Angela Merkel and gay marriage

[Hacker Khan]

Loads of folk 'co-habit' without feeling the need of declaring their love by getting 'married'... Are you saying their love [for one another] is less than those that have said 'I do' a couple of times...

I am taking about the perception in society of what marriage is. Of course people do not have to get married if they do not want to, and they may well have a long and happy life together. But I would argue that all people should have the option to get married as currently in society I feel that 'signifies' more than just cohabiting in the eyes of many.

 

[MegaSteve]

perception in society

Ugly words them...

Certainly counted for a lot half a century ago.... Thought/hoped we'd moved on from that... And, folk could plough their own furrow without being 'judged'...

 

[Hacker Khan]

Ugly words them...

Certainly counted for a lot half a century ago.... Thought/hoped we'd moved on from that... And, folk could plough their own furrow without being 'judged'...

I think you are extrapolating the fact that I see marriage as the ultimate way in which a couple can declare their love and commitment to each other to that I see those that are not married as not being as much in love/happy etc. I don't, I know plenty of married couples who are pretty unhappy and couples who live together who are right as rain. Ironically enough the couple I think are the most happiest in a relationship are a married lesbian couple I know who seem to have a fantastic relationship. I am sorry if it came across that was as I did not mean that, I want all couples to have the opportunity to get married. If they do not want to then fine, but at least give them the chance.

 

[MegaSteve]

I think you are extrapolating the fact that I see marriage as the ultimate way in which a couple can declare their love and commitment to each other to that I see those that are not married as not being as much in love/happy etc. I don't, I know plenty of married couples who are pretty unhappy and couples who live together who are right as rain. Ironically enough the couple I think are the most happiest in a relationship are a married lesbian couple I know who seem to have a fantastic relationship. I am sorry if it came across that was as I did not mean that, I want all couples to have the opportunity to get married. If they do not want to then fine, but at least give them the chance.

Apologies... I wasn't intending my post to come across as criticism of your own views... [Which, I suspect, are close/similar to my own...] But, the intolerant parts of society which I thought/hoped had been left behind...


I got wed 40+ years ago mostly to please the family and secondary to have a party... Forty years on, we both feel we'd have been just as happy had we not bothered...

 

[FairwayDodger]

If you don't call them both "marriage" then you're not giving them equivalence.

Marriage is a civil institution, not the preserve of religions. The government recognises religious marriage - not the other way round. There was no religion anywhere near my marriage, it is frankly none of their business.

And, yes, I am very intolerant of those who discriminate against me and rightly so!

 

[Jensen]

So what about couples that get married at a non religious location, ie a registry office. Does that make their marriage less validated because it didn't take place at a church ?
Regardless of sexual orientation, marriage is marriage. It is 2 people confirming their love and commitment to each other.
I don't understand homophobia, what are the issues, it's what's on the inside that counts.

 

[SwingsitlikeHogan]

That's just generalising, what's your view?

As you ask I would be supportive of marriage of same sex couples in my church, but I recognise the issues that some older members of the congregation have. My view is that notwithstanding what the Bible might say on any specific matter (and Leviticus is particularly interesting), we seek the Lords guidance on how to interpret these words in the context of the overriding principles set out in Mark 12:30-31, specifically that we love our neighbour as we love ourselves.

I am not aware of any Christians that oppose civil marriage.