The Feds are coming

Stephanie Reynolds

I feel a change coming, and whether you like it or not same sex marriage is happening as we speak.  In recent months several states have been shot down by the federal government in regards to same sex marriage.  Over and over again the courts are telling us that it is infringing on the rights of same sex couples.  This is causing strife between state and federal courts.  All unnecessary, due to the fact that a higher court has gave the go ahead to issue license, and grant the marriage as legal and binding.  Judge Paul Kelley wrote "We should resist the temptation to become philosopher-kings, imposing our views under the guise of the 14th Amendment."  We as Americans continue to express our views and religious opinions without taking in to account the law.  In essence the state is breaking the law by not allowing same sex couples their legal right to marry.  As stated several times in the Huffington Post.

Even now with more exposer and understanding another change that is happening is the church acknowledging same sex couples should have the same rights as heterosexual couples.  The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, based in Salt Lake City, said it maintains marriage should be between a man and a woman, but believes "all people should be treated with respect." This is coming from a very religious state who has banned same sex marriage, but agrees there is a violation in rights when it comes to same sex marriage.

 

Riccardi, Nicholas, and McCombs, Brady, Huffington Post,” Federal court rules that gay couples have the constitutional right to marry “,Huffingtonpost.com,web. 25 June 2014.

 

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/06/25/gay-marriage-ruling_n_5531670.html

Divorce and the same sex couple

Stephanie Reynolds

Divorce and the unhappily married same sex couple.  They’ve tried everything to try and make it work.  Counseling, advice from friends and family but now they just want out.

In an article from the Christian Science Monitor, same sex couples not only have to fight for the right to marry but in some states that don’t recognize same sex marriages they have to fight for the right to divorce.  Apparently if you and your same sex spouse are married in a state that doesn’t recognize your marriage, and you chose to move to a state that does not, you may not be granted a divorce.  This problem can become very bothersome, time consuming and very expensive.
  

As noted in this article the couple in question has moved to Mississippi a state which doesn’t recognize same sex marriage and has a ban on same sex marriage.  They were married in California and now wish to divorce.  The couple has incurred a lot of expenses trying to get divorced, which most heterosexual couples do not.  Because the state won’t grant the divorce the have to travel to the state where the marriage took place.  Only to be informed that they have to be legal residents to have the divorce granted.  I don’t know about you but I just can’t pick up and move leave my job and everything I own just to get a divorce.  Czekala-Chatham states “why should I be treated differently, when there’s a courthouse right up the street.  I should be able to go there and get a divorce.”  I believe if your marriage is legal in one state, and you choose to divorce and have moved to another state, the same rights you had there should be upheld where ever you choose to live.

http://www.csmonitor.com/USA/Justice/2014/0904/Gay-marriage-bans-in-Wisconsin-Indiana-struck-down-as-unconstitutional-video

                                                                     Work cited

Crary, David, Associated press, Mohr, Holbrook, Associated press, “Same sex couples fight for right to divorce”, www.csmonitor.com, web.1 December 2013.

The rights are equal

Stephanie Reynolds

The topic of the right to marry is a controversial topic to say the least.  Everyone has their own personal take on the issue.  The most highly ranked of them all is the right to marry equal for all.  Has same sex couples rights been violated when it comes to the matter of marriage.  CNN supreme court producers has some great insight on the issue.

Coming from a neutral standpoint, and basing all facts on the laws that are currently in place.  Fact is whether same sex or heterosexual, anyone has the legal right to marry.  You may apply for and obtain a marriage license.  You have the right choose any destination you can afford and that's available. Within 17 states in the United States of America.

Now let’s get to where some get confused on the law.  The law states that anyone whether homosexual or heterosexual have the same right to marry.  If this is the case then why are so many states still against same sex marriage.

The answer lies in three reasons.  The first being religion.  People for years have placed their religious beliefs on others,  as long  as the existence of religion.  Religion guides many decisions made by people every day.  But your religious beliefs are your beliefs, and can cause discrimination against those that don't share the same beliefs.

The next reason is personal reasons, which has no place in law making.  When congress passed laws such as the right to marry, many times it is from personal experience or views that sways their decisions.  Now that is a direct violation in rights.  When in a position as such, only the law should apply.

Last but not least is political standpoint.  Politicians run campaigns based on whether or not they will pass bills in relation to same sex marriage.  They make promises to never let such a thing happen in their state. Which is unethical and draws people further apart.

"Barring individuals from marrying and depriving them of the rights, protections, and responsibilities of civil marriage solely because of their sexual orientation violates the Equal Protection Clause," New Mexico Supreme Court. Then what’s the hold up on the other states of the union I ask?

Work cited

Mears, Bill,CNNSupreme Court producer,” New Mexico high court rules same sex couples have right to marry”,politicalticker.blogs.cnn.com, web. 19 December 2013.

http://www.cnn.com/video/data/2.0/video/us/2010/07/07/hi.gov.vetoes.civil.unions.bill.cnn.html