62 replies to this topic

[SteelSammy]

I live in the fair state of North Carolina, the 12th state in the Union. Currently, some in-state politicians have a brilliant idea that they say will help our state- let's ban something that is already illegal. Yes, I mean that.

Amendment 1, which is being voted on TODAY by the populace, is an amendment to the State Constitution banning gay marriage. Think of how monumental this is- through over 230 years as a state, this is the FIRST amendment to the state constitution. That would imply that there have been no bigger problems in the State for 230 years. And by the way, it's completely useless at the moment, since it outlaws something already illegal.

Well, it does a few other things too. It strips all benefits away from unmarried couples, gay or straight, if they were receiving benefits through their partners. It also makes civil unions and domestic partnerships worthless.

Now, I might be a little biased to this law, because I am gay, but it sounds like the shittiest idea that could possibly be conceived, and only has a chance of passing because of the lack of intelligence and wealth of bigots in this state.

[AlteredFormula]

All of those things aside... I still dont understand why people are so offended by gay marriage or gay people in general?! It just seems retarded that in 2012 people are still so against it... I'm no politician, but doesnt that impact on human rights in some way by now?

Wait... I suppose gay people arent classed as humans though?!

[Maitre]

simple ... change state ... there are 49 other states or you might also consider Canada.

[Chambers35]

All of those things aside... I still dont understand why people are so offended by gay marriage or gay people in general?! It just seems retarded that in 2012 people are still so against it... I'm no politician, but doesnt that impact on human rights in some way by now?

Wait... I suppose gay people arent classed as humans though?!

Exactly what I think. I mean, we're supposed to be the smartest species on Earth...and we still think Gay relations should be illegal

[DanielVT]

Wow, this is a very touchy subject. I could flat out state my opinion, but I probably would get banned. All I am going to say is that I do not dislike gays, but I do not agree with what they do. In the end, it is their choice and not mine, and like all human beings, they have every right to make their own decisions. However, if I understand the post correctly, it does seem redundant to vote to make illegal, something that already is. Bureocracy!! lol

[AndroidFox]

Wow, this is a very touchy subject. I could flat out state my opinion, but I probably would get banned. All I am going to say is that I do not dislike gays, but I do not agree with what they do.

As long as you keep your opinions to yourself there won't be any issues. I'm assuming you're a Catholic, yes?

[DanielVT]

As long as you keep your opinions to yourself there won't be any issues. I'm assuming you're a Catholic, yes?

Nope, not Catholic at all. Kingdom.

For the record, I should be allowed to say whatever I want whenever I want within reason. However, I am using discretion and willingly not saying much.

[PSXtreme_]

As long as you keep your opinions to yourself there won't be any issues.

[skidmarkgn]

As long as you keep your opinions to yourself there won't be any issues. I'm assuming you're a Catholic, yes?

Or, he could state his opinion and we could all respect the fact that it is his opinion.

On topic, if the citizens of your state choose to pass the amendment (I have to say that i don't agree with your assessment of bigotry and stupidity being the sole reasons though) then you always have the option of leaving. I know that it would be a HUGE untertaking with close ties having to possibly be severed but there are places that will not only accept, but embrace your sexuality. I live in Washington State myself and I'm pretty sure that Seattle would welcome you with open arms.

[xHeartlessKiddx]

This is why there should NEVER be religious people in any sort of government. Leave people be and do whatever the fuck they want and do try to force their hand (no pun intended) because you believe in any sort of 'God'. This actually makes it seem like they want to BE 'God'. Even though i'm not gay myself, being gay is a natural thing and not a disease. I don't see why racism is frowned upon but sexism is normal to so many people.

[Dark_Knight]

All I am going to say is that I do not dislike gays, but I do not agree with what they do.

What do they do that that you disagree with? I'm not trying to flame just looking for an honest answer.

[skidmarkgn]

This is why there should NEVER be religious people in any sort of government. Leave people be and do whatever the fuck they want and do try to force their hand (no pun intended) because you believe in any sort of 'God'. This actually makes it seem like they want to BE 'God'. Even though i'm not gay myself, being gay is a natural thing and not a disease. I don't see why racism is frowned upon but sexism is normal to so many people.

Saying a religious person can't have a gov't job is just as discriminatory as anything else. That's why things like this are put to a vote by the people.

Also 'sexism' is gender based, it has nothing to do with your sexuality.

[DanielVT]

Saying a religious person can't have a gov't job is just as discriminatory as anything else. That's why things like this are put to a vote by the people.

Also 'sexism' is gender based, it has nothing to do with your sexuality.

A very good opinion and a well thought out statement indeed!

What do they do that that you disagree with? I'm not trying to flame just looking for an honest answer.

Jarred, I shall pm you later tonight or tomorrow. I will give you an answer, but I don't want to start a commotion here, so I will keep it private.

This is why there should NEVER be religious people in any sort of government. Leave people be and do whatever the fuck they want and do try to force their hand (no pun intended) because you believe in any sort of 'God'. This actually makes it seem like they want to BE 'God'. Even though i'm not gay myself, being gay is a natural thing and not a disease. I don't see why racism is frowned upon but sexism is normal to so many people.

Wow buddy, you have got some serious misguided irritation. This is the problem with society. Christians and conservatives/Republicans/Tea Partiers are shunned, and the controversial liberals, and the LBGT movement is accepted as people are worried about saying something that would deem them a "hater". It is really pathetic. I am a Christian, or rather a Kingdom person (confusing to some I know). I can take all the heat sent at me. It does not make my attackers haters, as they are just expressing their opinion. People just need to cool off. The world is made out of a gazillion opinions. Just because people don't share the same belief does not mean they need to dislike each other. As my grandmother said, different opinions is what makes the world spin!

[xHeartlessKiddx]

Saying a religious person can't have a gov't job is just as discriminatory as anything else. That's why things like this are put to a vote by the people.

Also 'sexism' is gender based, it has nothing to do with your sexuality.

I do not agree. Religion is something unrelated to the person itself and actually goes against social acceptance and morals of other people. That is why in politics religion should not be a part of anything. Also sexism is based on gender and sexuality.

A very good opinion and a well thought out statement indeed!



Jarred, I shall pm you later tonight or tomorrow. I will give you an answer, but I don't want to start a commotion here, so I will keep it private.



Wow buddy, you have got some serious misguided irritation. This is the problem with society. Christians and conservatives/Republicans/Tea Partiers are shunned, and the controversial liberals, and the LBGT movement is accepted as people are worried about saying something that would deem them a "hater". It is really pathetic. I am a Christian, or rather a Kingdom person (confusing to some I know). I can take all the heat sent at me. It does not make my attackers haters, as they are just expressing their opinion. People just need to cool off. The world is made out of a gazillion opinions. Just because people don't share the same belief does not mean they need to dislike each other. As my grandmother said, different opinions is what makes the world spin!

Like I always say, I don't have any beef with any 'God', I just have beef with their followers. Don't get me wrong I don't 'hate' any religious persons and I am not a hater of religion, but I am thoroughly convinced that religion should not take part in politics or any constitution of any country ever. Most religious comments already go against tons and tons of rights people have and it just keeps getting worse. Religion right now is going against everything we as a species stand for.

[PSXtreme_]

I live in the fair state of North Carolina, the 12th state in the Union. Currently, some in-state politicians have a brilliant idea that they say will help our state- let's ban something that is already illegal. Yes, I mean that.

Amendment 1, which is being voted on TODAY by the populace, is an amendment to the State Constitution banning gay marriage. Think of how monumental this is- through over 230 years as a state, this is the FIRST amendment to the state constitution. That would imply that there have been no bigger problems in the State for 230 years. And by the way, it's completely useless at the moment, since it outlaws something already illegal.

Well, it does a few other things too. It strips all benefits away from unmarried couples, gay or straight, if they were receiving benefits through their partners. It also makes civil unions and domestic partnerships worthless.

Now, I might be a little biased to this law, because I am gay, but it sounds like the shittiest idea that could possibly be conceived, and only has a chance of passing because of the lack of intelligence and wealth of bigots in this state.

It might help if you actually know your state history before brandishing such bold statements.

Through its history, North Carolina has had three Constitutions: the Constitution of 1776, the Constitution of 1868, and the Constitution of 1971.
Constitution of 1776

The Fifth Provincial Congress ratified the first constitution in December 1776. This draft was not submitted to a vote of the people, but was accompanied by a Declaration of Rights. Although the constitution affirmed the separation of power between the three branches of government, the General Assembly held the true power. Until 1836, the General Assembly members were the only state officials who were elected by the people. The General Assembly picked Judges, the Governor and the members in the Council of State. Judges had life terms and governors had a one-year term. The Governor had little power and in many cases needed the consent of the Council of State to exercise the power that the office did hold. The Governor was also held to strict term limits; a person could only hold the office three terms in every six years. The constitution established a judicial branch, but did not well define this branch's structure. The constitution also lacked a system of local government. Universal suffrage was not an element of this constitution. Only landowners could vote for Senators until 1857. To hold state office required land ownership until 1868.

Dissatisfied with the central role of the General Assembly, a state constitutional convention was called in 1835. Out of the convention came many amendments. Among those changes was fixing the membership of the Senate and House at their present levels, 50 and 120. Also, the office of Governor became popularly elected. The convention’s proposed changes were adopted by vote of the people on November 9, 1835.

The Convention of 1861–62 was called to revise the constitution to remove North Carolina from the United States. The procedure used to amend the constitution did not need vote of the people, a procedure that was active until removed in 1971.
Constitution of 1868

In 1865, Governor Holden called for a Conference to write a new Constitution; it was rejected by a popular vote. Two years later, they reconvened. The new Constitution gave more power to the people and to the governor.

From 1869 through 1968, there were submitted to the voters of North Carolina a total of 97 propositions for amending the Constitution of the State. All but one of these proposals originated in the General Assembly. Of those 97 amendment proposals, 69 were ratified by the voters and 28 were rejected by them. Due to the many amendments, many provisions in the constitution became antiquated, obsolete and ambiguous. Simply, the document had become difficult to read and interpret. By 1971, there were 200 state agencies.
Constitution of 1971

The draft that later became the Constitution of 1971 began with a study into needed changes by the North Carolina State Bar in 1967. The study outlined a vastly improved and easily-ratifiable document. The draft constitution logically organized topics and omitted obviously unconstitutional sections. The language and syntax was also updated and standardized. The study separated from the main document several amendments that it felt were necessary, but were potentially controversial. The main document passed the General Assembly in 1969 with only one negative vote in seven roll-call votes. On November 3, 1970, the proposed Constitution of 1971 was approved by a vote of 393,759 to 251,132.

Since the Constitution of 1971, there have been over twenty amendments. The majority of these amendments extends the rights of citizens and extends the government the ability to issue bond. The following are significant amendments made since the 1971 constitution:

• Prohibiting all capitation and poll tax.
• Omitting the limitation of $0.20 of property tax on the $100 valuation.
• Creating a state income tax to be computed on the same basis as the federal income tax
• Allowing the Governor and Lieutenant Governor to serve two consecutive terms (previously, office holders were limited to one term).
• Requiring the state run a balanced budget.
• Requiring judges to be lawyers.
• Adding Victims Rights to the Declaration of Rights.
• Giving the Governor the veto power.
• Prohibiting a person convicted of a felony from holding the office of county sheriff

The classification of Amendment One does not signify the first ever amendment, but the 1st proposed amendment for this legislative year. The entire state constitution has been completely changed twice along with numerous amendments attached to all three versions. The reason why the legislature is looking to add it to the constitution is to keep the Judicial branch from being able to over-rule the already established law. Finally...I always find it humorous that Liberals are always for Democracy, until it works against them. That 1 person - 1 vote ain't such a great idea when you are not in the majority. So then, when Democracy fails, fascism is undertaken in having the courts over-rule the majority and rewrite laws passed by the legislature.

[DanielVT]

I do not agree. Religion is something unrelated to the person itself and actually goes against social acceptance and morals of other people. That is why in politics religion should not be a part of anything. Also sexism is based on gender and sexuality.



Like I always say, I don't have any beef with any 'God', I just have beef with their followers. Don't get me wrong I don't 'hate' any religious persons and I am not a hater of religion, but I am thoroughly convinced that religion should not take part in politics or any constitution of any country ever. Most religious comments already go against tons and tons of rights people have and it just keeps getting worse. Religion right now is going against everything we as a species stand for.

I may not completely agree with you, but it is a valid point nonetheless!

[skidmarkgn]

I do not agree. Religion is something unrelated to the person itself and actually goes against social acceptance and morals of other people. That is why in politics religion should not be a part of anything. Also sexism is based on gender and sexuality.



Like I always say, I don't have any beef with any 'God', I just have beef with their followers. Don't get me wrong I don't 'hate' any religious persons and I am not a hater of religion, but I am thoroughly convinced that religion should not take part in politics or any constitution of any country ever. Most religious comments already go against tons and tons of rights people have and it just keeps getting worse. Religion right now is going against everything we as a species stand for.

Against everything we stand for? No, sorry. It's person to person. I'll give you some slack with that statement because there are over zealous nuts that forget about not judging and take it too far but the majority of the values that Christianity teaches are things that, when truly followed, make the world a better place.
Faith isn't simply saying "I think there might be something out there but who knows", faith is believing down to your core that there is an afterlife, and believing strongly enough that you are willing to adjust your entire life for it. Just because you don't agree with that belief doesn't mean it's meaning should be devalued. When something is put to a vote peoples beliefs, whether influenced or not by faith, are going to be a factor and there's no way that will or should ever change... the country was founded on majority rules.

[Raz]

All of those things aside... I still dont understand why people are so offended by gay marriage or gay people in general?! It just seems retarded that in 2012 people are still so against it... I'm no politician, but doesnt that impact on human rights in some way by now?

Wait... I suppose gay people arent classed as humans though?!

You know what the problem is, the Bible Belt has corrupted everyone's minds into believing that the USA is a Christian nation when in reality we are not. By banning gay marriage, or hell any rights for homosexuals, you essentially are nullifying the Bill of Rights to the US CONSTITUTION! I swear everyday I read something or see something on the news that makes me ashamed to call myself an American. Oh and it's a shame that the amendment passed.

Exactly what I think. I mean, we're supposed to be the smartest species on Earth...and we still think Gay relations should be illegal

Homosexuality is found in over 2,500 species of animals, only 1 species has homophobia. Take a guess which species that is. As a furry I am very open minded to any and all people's, well not the sickos like pedos and such but you get the damn idea. I have gay friends, I see nothing wrong with them. I have no reason to even hate them, what did homosexuals do to me, nothing is the answer.

[xHeartlessKiddx]

Against everything we stand for? No, sorry. It's person to person. I'll give you some slack with that statement because there are over zealous nuts that forget about not judging and take it too far but the majority of the values that Christianity teaches are things that, when truly followed, make the world a better place.
Faith isn't simply saying "I think there might be something out there but who knows", faith is believing down to your core that there is an afterlife, and believing strongly enough that you are willing to adjust your entire life for it. Just because you don't agree with that belief doesn't mean it's meaning should be devalued. When something is put to a vote peoples beliefs, whether influenced or not by faith, are going to be a factor and there's no way that will or should ever change... the country was founded on majority rules.

Thanks for proving my point. 'willing to adjust your entire life for it.' They don't only do that, but they force others to do the same by making these flat-out retarded laws and statements in politics. Let them ruin their lifes any way they want, but don't let them ruin other peoples lifes simply because they think they'll be a chipmunk after they die.

[PSXtreme_]

...and it's only the religious that push an agenda and try to force their beliefs onto others...