California's top court overturns gay marriage ban

[Common Sense Al]

Isn't it nice to know that judges can overturn voter-approved bans? (sarcasm of course)

SAN FRANCISCO - In a monumental victory for the gay rights movement, the California Supreme Court overturned a voter-approved ban on gay marriage Thursday in a ruling that would allow same-sex couples in the nation's biggest state to tie the knot.

At least there was one "smart" judge:

In a dissenting opinion, Justice Marvin Baxter agreed with many arguments of the majority but said the court overstepped its authority. Changes to marriage laws should be decided by the voters, Baxter wrote. Justices Ming Chin and Carol Corrigan also dissented.

California's top court overturns gay marriage ban

So... are we a democracy or not? More and more it seems not.

[HEAD]

But it is OK for the president to try and change the constitution when it comes to gay marriage? I agree that the voter should decide. Hopefully Al, you would feel just as offended if the voter chooses something you do not agree on, say abortion, and the courts overturn the voter wishes. If the voter has the final decision, then it has to be that way for everything, not just the topics you agree with.

[take5]

So... are we a democracy or not? More and more it seems not.

Actually, we are a republic, not a democracy. (I know you knew this Al... just had to play devil's advocate.)

[Lantana07]

Good call, take5. We have a democratic system, but yes, we're a republic. In fact, any country not ruled by a birth-right moncarch are usually considered republics. China, Iran and Iraq are considered republics, though, so that ain't saying much.

[Common Sense Al]

So... are we a democracy or not? More and more it seems not.

Actually, we are a republic, not a democracy. (I know you knew this Al... just had to play devil's advocate.)

Depends on what definition you use for "democracy".

We are a democracy by this definition (and I would say, most definitions):
http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/democracy

[Common Sense Al]

But it is OK for the president to try and change the constitution when it comes to gay marriage? I agree that the voter should decide. Hopefully Al, you would feel just as offended if the voter chooses something you do not agree on, say abortion, and the courts overturn the voter wishes. If the voter has the final decision, then it has to be that way for everything, not just the topics you agree with.

Actually, in that case, the court would be right (morally) if they overturned the right to abortion and while I wouldn't like them making laws, I'd be very happy that lives were being saved.

[matj6876]

Here we go again.....

So - Mr & Mr Smith want to get married what harm are they doing you? For goodness sake get off you freakin' high horse and live and let live!

PS - I am assuming that you are really more bugged about the Gay Marriage issue than the huge democratic injustice?

[neighbor]

Isn't it nice to know that judges can overturn voter-approved bans? (sarcasm of course)

Well, we vote for judges, and for people that appoint judges. So who's really at fault?

[Common Sense Al]

So - Mr & Mr Smith want to get married what harm are they doing you?

Good, Catholic based information will tell you the harm that it does to society, children, and the family. No need to say more... if you really want to know, the info is definitely out there.

PS - I am assuming that you are really more bugged about the Gay Marriage issue than the huge democratic injustice?

I am not sure what I am bugged more by... but I'm bugged a lot by both.

Well, we vote for judges, and for people that appoint judges. So who's really at fault?

I'm sure the fault could be placed on both voters and judges... it would depend on the specific circumstances as to which was more at fault.

[matj6876]

Good, Catholic based information will tell you the harm that it does to society, children, and the family. No need to say more... if you really want to know, the info is definitely out there.

Please say more. I'd love to know what harm it does to you.

[Common Sense Al]

Please say more. I'd love to know what harm it does to you.

If it hurts society, children, and families, then it hurts all of us. But like I said, if you really want to know more, there's plenty of info on the net... just ask Google.

[matj6876]

Please say more. I'd love to know what harm it does to you.

If it hurts society, children, and families, then it hurts all of us. But like I said, if you really want to know more, there's plenty of info on the net... just ask Google.

So when it comes to vaccination it's to hell with your obligation to society it's what's best for your kid. But when it comes to Mr & Mr Smith, who do not affect you directly, wanting to legalize thier relationship so that they have the same rights as a Mr & Mrs Jones then you feel it's your obligation to treat them like second class citizens. Nice.

[slider701]

Please say more. I'd love to know what harm it does to you.

If it hurts society, children, and families, then it hurts all of us. But like I said, if you really want to know more, there's plenty of info on the net... just ask Google.

Once again the answers to the worlds problems are on the internet.....yipee!!

Vaccinations.....abortion.....gay marriage.....government out to get you....its all out there.............Al Gore invented it and it is all TRUE!!!! Just ask Michael Moore.

As for me....I have no problems with two gay guys marrying....let them experience all the fun all of us straight married folks enjoy...the petty arguments...trying to decide which tile to pick out, which shade of white will look best in a room.....who left the toilet seat up.....oops...that probably isn't a problem.

For the rest of you homophobic folks don't worry..........I'm sure it's a long way from Texas. California can keep them anyways along with all the other freaks.......maybe some day the state will fall off into the ocean when the big one hits and then Las Vegas will be closer to the ocean.

[Bacchus2b]

From what I understand about 10% of the population is gay, whether they admit it or not. I say let them be as happy as the rest of us in maritial bliss. (Besides it gives Al something to make another moral judgement about!).

Perhaps he should change his signiture to read "LantanaLinks Food Critic, Photojournalist, and Moral Compass!

Please take the following survey before responding: www.moralcompass.com/personal-mci.php

[linux_is_cool]

Lets see, gay marriage leads to possible adoption, since scientifically it is the only option, which means another child gets to live, which means one less abortion.

so Al, here is my question, would you rather see a child be aborted, homeless or mistreated to the point they were put in foster care? Or would you rather see a gay couple adopt that child and care for it and love it as if it were there own?