The gays have the California Supreme Court on their side. It is highly unlikely the Court is going to listen to pro-traditional family activists. Like the gays they are carrying water for, the Supreme Court is determined to force Californians to accept homosexuality as a "right." Considering their liberal mindset, it would not surprise me if the California Supreme Court ruled that homosexuality was superior to traditional marriage and outlawed traditional marriage. All in the name of "tolerance" and stopping "hate speech." We live in perilous times.

Courts were established to prevent the dictatorship of the majority of voters from trampling on the rights of the minority. What a WONDERFUL concept. This shows our form of government really does work.

HOORAY!

It is about time that someone somewhere did the right thing and brought gay couples into the full blessings of the rights the rest of us have in America. The arguments against gay marriage are so hateful and unfounded that it has surprised me that enlightenment like this decision has taken so long.

I, like Mrs Obama, can now be completly proud to be an American.

These California judges are part of a conspiracy to overthrow the freedom of the US. The real reason they want gay marriage is 2 fold. #1, with less children in the country it is easy to bring their communist buddies armies in hear and defeat us. #2 is that they believe their holy prophet Al Frankenstien Gore and that by having children we are causing global warming and so we are all going to die. So they ACTUALLY believe just opposite of what is true, that a gay union is superior to a heterosexual union. Homosexuality is a perversion, whether born perverted or not, I do not know. But I was born attracted to more than 1 woman (which is also a perversion), does that mean I should have a right to be a polygamist and have dozens and dozens of children. Ohh noo. That would increase global warming and our strength in fighting a war. Heaven forbid. So that clearly explains why the courts are for gay marriage, but not polygamy. You will see the liberal judges fight polygamy tooth and nail. (not that I espouse either).

Okay. If this is going to take an amendment to California's constitution then that is what we will do. I will take my family to Los Angeles to march for traditional marriage. I will march in my hometown. I will talk to my friends and get them to march with me. I am not going to let Bay-area gay activists and a few judges define what constitutes a family. It's an exciting time to be living in California.

California Supreme Court to Voters: Drop Dead.

KUED produced an interesting documentary about Utah in the early 1900s. It mentioned how vocal the LDS church was at the time with regard to marriage. They felt very strongly that the goverment should stay out of marriage. I agree with the LDS church leaders of that era, and I suspect I will agree with future LDS church leaders once they adapt like they have done in the past.

Today I did something I should have done years ago. I mailed in my resignation from the LDS church. After reading the reactions and statements from the church I'm thoroughly disgusted and embarrassed to have ever been a part of such a malicious and controlling organization.

"I like your Christ, I do not like your Christians. Your Christians are so unlike your Christ." -- Mohandas Gandhi

The effort in California to prohibit the legal recognition of sodomite relationships is not over. A California Supreme court ruling on a flawed California Constitution wording is appaling. The California Constitution needs to be amended, obviously. I am hoping the fight will be continued, and another referendum will be on the ballot, or some other remedy pursued that will have the result to block this outrageous decision. It is just another reason to think seriously about who is elected to offices who appoint these wrong headed judges who come up with these decisions. This decision should be appealed to a higher court, and other action taken to block this decision. Everyone knows the definition of marriage....a union between a man and a woman. Any other relationship is deviant behavior, and not worthy in any way to be considered any more than sodomite behavior. These deviant relationships do not rise to the level of legal status, any more than these cults who promote out of wedlock relationships with multiple individuals of either sex. Give me a break. My taxes are not available to these people. They can get their own insurance, and whatever else they are after. San Francisco is crazy.

In a democracy, this kind of ruling isn't right. Instead, we should make sure the majority always rules, regardless of other principles that are at stake. In San Francisco, people want gay marriage, so it should be legal. In Orange County, they don't, so it should be illegal.

Oh, wait, it's "States Rights," not "Trust the Citizens." I forgot.

May I suggest you consider repeating high school?

The Supreme Court Ruled because the previous ban is unconstitutional. You have to take the good with the bad. It is the same constitution that gives people the right to burn the American flag which I think is deplorable, but it is their God given right that is protected by the constitution.

If you don't agree with gay marriage, then don't marry someone of the same sex. but you can't deny someone their GOD given right to choose. Let God be the judge, not you. He is perfect, not the church, the leaders, or it's followers.

Anything out of hate is not of God.

I don't get all the effort to descriminate against a particular group of people who are different. Can you really be a good person / people when putting forth this much effort to descriminate against a particular group of people? Why so angry? Why such hatred? I thought we were all created equal in this country. Sorry- hate to bring that up.

Maherblahblahblah has some pretty crazy ideas. That was some entertaining reading!! Keep it coming, Maherblahblahblah!! There MUST be a conspiracy behind courts giving gays equal rights. It CAN'T be because it is the right thing to do.

Please show me where the CA Supreme Court ruled that "homosexuality was superior to traditional marriage and outlawed traditional marriage"? They did no such thing, go back and read it.

Where is this absurd and bigoted, outrage coming from? People act like gays came into their houses and stole their wedding rings. Let people live like they wish.

It's self-evident that there's no way rationally to assess whether the Court acted correctly if one doesn't bother to find out anything about the California State Constitution and the precedent interpreting and applying it. Anyone who seeks to opine about the propriety of the court's ruling without doing that basic work is simply expressing an opinion about whether they like the outcome as a policy matter, i.e., is being guided by the defining attribute of so-called "judicial activism" (ignoring relevant law in favor of outcome preferences).

"We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness."

UtahValleyResident - yes, you pay taxes - as do the majority of U.S. Citizens. In denying the same rights that you enjoy to all other U.S. Citizens you are creating second-class citizens that are not allowed to take advantage of the unalienable Rights set forth in the Declaration of Independence. BTW - the majority of those "wrong headed" Supreme Court Justices in California are Republicans - not Democrats.

Critically, the Court emphasized at the outset that its ruling had nothing to do with the political views of the judges with regard to gay marriage, but rather, was based solely on its legal analysis of past precedent interpreting the relevant provisions of the state Constitution.

Conservatives are well-known for their judgemental, moralyzing and self-centered ways.

Nothing new here folks.

Again I find myself perplexed by posts from people who would undoubted label themselves "conservative", but then decry a actual conservative ruling from a court. The court's positions was that the government has no legal standing to prevent one group of citizens from exercising a right enjoyed by other citizens. Even if the voters pass a law to that effect.

In effect, the court said that the government has no business in the bedrooms of American citizens. Homosexuality may be a perversion; it's practioners may well be immoral, but the government (says the court in this ruling) doesn't have the power to deny rights based upon the consensual sexual activities of adults.

That is a proper conservative ruling. It may be contrary to your personal beliefs and morality, but that's why they're called "personal" beliefs and morality.

Let's face it. We're living in a judicial dictatorship. By referendum (often called a proposition) Californians voted on the one man, one woman marriage only. This ammended the Calif.Constitution. When did the change come to where Judges can change the constitution? CAL

Liberal judges? All of the CA Supreme Court judges were nominated by Republican governors except for one.

It seems to me that with some tax reform and universal healthcare that the government could withdraw from the marriage debate completely... I'm not certain this should be a secular issue.

But on the other hand, some uniformity would have to be decided on marriage law or else it makes the case harder to stop plural marriage. The state supreme court ruling that it is unconstitutional to limit marriage under the definition as between "a man and a woman" makes it seem like the constitutionality of a plural marriage ban is questionable... though I for one hope that polygamy doesn't get legitimized.

At some point, the government is going to have to back out of the debate or there's going to have to be a constitutional amendment to settle it.

It happens one small step at a time. Sometimes it even happens in the name of freedom. Why can't I marry a goat? It doesn't affect your marriage and what I do in my own home is no business of yours. Surely this is the next liberal step leading to the downfall of society. Sad day indeed.

Is that if Gay marraige is legalized, they will be eligible to adopt children.

I don't think they should be able to. There is to great of a chance that molestation will occur. Many male child molestors seek out young boys (homosexuality).

This is in addition to the "Redifintion of the traditional family" of which I disapprove as well.

Based on Hatuletoh's posting above,
never let it be said that the modern American conservative movement is a confused one.

Other than the adolescent belief that "we're number one!"

And that's what makes it so difficult to deal with that sort of sophomoric mentality.

I agree with Gary in his above post. I wish the Church would stick to teaching their doctrine to their members and stop trying to force their belifs on people not of their faith. I think it's great that they have found a doctrine to live their lives by, but it shouldn't be the government's job to enforce religious doctrine. Not only is it unconstitutional, but even if you believe in the religious doctrine being enforced it's a can of worms you wouldn't want to open, as it would only be a matter of time before some other religion would try to get the government to enforce their believes on others. The LDS church needs to stay out of this fight and realize they cannot save the world they can only save themselves. So the rest of us are going to burn, well at least while we lived on this earth we could be happy with those we choose to spend our lives with. With out people telling us we could not commit to them.

We now live in a full blown dictatorship! The Judges rule over the democratic sacred vote of the people. Will people now be allowed to marry more than one person?

The FLDS is appealing to the courts to protect their rights as a minority. In many states, interracial marriages where against the law. The courts ended this discrimination. Mormons, being a minority who were persecuted seem to have regained faith in abolishing courts protecting the rights of minorities.

Gay marriage is a greater sin to our LDS brothern than waging wars because of lies or mining practices colored by greed that caused deaths.

I'm sorry, I can't believe in you values. I find them detestable.

While I don't support the redefiniation of the traditional family, I also don't know much about being gay, and it seems to me the gay=molestor is pretty sweeping generalization for anyone to make and is not especially productive.

I too, have been extremely saddened, embarrassed, and at times even disgusted with the unkind attitudes of some Church members and leaders. After my older brother killed himself, I became even more distraught.

Sometimes I wonder if I even want to be linked to this organization any more. I totally understand how you feel.

"But I was born attracted to more than 1 woman (which is also a perversion)...

It's not a perversion. I was born attracted to many, no, check that, ALL women. They are God's great gift to mankind. More beautiful than a breathtaking mountain vista view or stunning sunset.

"...does that mean I should have a right to be a polygamist and have dozens and dozens of children."

I think you've hit upon something. Have you contacted the FLDS about this? Sounds like possibly a very workable solution to their dilemma.

The judges were just following the law of the land.
What's so wrong with that?

I think it is appropriate for a church to engage itself in political matters when its core teachings are threatened. In this case, the LDS Church, having always taught that marriage between a man and a woman is the core unit of society, has a right and an obligation to stand for that principle and do what is legally possible to oppose changes that might affect it.

As for the California court's decision, there is only one way to look at it: the state has not created a new "kind" of marriage; instead, the state now only recognizes one kind of marriage, and that is genderless marriage. That is, marriage is now the union of any two people, regardless of gender. This is a sweeping change, a change that throws away thousands of years of tradition and core social values.

To me, that is a very scary development, the ramifications of which everyone should carefully and thoughtfully consider before they defend it.

"let people live like they wish". Ummm... I think that's what rational people are suggesting. Homosexuals chose their abhorrent behavior; now they should live with it.

Sorry Amazing -
I find both values detestable.

To "The real issue" - the MAJORITY of molestors of children, both girls and boys, are STRAIGHT MEN. This has been shown by many studies and review of the experiences of children that have been molested. I was molested by a STRAIGHT male school teacher who was married with three children. Please try to do some research before just regurgitating the same false arguments used to spread fear and hate.

"
Again I find myself perplexed by posts from people who would undoubted label themselves "conservative", but then decry a actual conservative ruling from a court. "

That's what happens when real (small government) conservatives get mixed up with the social values crowd.

If churches stayed out of all issues, the children of Israel would still be living under Egypt and every prophet accepted under Christian or Muslim writings would have had to keep his/her mouth shut as well. But such writings are filled with prophets speaking out against practices which go against God. So get off the anti-religion soapbox and let the Churches proclaim their positions when it comes to moral issues which affect (or afflict) society.

Only in the reddest state in America would you find masses of people sticking their noses into other people's private matters and freaking out.

Its pretty sad that people rationalize a perversion as a "race" or seperate group or minority that is entiteld to rights that all should recieve under a free nation. No rights have been taken from them, they are free to marry someone of the opposite sex. Where is this going to stop? I love my cousin, or my child or my dog... therefore I am a seperate race and should be given the right to marry whomever or whatever I love? Crazy.

I hope I can engage Robert, Richard, and others who wish in a civilized discourse over what the "ramifications" of same sex marriage are in their opinion. I would honestly like to hear what the damage to society of this ruling is in their opinion.

Robert,

Please, can you explain how gay marriage threatens LDS "core teachings" in any way whatsoever? No one is telling the LDS Church what to do with THEIR marriage covenants.

Also, please, do tell, what are these scary ramifications of "genderless marriage" as you so eloquently put it?

This decision is quite simply a direct assault on traditional marriage - the fundamental and irreplaceable foundation of our civilization. The California Supreme Court essentially said that favoring a dangerous & deadly sexual practice is more important protecting the traditional family. A sad, sad day for California.

As for "bungalowguy":
I am sorry for your abuse as a child - I truly am. I can only imagine the horrors you had to endure, and perhaps still have to endure as memories.
However, it is important to point out that while of course straights make up a majority of abusers, gays are statistically many times more likely on an individual basis to be abusers than straights.

Just a quip... Since a majority of us believe it is none of our business what goes on in people's bed rooms and we have no right to restrict who can marry whom... When are we going to give the same liberties to the FLDS?

Just something to think about.

"Homosexuals chose their abhorrent behavior; now they should live with it."

There's a hidden assumption in there. What part of homosexuality precludes marriage?

A Republican-dominated California Supreme Court decided this issue. They found "there was no legally justifiable reason why the state should withhold the institution of marriage because of a couple's sexual orientation."

If you're against gay marriage, why not supply a legally justifiable reason for your beliefs?

Thank God for separation of Church and State.

Considering so many heteresexual marriages aren't succeeding why in the world would the homosexuals want to put them through the same kind of hell. Many of them go through relationships like toilet paper as well. Marriage is between two people that love one another supposedly -- but I think the push is more for the legal aspect of rights and ownership than love and sex. Our society is messed up whether in a tradiational relationship or homo. Just ask the kids what they think of marriage and a high percentage would question WHY -- PLEASE FOLK LEAVE GOD AND JESUS OUT OF THIS ARGUMENT as they sure get blamed for all the ills of human nature

Are using tax payers dollars to live their religion, taxpayers are supporting the extra so called spiritual wives and children - by far not the same as independant working homos. Nope I ain't one of either but can't compare apples to lemons

More proof that no government has the right to dicate what people do in the privacy of their homes.

Sorry conservatives. Live with less government intervention.

It's the American Way.