this should be a non issue in a time that the world has so much problem and quite frankly I am really sick of gay and straight people alike bringing this crap to the forefront. Marriage in itself is barely sacred anymore due to the declining morality of our society and you are busy concerning yourselves with allowing more people to get married and continue making a mockery of it when the institution of marriage is in trouble already?

If it makes you feel any better, it is not about you being gay that I don't like. It is that you continue to put it at the forefront of everyone's minds when truly, you are the ones making it a bigger issue than it needs to be.

In early Greece, homosexuality was very prevalent and basically excepted. I am sure you had people back then that did not agree with it, but no one made a big deal of it. Why? Because they were not out flaunting their lifestyle every chance they got and making every slight towards them about homosexuality. You didn't have young kids at the age of 12 years old killing themselves because they couldn't handle the "stress" of being gay. Even if you don't feel that being gay is a choice, the way you act IS a choice. I have seen the sudden "transformation" when people decide to come out. And I have also seen men who come out and continue behaving as they always have. Again, homosexuality does not need to define the way you act and who you are.

Oh and trust me, after my first "Pride" parade I wouldn't go back. I'm sure that there is a lot of informative information, but that is not how it comes across. I'm sure if it were actually treated as solely and informative, political gathering instead of just a party, more people would try to come and get educated.

Marriage is a wonderful thing, but just like many straight people, you are over glorifying it because you can't get it right now. There are many people in other countries that are having a hard time getting the most basic rights. At least here right now you have states that will allow you to get married and I'm sorry but if your rights need to change based on the state you are in than maybe you should really consider where you want to live for the time being.

Personally I feel that even when gay marriage does become legal everywhere, you still won't be happy. It will still be about you feeling hated, discriminated against, or something new. You want to change people's minds and that will never happen. You can only hope that the family and friends you have will support you. But you need to stop looking for an amen from everyone else.

The sickening part of this, is that thanks to the over dramatic reaction to the President's statement, many people will rally behind him solely on this. Thank you for making this election all about you.

@Dmorgan,

Why do I have to hate because of how I feel? Trust me if I truly hated gay people I would have no problem to admit it.

My parents taught me to be tolerant, not to back down on how I feel. I disagree with gay marriage and the lifestyle in general and I have no problem voicing that. I live in an area where homosexuality is prevalent and many of my clients and coworkers are gay. They know how I feel, and sure sometimes we argue about it (mainly when this kind of thing shows up in the news) but for the most part we joke about it and focus on other things. I don't think you should hate people because of their lifestyle. People make their own choices and have to answer for it alone.

I more have an issue gay people who attack others because they don't agree with them. Not very tolerant, don't you think?

Personally, though I would be kind of offended if I were gay with this announcement. Like many other groups in the past, they are just serving as pawns in a political game.

LOL. Whenever something like this comes up, we suddenly become a society that can only focus on four or five things, and screw the rest.

The sheer number of straights who engage in anal sex is far above gays, even if every gay person did it.

So, chill out, hon.

Besides, you don't have to watch, so stop dwelling on it.

Thank you. You've spoken with sheer rational points. It's very nice to see a straight person who understands the truth of the matter.

Let me guess, they are rational because they agree with you?

I (for one) am NOT a Christian, I don't believe in your god. So, no, I don't think about it. My religion is based much more on science and what I can see. I don't require you to stop believing what you do, so stop thinking that everyone should believe as you do. If you want to think there's a heaven and hell that's OK with me. No proof... but OK. Whatever gets you through the night.

So you weren't born straight? How old were you when you made the decision to be straight? Is it hard to ignore the gay thoughts? You yourself said sexuality is a choice... so I'm waiting...

I AM married (and gay).. have been for ten great years! We've raised three kids. Kids who are secure not only in their sexuality (they're all straight... just like my parents are), but they also believe that everyone should have equal rights. They believe that it's OK to love whoever you love. They've never been any different than any other kids. You can't pick them out of a group of kids raised by straight people... unless you count the ones who hate. The kids gays adopt are "poor little children" because their straight parents beat them, starved them, burned them, didn't want them, etc. Gay families take in what the straight community has thrown away. We don't have 'unwanted' children. Those of us that do want kids go through a lot to have them. I think you should look into Buddhism. It's a religion based on compassion for others. It's really what you need.

Now Now Jag,

Pretty harsh wording, I felt I was gentle in what I said, and what I know God wants me to be.

Your religion is based on Science, and what you can see, so you feel you have to see to believe?

Did you know that the word "Faith" means: believing without seeing?

Oh yes I believe there is a Heaven & a Hell. I would prefer to die "believing" and find out there was nothing, ~ Then die "not believing" and find out there was.....

I never stated that everyone should believe the same way I do, My belief is based on Gods word and what his plans are for me in my life, Others can believe what they want to believe..

Yes I was born in the image of my Heavenly Father, (call it straight if you wish) and I do not believe that God is gay based upon his words..

The kids gays adopt are "poor little children" that have all been mistreated? I don't believe that, That is categorizing. I am adopted and I think we (adopted) are the best, lol

When I say sexuality is a choice, I mean that you chose to be gay, you were not born gay, it was/is your choice.

So your kids think all should have equal rights, I agree with you but not when it has anything to do with what it says in the Bible.

Yes I believe that you must go through a lot of "red tape" to be able to adopt, because of your life style I bet they make it so so hard for you.

Buddhism, I really know nothing about that, I try and steer away from the word "religion" that to me is man made.

Jag, I do not mean to come accross as a know-it-all, because I do not know all, none of us do.....

I think you and I could go round-and-round about all of this, because of our differences/beliefs

I am happy for you that you have found your partner, and it has been great. 10 years is along time.....

I am sorry if I offended you in anyway, sometimes I think I just see things thru a straw and don't see the whole picture....

AMEN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

So you chose to be straight. You sound bitter and unhappy with your choice. Maybe you should choose again. I don't believe for a minute that you have a single friend that's gay. OR you've lied about how you really feel. So your biggest fear is that the entire population is going to 'turn gay' and that will be the end of the human race in 50-100 years? Let's say that could happen for a minute. In 50-100 years you won't even be alive...so how is that your concern? Back to reality....

The human race will at some point probably be wiped out. It will not be from gays, it will be from nuclear war. The US didn't "create" gays and lesbians. Nature did. There are gays/lesbians in every single country of the world. There are other countries who have gay marriage... on a federal level. They are still OK, and there are still plenty of straight people to have kids, unwanted pregnancies, give their kids away, abuse their kids until they're taken away, etc. There are also plenty of couple breeding like rabbits...so you don't have to worry about the population. Humans aren't the only "animal" on the planet to have a same sex preference population. So your "unnatural" argument is bunk.

Try as I might, I've never been able to get my wife into a dress. So that blows that theory of yours out of the water, too. Just like straight people, we are attracted to whoever we're attracted to. I don't like butch looking females...so I married a more femme female. The only 'threat' I've ever posed to straight people is the complaints I get from the men at my wife's work. They claim I make them "look bad" because I send roses, etc. to her at work on special occasions. I dress how I'm comfortable. So do most of the people I know. Yes, I've seen plenty of couples where both appeared the same in how they dressed, etc. This applies both to straight and gay couples.

I guess you think that straight, married people who don't have children (or can't) are "unnatural". I think you should go after them. While you're at it, the divorce rate in straight marriages is over half. I think you need to focus on them. Seems to me you're spending a lot of time thinking about gay relationships. Why is that?? THAT seems to be the only question that you really need to answer. Oh, and before you decide to be gay, you may want to work on your thoughts about gays. Self loathing really isn't any way to live!