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6 HOUSTON VOICE / MAY 31. 1996
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OF"
In My Own
Voice ^ve^t^^eu
Lesbians and Gays are
without Due Process
The possibility of the State of Hawaii
legalizing same-sex marriages has
caused quite a stir among religious radicals. They think that their institution of
marriage is somehow threatened by two
men or two women being able to marry one
another. While many of us very much want
this right and are watching hopefully for
passage of the Hawaiian law, we are not
very optimistic.
By expanding the marriage contract
between two consenting adults and the
State to include same-sex couples is not
only granting rights, but additionally
conveys the responsibilities
involved in such a partnership. Taxes,
insurance coverage, rights of inheritance, and other financial responsibilities would be matters that would make
their marriages advantageous to everyone. Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and
Transgendered persons are denied
certain rights of citizenship in Ihis
country the same as convicted criminals. Criminals are allowed to marry
another consenting adult (of the other
gender), while they are incarcerated,
even if both parties are in prison. While
our sexual relations are considered
criminal in some states, we do not hive lo
be ftiund guilty in a court of law to be denied
nur rights. We are without due process. If
we are in fact criminals, then charge us
with a crime. But do not deny us, other-
wise. law abiding, tax paying citizens
our constitutional rights based on the
prejudice and discrimination sanctioned by and perpetuated by some people's so called "religious beliefs." The
judgment of our morality by these close-
minded homophobes is hugely offensive
to the many people of faith in the L/G/B/T
Community and to all of us who believe in
separation of Church and State. The
Metropolitan Community Church of
the Resurrection founded by Gay Minister Rev. Troy Perry along with other
denominations, recognize same-sex
partnership with "Holy Unions" or
"Commitment Ceremonies." These
include branches of more mainstream
churches, such as Unitarian Universalis!, Methodists. Lutheran. Episcopalian, & Presbyterian as well as some
Jewish synagogues. The truth is that
same-sex marriages already exist in terms
of religious rituals, but none are recognized as legal in any of the United
States. First cousins are not permitted
to marry one another in some states, hut if
first cousins marry in a state where it is
legal, their marriage is recognized in all
50 states. Many states have already started
proposing laws that would mean samesex marriages performed legally in any
other state would not he recognized in
that state.
At least five to seven legal documents
have to be drafted between same-sex
domestic partners in order to establish
protections that are granted automatically to male/female couples when
they marry. Even then, we are not afforded
the same privileges or protections
granted in legal marriage. If the downfall
of civilization being caused by homosexuality were the case, as some have
charged, it would have happened a long
time ago, as it has existed as long as humankind and is historically well documented.
The love and commitment I have with my
partner, equals if not surpasses any such
partnership between a man and a woman.
We get up in the morning, go to our jobs,
spend time with our friends and families,
are active in the community, grocery
shop, do our housework, pay our bills.
take care of each other if we are ill, etc.—
just like other families. If anyone is
frightened by such ordinary day to day
life, then I am very sorry for them. Our sexuality is a private matter between the
two of us and need nol concern them.
In addition to the right to have our intimate relationships honored in legal
marriages throughout this country, all
sodomy laws should be repealed. Lesbians. Gays, Bisexuals and Transgendered individuals should be allowed to
serve openly in service to their country in
the military if that is their choosing.
President Clinton needs to reassert his
promise of eliminating the Military
Ban instead of letting the ridiculous
"Don't Ask, Don't Tell" policy continue. Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgendered service members have and
DO, serve (heir country with honor and
dignity. The United States Government
has no business legitimizing discrimination. No one is asking for special
rights, we are only asking for protection
from discrimination. We want the right
to our homes, our jobs, our children, and
our pursuit of happiness. Our very lives
are at stake, as evidenced by the rise in
hate-crimes against L/G/B/T in this country. That is the bottom-line of the so-
called 'Homosexual Agenda."
How can anyone so smart say
something so dumb?
Former Rhodes Scholar and President
of the United States, Bill Clinton-
quoted from newsconference in May
1996
'Well, first of all, as I understand it.
what the bill does — let's make it clear.
As I understand it, what the bill does is to
state that marriage is an institution
between a man and a woman, that, amoiij]
other things, is used to bring children
into the world, but the legal effect ol die
bill—as I understand it, the only legal
effect of the bill is to make it clear that
states can deny recognition of gay marriages that occurred in other states. And if
that's all it does, then I will sign il. Now,
having said that, I do not favor discrimination against people because they're
homosexual.'
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