NEW HAVEN, Conn. – Gay marriage is legal in Connecticut now that a judge has cleared the way. New Haven Superior Court Judge Jonathan Silbert ruled at a brief hearing Wednesday morning that gay and lesbian couples now may pick up marriage license forms at town and city clerks' offices statewide.
Many gay and lesbian couples are planning ceremonies Wednesday.
The judge ruling followed a historic decision by the Connecticut Supreme Court.
The high court ruled 4-3 on Oct. 10 that same-sex couples have the right to wed rather than accept a civil union law designed to give them the same rights as married couples.
Only Connecticut and Massachusetts have legalized gay marriage.
The unions were legal in California until a statewide referendum to ban gay marriage narrowly passed last week. The vote has sparked protests and several lawsuits asking that state's Supreme Court to overturn the prohibition.
Constitutional amendments to ban gay marriage also passed last week in Arizona and Florida, and Arkansas voters approved a measure banning unmarried couples from serving as adoptive or foster parents.
But in Connecticut, voters last week rejected the idea of a constitutional convention to amend the state's constitution, dealing a major blow to opponents of same-sex marriage.
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And yet you still can't answer that simple question. You sure can ask it, but you can't answer it yourself.
I expected no less from you. Your immaturity nevere ceases to amaze me.
DP, God gave you a wonderful brain (well, at least he gave it to most humans) and part of thanking him for that gift is merging the Bible with science. I didn't realize we were having a race, but I'm quite comfortable being the tortoise and letting you think you're winning. Prophet, hahahaha, hahahaha, hahahaaha....you are too cute!
Mike,
You said "Arit, do you have anything more intelligent to do that repost the same garbage over and over?"
And it's different when you do it, how?
"do you have anything more intelligent to do that repost the same garbage over and over? "
Seems quite rhetorical on your part. The level of codependency within the homosexual community is quite high. The need to defend that which is wrong and change the definitions to match the lifestyle are evident.
You say I slander the gay community. Slander is 'words falsely spoken'. The Bible is clear. Homosexuality is sin. Others have posted the references over and over. Therefore you want it to be us who is saying homosexuality is wrong because you dare not say the Bible is wrong. Give it up. You won't win as long as the Bible exists. This is why the homosexual agenda has criminalizing Christianity at the top of the list. The homosexual agenda wants to force Christians to believe a lie.
Arit, do you have anything more intelligent to do that repost the same garbage over and over?
To mike
1 Corinthians 6:9
Do you not know that the wicked will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: Neither the sexually immoral nor idolaters nor adulterers nor male prostitutes nor homosexual offenders
To mike
Leviticus 18:22 (Amplified Bible)
22You shall not lie with a man as with a woman; it is an abomination.
DP, wrong. You present YOUR VIEWS of the Bible over and over, and because I believe they are wrong, I present alternate views over and over. I will not sit and watch you slander the entire gay community with your hatred cloaked in Christianity.
"Who is to say you have the truth about it over the Pope? He's a pretty faithful guy!"
never the less, not I but Christ who lives in me. I'm not right and neither is the Pope. Only Christ who lives in me is right.
My point is simple. It is you who are not reading "God's posts" in the Bible and have jumped to a conclusion. We have brought those 'posts' to you over and over and yet you don't really read them to understand what God is saying. You jump to the 'defend your lifestyle' mode.
The Bible is very clear. Homosexuality is sin. Adultery is sin. Fornication is sin. Sleeping with your fathers wife is sin.
If it's sin ... you don't do it. Period. The Bible is very clear about what is right and what is sin. Read it with your shields down, fall on your face before God praying that he will soften your heart and you just might see what is clearly written.
Who's to say that the Pope knows truth about it over me? I'ma pretty faithful guy too.
DP, actually, I have said multiple times that I could be wrong, but I will find out or I have faith that God will lead me where he needs me if I am. It is clear you are not reading my posts before jumping down my throat. Truth is truth, but interpretation is interpretation, and several times we have addressed that issue (such as a difference in the belief about the Eucharist.) Who is to say you have the truth about it over the Pope? He's a pretty faithful guy!
"You seem so sure that it is God's will for me to be straight that you won't even concede you could be wrong."
It is God's will that none should parish. That's his will. Period. So, no...there is no basis in Scripture to concede I could be wrong. It is you who fail to concede that you may be wrong. We keep bringing up what the Bible says. It is not our place to second guess the Bible.
God set a standard in creation. Jesus restated the standard...one man, one woman. Paul condemned deviating from the standard in any way. It just really doesn't get more clear than that. You've asked for us to concede that the Bible may be wrong and that's just not going to happen. We don't do that for ourselves. Why would you even begin to think we would do that for you? Truth is truth.
To mike
Leviticus 18:22 (Amplified Bible)
22You shall not lie with a man as with a woman; it is an abomination.
mike22685, never said God's will was for you not to be a homosexual, I don't know that, but I do know His will for all of us is that we do not sin, regardless of what that sin or sins are.
By the way, you seem so sure that it is God's will for you to be homosexual. Though I have yet to find scripture to support that it is God's will for us to live in sin.
Yes, we are an interesting bunch. God says homosexuality is a sin...and what do you know? We believe Him. That's idiotic to believe God, isn't it?
Mike,
I'm sure I could find a ton of "Christians" that will tell me that it's God's will for me to be a lustful fornicator...and a drunk. Just as you can find a ton of people to tell you that it's God's will that you're a homosexual. Both accounts are wrong. Both are sin. And those who willfully remain in sin are either lazy, or simply rebellious.
You 3 are an interesting bunch. You seem so sure that it is God's will for me to be straight that you won't even concede you could be wrong. I, on the other hand, have said I could be, but I have faith God will reveal that to me if necessary.
God does call satan the angel of light who comes deceiving us with false doctrines. So I would question anyone or anything that says it's ok to live in sin, no matter their appearance. If Billy Graham said it was okay to live in sin, I would question his relationship with God.
Mike,
If "Jesus" told me that it was his will for you to remain in sin, yes I would say it't the devil.
And Jesus did talk about marriage being between a man and a woman, so anything outside of that is outside God's will and blessing.
mike22685, the rich young ruler had an encounter with Christ to, but because he wasn't willing to let go of something he could only sadly walk away. While it is true Christ accepts us the way we are does not mean that He wants us to stay that way.
"Prophet, how do you know that I didn't continue?"
ummm . . . that would be because you are still gay.
"that would be living by your standard actually."
When I see a sign on the interstate that says "Speed Limit 55" is that my standard because I say so or is it THE standard for the road? Many (MANY) people make their own standard for a 55 zone. That doesn't make them right.
55 means 55. one man, one woman means one man, one woman. 2+2 still equals 4 in my world. I guess I'm just to much a simpleton for this day in age.... :-)
DP, that would be living by your standard actually. Jesus never once spoke about homosexuality, so yes, I am prepared to face him. Prophet, how do you know that I didn't continue? You are so incredibly sure that I am meant to change that even if Jesus himself had told you its his plan for me to be gay you'd say it was the devil talking.
Mike,
Stop at an experience. Why not keep going and let Him change you?
Too many people want God to do for them, but stop at doing anything for Him.
"I've had an experience with Christ before, yet I am still gay. Any questions? "
The Gospels detail where demons had an experience with Christ as well. Change is the measure of salvation. You shall be known by your fruits and the Bible is the standard by which your fruit is graded... gay or not.
So yes, I have a question. Romans is clear about trading the natural for the unnatural and Jesus stated a standard of one man and one woman. Are you prepared to stand before Jesus and have Him judge you by your fruits? Is you sexuality dead to self and living by His standard He stated in Matthew of one man and one woman?
Stop where?
Yeah. I have a question. Why stop there?
I've had an experience with Christ before, yet I am still gay. Any questions?
DP, a huge AMEN to the fact we're never the same after we have a personal encounter with Christ, He accepts us as we are but we will never be the same as He transforms us into His likeness, have a great Lord's Day and be blessed as you continue to serve Him, believer.
Absolutely, beleiver....
Those who are genuinely like Jesus have the effect of Jesus. Jesus pulled people out of the mud of sin they were stuck in. They wanted out and Jesus came along and said "I am the way, the truth and the life". Those who truely encounter Jesus are never the same. Everything comes under the protection of His word which teaches us how to use our lives for His honor and glory.
This includes our money, time, sexuality and the list goes on. If you are His you do things His way. You shall know them by their fruits.
DP, and might I add while it's true Christ hung out with sinners, many of those sinners were never the same after that encounter and many of them later would pay the ultimate price for following Christ as Savior and Lord and even though He hung out with them He also spoke to their sin and their need to repent of that sin and once again many of them did just that.
No problem! The real problem here is that too many 'Christians' don't do their homework. I call it 'parrot Christianity' where people simply repeat what they've heard. Jesus hung out with the sinners not the religious as a rule. It was the religious leaders he called "son's of hell". He made it so simple even a sinner could do it. Love the Lord with all your heart, all your soul and all your mind; and love your neighbor as yourself.
Christianity would be better understood if Christians invested in people instead of things. I'm way 'better off' than Jesus was. I have a 'place to lay my head', 2 cars (one I loan), and several sets of clothing, a washer and dryer, a range, dishwasher, TV, mini-dish, DVD-R, riding lawnmower (although I will need to re-ring it this winter) and the list goes on.
How much does each of us take for granted instead of looking at the simple things as blessings above and beyond how Jesus lived? How many people have far less than we do? What are we doing to help them?
Our church just kicked off 'Rethink Christmas'. One of the ministries we are involved with drills freshwater wells and they wanted to send a rig to Liberia. It was going to cost $15,000. This past week someone stroked a check for the whole amount! We have partnered with several local ministries that help the 'less fortunate'. Go to www.brookwoodchurch.org to get ideas for what you can do in your area. You can download the 'Rethink Christmas' service.
Never mistake real Christianity for what is found so often in our churches.
guilty as charged.... you are right, i'm sure. people tend to belittle other people with opposing views. i'm guilty at times too. sorry....
"i'm suffering from OFS too but not so bad as Daniel"
Why thank you!!! Actually, I've had 2 sister-in-laws that were lesbian so I've had almost a decade and a half to observe the homosexual movement up close. Although I don't deny there is kneejerk dogma which comes from some in the church...my positions are born out or observation and data.
Anyone see the footage of some gay guy knocking the cross out of little old lady's hand at a protest? (no joke...about 75 years old) Are all gays violent against the elderly? Did you hear about the hate crime investigation? Apparently a gay person burned a Book of Mormon on one of their churches door step. Are all gay's terrorists?
The answer would be no they are not. However, the homosexual movement has a violent, anti-social and very dangerous element within it. Based on the protests it is made up of quite a few gays and lesbians. Is this just kneejerk dogma? No...it's news footage.
Please don't confuse the ability to promote long thought out positions in a short period of time as kneejerk dogma. You only prove my points.
Mike22685,
You're a right in the since that a poll was taken, but it was never put to a ballot.
A Quinnipiac University poll[7] released April 7, 2005, the day after the Senate approved civil unions, showed that 56% of registered voters were in support of their action, while 37% were opposed to it. The poll shows 42% approved same-sex marriage, while 53% opposed.
Democrats backed same-sex civil unions 66–29 percent and gay marriage 53–42 percent. Republicans were narrowly divided on civil unions, with 45 percent in favor and 48 percent opposed. But Republicans opposed gay marriage 70–26 percent. Independent voters supported civil unions 56–37 percent, but opposed gay marriage 52–42 percent.
Women voters supported civil unions 60–34 percent, but split 47–48 percent on gay marriage. Men backed civil unions 52–42 percent, but opposed gay marriage 59–36 percent.
Believer, they did! They could have held a constitutional convention for it but that was overwhelmingly opposed.
blue, why not let the people of Connecticut decide whether or not same-sex marriages should be legal?
If radical conservative Christians are so upset about Conn., then move out! The northeast thrives on intellect.. not biblical literacy!
i'm suffering from OFS too but not so bad as Daniel. that guy could never see the fairness side of the gays' complaints. he is too blinded by kneejerk religious dogma.
Arit, tell me, do you ever wear synthetic blends, because if so, then you also violate Lev.
Leviticus 18:22 (Amplified Bible)
22You shall not lie with a man as with a woman; it is an abomination.
"DP, help, why is it that I feel like this as I get older....:-) "
It's called OFS....(old fart syndrome). I was diagnosed a few years ago by one of my older children when they were in their teens....
DP, help, why is it that I feel like this as I get older....:-)
Yes, DanielPaul and I disagree on many things but one thing that I think some on this site could learn, is that we always treat other with respect, never denigrating each other in our replies. We both play by the queensbury rules, which means, fair play and respecting those who may oppose you.
Steve
"something is not equal in that picture. "
Yep, one line has one man and one woman and the other side has two men or two women. One line is doing it God's way and the others are doing it their own way. The concepts are not equal why shouldn't they have their own line?
as they deserve... there cannot be two lines at city hall - marriage and civil unions. something is not equal in that picture.
God is going to give America what it deserves. And the gay agenda will never accept the term " cival union." they want the term, " Marriage " .
"Civil law or Romano-Germanic law or Continental law is the predominant system of law in the world, in which an abstract code of law rules, which judges apply to the various cases before them. It is often distinguished from common law, in which abstract rules are derived from specific cases."
In short, arbitrary absolutism. God is a God of absolutes. To God, homosexuality is disgusting. The civil court on the other had changes from day to day.
"even if the government okays gay marriages. "
Governments have OK'd quite a few things which make me sick. Hitler OK'd stuff, many government did (and some still do) OK slavery. The worst part is when they blame God for things that just are not OK'd in the Bible. When it comes to what God OKs I tend to read the 'approved list' found in His word.
Hey Josh...dude...
A thesaurus is not a dictionary. It gives related words but not the definitions of them. The relationship can even be very distant.
Steve and I rarely agree on much other than REALLY good food (which I can't get here...) and Dr. Who but the dictionary is one thing we do agree on. :-)
The point is this. Regardless of what man thinks (because his morals are in constant change), homosexuality is still a sin before God's eyes...even if the government okays gay marriages. I respect the government, but making gay marriages a constitutional right will not keep me from speaking out against sin. I won't stand before the government when I die and give account for my life.
mike,
You said "We are looking for civil rights from a civil marriage, if we were looking for God to condone anything,"
What are you talking about?
No Josh, let me help you out.....
Collins English Dictionary:Opression
verb: To oppress people means to treat them cruelly, or to prevent them from having the same opportunities, freedom, and benefits as others.
Of course Josh you fit that catergory...........
phat, all that is required is that states strengthen domestic partnership laws that are already in place to allow for any couple to receive the same legal rights and benefits as married couples.
steveh20,
It really doesn't matter what you think. I did not misuse the word. Clearly you don't understand what the word really means. Let me help you out:
http://thesaurus.reference.com/browse/oppress
~ Josh
As someone who prides himself as being nothing if not diplomatic, I would take simple legal equality under the law, even if the operative term is "civil unions." If social conservatives simply wish to reserve the term "marriage" for heterosexual couples, they can have it, as long as Gay couples are treated fairly.
Here's an example of how the current system is not fair: According to a statement I recently received in the mail from the Social Security Administration, my married spouse would be eligible for over $1400 per month (after retirement) in the event of my death. I think anyone would agree that $1400 per month is a pretty hefty chunk of change. However, it is money that my significant other would not be eligible for, because we would not be allowed to get married. I would like to provide for the financial well-being of my spouse, just as I'm sure any heterosexual would, but in essence I'm throwing away money on a fund that my partner cannot take advantage to in the event of my death.
At the very least, the federal government should allow Gay spouses to file joint tax returns and to designate one another for survivorship benefits under Social Security. If a "civil union" would allow us to do this, I'm all for it. If not, then nothing but full marriage equality will suffice.
Would the person(s) who is flagging Mike22685 and other posters please stop as they have the right to post their views as do the rest of us, plus some of their posts are responses to other posters as well, thanks believer
mike22685, you're absolutely right to allow for same-sex marriage or unions be it done in a church or city hall is still a slap in the face of God and as His child I will always be opposed to them. And that is why I am fully supportive of stronger domestic partnership laws that would allow for couples regardless of their gender and/or sexual preferences the same legal rights and benefits of a married couple.
It is clear that this is a sign of the time we live in. What do May 17, 2004, and May 15, 2008, have in common? One judge and a redefinition of marriage against the will of the people.
Both the Massachusetts Superior Court and the California Supreme Court by a one-judge margin redefined what marriage has always been in every culture and every religion for more than 5,000 years of recorded history.
According to the "Babylonian Talmud" – the book of rabbis' interpretation of the scriptures 1,000 years before Christ, there was only one time in history that reflects where we are right now. There was only one time in history, according to these writings, where men were given in marriage to men, and women given in marriage to women.
Want to venture a guess as to when? No, it wasn't in Sodom and Gomorrah, although that was my guess. Homosexuality was rampant there, of course, but according to the Talmud, not homosexual "marriage." What about ancient Greece? Rome? No. Babylon? No again. The one time in history when homosexual "marriage" was practiced was … during the days of Noah. And according to Satinover, that's what the "Babylonian Talmud" attributes as the final straw that led to the Flood.
Rabbi Spero spoke of God's compassion before the Flood, in hopes people would repent and turn back to His ways. He showed patience for hundreds of years.
But, he said, the Talmud's writings reveal that "before the Flood people started to write marriage contracts between men, in other words, homosexual 'marriage,' which is more than homosexual activity – it's giving an official state stamp of approval, a sanctification … of homosexual partnership."
In fact, he said, "the writings indicated that it wasn't even so much the 'straw that broke the camel's back,' but that the sin in and of itself is so contrary to why God created the world, so contrary to the order of God's nature, that God said then and there 'I have to start all over … to annihilate the world and start from the beginning. …'"
Whoever flagged me has been reported to CP. Continue and you will be kicked off the website.
I will say it again. Prophet, go back and read what I had typed, as I clearly stated: We are looking for civil rights from a civil marriage, if we were looking for God to condone anything, we would be looking for a religious marriage. Josh, your logic does not work. Just because you disagree with it does not mean it is like saying "right wrong." A civil union grants the same rights as a civil marriage, but if they are the same thing, then essentially it is a gay marriage, you're just not comfortable with the terminology.
Let us pray that GOD is not given american over to it's desires. Let us pray and HIS mercy and love cover us and the HOLY SPIRIT will convict heavily and open the eyes of us all. We can not let immorality gain any more ground. Wake up church and take a stand.
prophet
God's blessing is not being sought, that is not the issue here, this is about relationships reconised in law by the state, what you raise is another matter.
Regards
Steve
Josh
How are you being opressed? Sure you might not agree with what is occuring but again how does that make you opressed? Do you think that everytime somebody does something you don't agree with that they are opressing you?
Around the world there are plenty of people who are opressed due to religious(and not just Chrsitian), political, sexual, etc.. reasons. I think your use of the term opressed in relation to your situation is offensive in the least towards them and shows a complete lack of understanding of the word.
Kind regards
Steve
P.s Well put believer
Sigh. When will people understand that there are two parts of marriage? One before God, and one before the s
State. There's no logical reason at all to abandon civil unions for "gay marriage." The term itself is illogical. It's like saying you have a "right wrong." I'm all for homosexual couples to have all the rights they could possibly want with the state. I have no desire to oppress a people. However when they oppress me, by budging into the sanctity of marriage for no apparent logical reason whatsoever, then I have issues.
mike22685, other than the place and the person performing the ceremony how is a religious marriage different from a civil marriage in your view?
1 Corinthians 6:9
Do you not know that the wicked will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: Neither the sexually immoral nor idolaters nor adulterers nor male prostitutes nor homosexual offenders
steveh20, if they would pass stronger domestic patnership laws that would insure couples living together receive the same legal rights and benefits as married couples not only would these issues be resolved but the sanctity of marriage as designed by God would remain intact as well.
It seems to me that whether it is called marriage or not, that homosexuals should be able to have state reconised relationships. This would include evrthing that goes under the law with a married couple (pensions, tax etc..) as traditionaly understood. This does mean though that should seperation occur then they should be under the same obligations as a man and women, with rights will come obligations. Whilst this may not be everybodys cup of tea really thats not the point, this situation would be sanctioned by the state not the church.
Steve
Call it whatever you want. It is not marriage.
The court is not "legalizing" gay marriage. They're redefining the term. Not much to say on this one. The people of CN refused to pass legistlation preventing this from happening. However, it would have made more sense for this "redefinition" to go through the legistlative process than the courts.
believer, I had to laugh! Can you just see God reading the latest Gallup poll to see what changes He should make to His Word? "Hmm. 51 percent think it's OK to admire an underage entertainer who releases semi-nude pictures of herself..."
canadian, excellent post and what is sad is there are homosexuals who profess to be Christians who some how think that these laws will cause God to change His mind on His design and definition of marriage as well as His limitations on sexual intimacy.
a day of dread, a day of darkness,.....
all this gay stuff is nothing new. it's just that they are taking over everything. and the church as a whole seems to think it's ok. as I said before, America is lost and the day is coming that many will say where is God
GOD determines how man & woman marry and the ways they should treat & act to each other according to HIS HOLY WORD.I will not concede in my heart what is ceasar's when it clearly contravenes GOD'S WORD(ie; definition of marriage). I am not against benefits for cohabitation with no sexual relationship- I am against sin and the attempts of people to legitimize SIN under the guise of marriage,just because a morally corrupt sinful government/judges endorses SIN does'nt mean I have to nod my head in agreement against GOD'S wishes.Praise to our LORD & MASTER JESUS CHRIST
"Gays do not spit in the face of God, but you seem arrogant enough to tell everyone we do."
Actually, all mankind has spit in the fact of God. Each of us has spit in the fact of God or Jesus would not have had to die for us. Our sin is spiting in the face of God. Especially sin which God has said is disgusting to him which (again) is God's opinion on homosexuality written in His word.
If heterosexuals have so sullied the sanctity of marriage as Chicago says then why would homosexuals want any part of marriage?
Sin is Sin; whether committed by heterosexuals in debasing their own marriage vows and homosexuals who want to further debase or'sully' the high standards God has set forth in His institution of marriage by ignoring the plain command of Scripture not to engage in homo acts.
It's clear there are many forces at work in this country wanting to break down the family structure and render marriage and family meaningless. Without the family structure there is no civil society...just everyone out for his own best interest. This is what you want?
hey chicago, yes you are right, heterosexuals have in many cases made a mockery out of marriage, But two wrongs do not make a right.
you can poing to other bad behavour but that won't mako homosexuality any better.
And heterosexuals will answer to the same God of the Bible for their sin as well.
"God must judge this Nation or Apoligize to sodom and gomorrah."
I remember the above quote from the 70's...
"Christians get ready for persecution in this country"
And I remember the above sentiment from he 1970's (change it to any decade you wish to)....
Is there any chance of changing the record?
Mike, I am telling you what the Bible says about homosexuality, It is an Abomination for man to lay with man. Romans chapter one.
What do you want me to say,? That it is ok.?
God says it is sin.
Artm: Heterosexuals have exclusively sullied the "sanctity of marriage" in more ways than can be imagined. Why hasn't God treated this nation like Sodom and Gomorrah because of what heterosexuals have done to marriage?
Gays do not spit in the face of God, but you seem arrogant enough to tell everyone we do.
Sec. 5 of the CT "civil marriages":
Sec. 5. (NEW) (Effective October 1, 2007) (a) No person authorized to join persons in marriage pursuant to section 46b-22 of the general statutes shall be required to solemnize any marriage in violation of his or her right to the free exercise of religion guaranteed by the first amendment to the United States Constitution or section 3 of article first of the Constitution of the state.
(b) Any person authorized to join persons in marriage pursuant to section 46b-22 of the general statutes who fails or refuses to join persons in marriage for any reason shall not be subject to any fine or other penalty for such failure or refusal.
What else is new.? My friend's, The gay agenda spits in the face of God, But God will have the last say.
America is becoming the " Cage for every foul and unclean bird."
God must judge this Nation or Apoligize to sodom and gomorrah.
Our government officials think they know better than God what is right or good.
The Bible is clear on the subject of homosexuality. And that is why there must be a move to silence those who believe and preach the Bible on this matter.
The so called " Fairness doctrine " will be that move.
Christians get ready for persecution in this country.