America is behind the times
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America is behind the times
Societies across the globe are confronting the issue of discrimination in marriage and rights for same-sex couples. Canada has recently joined Spain, Belgium and the Netherlands in legalizing marriage between same-sex couples. South Africa will soon join this group of countries.
As the South African Supreme Court of Appeals explained:
“The focus in this case falls on the intrinsic nature of marriage, and the question is whether any aspect of same-sex relationships justifies excluding gays and lesbians from it. What the Constitution asks in such a case is that we look beyond the unavoidable specificities of our condition – such as race, gender and sexual orientation – and consider our intrinsic human capacities and what they render possible for all of us. In this case, the question is whether the capacity for commitment, and the ability to love and nurture and honour and sustain, transcends the incidental fact of sexual orientation. The answer . . . is Yes.”
(Fourie v. Minister of Home Affairs (South African Supreme Court of Appeals 2004), Case No. 232-2003, at 11).
All over the world, more countries than ever are implementing relationship recognition laws for same sex couples. Several counties in the world grant legal recognition to same sex couples through registered partnerships that are equivalent or nearly equivalent to marriage. These countries include:
- Iceland
- Finland
- Denmark
- France
- Germany
- Greenland
- Norway
- United Kingdom
- Sweden
- Switzerland
Other countries grant protections that are also available to heterosexual couples automatically after a specified period of cohabitation. These countries include:
- Argentina (certain provinces)
- Croatia
- Hungary
- New Zealand
- Portugal
- Scotland
- Slovenia
Maxine Waters
Q: The mega churches appear to be moving African-American voters increasingly toward the right, particularly on social issues. For instance, across the country, some on Sundays are blasting homosexuality as a sin and condemning gay marriage.
A: There are some issues like gay marriage and homosexuality that are very, very difficult for the black community. Traditionally, we don't talk about it. We just kind of live and let live. This kind of politicization of the issues is new and growing in the African-American community, which forces people to have to take sides.
Q: How do you and those who support gay rights counter their message?
A: In the final analysis, nothing is going to really happen significantly to change what is going on until black elected officials and others get the courage to confront these black ministers, and that's not an easy thing to do. It's a great leap for African-Americans coming out of a Christian tradition to talk about taking on ministers. It may happen down the road, but it's not going to take place right now.
Maxine Waters
Rep. California
http://www.stltoday.com/stltoday/news/stories.nsf/newswatch/story/330C87F3FD64FAF2862571A5006ADF86?OpenDocument
