[Sherylcatmom]

Originally Posted by mustmove

Other farmers in the area, who wished to remain anonymous, said they have been dealing with Viens trespassing since as far back as 1985.

Disgusting. If he'd been attacking humans, he'd have been locked up. Maybe time for me to return some of my focus to helping nonhuman animals. Even when laws are strict, enforcement is usually a problem.

[larrywriter]

Originally Posted by Kerby W-R

4). Leviticus 25:44 states that I may indeed possess slaves, both male and female, provided they are purchased from neighbouring nations. A friend of mine claims that this applies to Mexicans, but not to Canadians. Can you clarify? Why can't I own Canadians?

5). I have a neighbour who insists on working on the Sabbath. Exodus 35:2 clearly states that he should be put to death. Am I morally obligated to kill him myself?

10). My uncle has a farm. He violates Leviticus 19:19 by planting two different crops in the same field, as does his wife by wearing garments made of two different kinds of thread (cotton/polyester blend). He also tends to curse and blaspheme a lot. Is it really necessary that we go to all the trouble of getting the whole town together to stone them? (Lev. 24:10-16). Couldn't we just burn them to death at a private family affair like we do with people who sleep with their in-laws? (Lev. 20:14).

Oh no I'm wearing a poly cotton blend now - crap!!!! Anyone know where I can buy a Canadian?

Hilarious - thank you for sharing!

[gizmo980]

Originally Posted by Smash255

CA was barely able to overturn it, if it came up for a vote again the ban would likely fail, and VT is more liberal than CA.

As far as raising a Christian family in VT (or any other socially liberal area for that matter), i'm going to try and keep this away from a real argument on the issue. However, the idea that the only way you can be a good Christian or raise a good Christian family is to be conservative and oppose Gay Marriage does more to divide people on the basis of religion and chase people away from religion rather than bringing people together in order to embrace religion.

Very good points... and to further the point, I know MANY Christians who are gay-friendly, liberal, and even gay themselves. My orchestra rehearses at a Methodist church, and they have a rainbow flag waving in the lobby - along with a sign that says they welcome the LGBT community. So please, to the poster who wrote that, don't stereotype all Christians as anti-gay conservatives.

[Sherylcatmom]

Hi Lisa,

Originally Posted by LisaMc46

Will gay married couples be able to file their federal income tax as a "married couple" or will this still be prohibited because the marriage is only recognized in Vermont?

Kerby W-R is correct. Married same-sex couples in Vermont will have to file as married for state income tax purposes, but will have to file singly for federal income tax forms. That will change, though: a lawsuit challenging parts of the Defense of Marriage Act that denies federal benefits to married same-sex couples has been filed in Massachusetts Federal District Court.

Originally Posted by LisaMc46

Also, if a couple that is married in Vermont moves to another state that recognizes same-sex marriages will their marriage be recognized just as a heterosexual married couple's would be?

Yes. If they move to Massachusetts, Connecticut, Iowa, New York, or Washington, DC, a legal same-sex marriage will be recognized just as a heterosexual marriage. Other states are likely to follow.

Originally Posted by LisaMc46

These are just some questions that came up at my workplace today when we read that the veto had been overridden.

Another thing that will change when VT's new marriage law goes into effect Sep. 1, 2009: My friends who are employed by out-of-state companies that provide spousal insurance benefits will be able to claim those benefits once they marry. With civil unions, they can't.

[gizmo980]

Originally Posted by Hinton Bound

The relevance is in the "acceptance" of what is considered deviant (as homosexuality was not long ago...). You cannot deny that bestiality happens. We as a society do not accept it. The point is, if gays FORCE acceptance on the majority, why not afford the same privilege to a person who chooses bestiality. Same sex partners are a minority, making up less than 2% of the population. How is it that 2% are allowed to foist their lifestyle on the 98% majority. Political correctness is the plague that prevents the majority from daring to speak out. It has paralyzed America into submission.

Nothing is being forced on anyone, until they demand that we HAVE a gay marriage ourselves. Drinking is legal but I don't drink, skydiving is legal and I don't want to do that either... but should I deny the rights of drinkers and skydiving fans, just because it's something I disagree with? No. Unless somebody is actually being hurt by these actions/laws, I really don't see how it's your business - or how you see it as being "forced" on anyone. Just another way to justify your prejudices, and the fact that you'd bring up the ridiculous comparisons of pedophilia and bestiality are proof of that. And yes, minorities DO deserve equal protection/rights under the law, and to suggest otherwise is embarrassingly ignorant.

[NYLIER]

Originally Posted by Sherylcatmom

[i]NOW let's move on and fix our broken economy!!!

So Sheryl, you think our Legislators should have taken all this time working for a minority of people instead of FIRST, working on the majority of VTers that have lost or are about to lose their jobs? Parents that are worried about having enough food for their children, let alone the family dog. You don't feel the priorities are a bit off here?

[XodoX]

What are you talking about?

The Vermont House on Thursday passed a same-sex marriage bill by 95-52, which is not enough of a margin to override a veto promised by the governor.

Vermont House passes same-sex marriage bill - CNN.com

Or did I miss something?

[Josseppie]

Congratulations Vermont. This makes the second state in about a week, great time for gay rights.

[Jimrob1]

Congratulations Vermont, and in the same week as Iowa.

[Smash255]

Originally Posted by Hinton Bound

The relevance is in the "acceptance" of what is considered deviant (as homosexuality was not long ago...). You cannot deny that bestiality happens. We as a society do not accept it. The point is, if gays FORCE acceptance on the majority, why not afford the same privilege to a person who chooses bestiality. Same sex partners are a minority, making up less than 2% of the population. How is it that 2% are allowed to foist their lifestyle on the 98% majority. Political correctness is the plague that prevents the majority from daring to speak out. It has paralyzed America into submission.[/color]

Whereas loving same-sex couples of consenting adults live among us. They are our family, friends, coworkers, fellow community members and, yes, legislators. They are already a very important part of our society. .

In what way are they anymore important than anyone else? Many pedophiles are living among us. They are also family, friends, coworkers...blah blah blah. Are they "very important" as well? Or, do you discriminate against them?

[color=indigo][color=#000000] But, say two consenting adults (CITIZENS) that are incestuous do not deserve such recognition? Where do we draw the line Sheryl? When is enough "acceptance" enough? When do we stop pandering to minorities? It is destroying America. Rotting us from the inside like a cancer.

I never knew giving someone equal rights = pandering to them. Someone shouldn't be denied equal rights because they are in the minority. As far as the other comments, honestly it really shouldn't even be dignified with a response, but this little thing we call consent. Also as has been said nothing is being forced on anyone. This doesn't force Gay Marriage on you, me, or anyone else. Its simply a Civil Rights issues, and gays should be treated the same way you and I are. That is all they are asking for.