Showing posts with label gay marriage. Show all posts
Showing posts with label gay marriage. Show all posts

PostHeaderIcon Gay marriage loses popular vote in Maine

11/05/2009 | Posted by mesiamd | Edit Post


In a referendum in Maine for or against homosexual marriages, the proponents of same-sex unions were defeated with a vote of 53% in majority (87%) of the polling places. Voters were asked if they wanted to rescind the gay marriage approval passed by Maine legislators and signed by its democrat governor John Baldacci.

Yes, Maine citizens voted to repeal it. Advocates of traditional marriage---that is between a man and a woman were jubilant that marriage between opposite sexes had been preserved Maine as in most states in the country. Gay union supporters however were not happy.

Same-sex weddings have been approved legal in only 5 states namely — Iowa, Massachusetts, Vermont, New Hampshire, and Connecticut. The decisions for these were through legislations not through popular vote.

“For the gay rights movement, which has gained a foothold in New England, it was a stinging defeat. Gay marriage has now lost in every state — 31 in all — in which it has been put to a popular vote. Gay-rights activists had hoped to buck that trend in Maine, framing same-sex marriage as a matter of equality for all families in a campaign that used 8,000 volunteers to get out the message.”---AP (11/04/09, Curran J.)

At the consternation of of gay activists and supporters, leaders pledged they would continue to fight for the legalization of homosexual unions which they think are no different from heterosexual relationships. This fight is part of the liberal, relativist morality, and secular agenda that seek to replace the long-held beliefs of majority of conservative Americans.

Opposing advocates across the aisle see the same-sex marriage debate in different prisms--- Many see it as a human rights and equality issue, others think of it as a moral and religious issue. (Photo Credit: www.gaymarriageblog.com) =0=

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PostHeaderIcon Prejean drops her Miss California Crown

6/14/2009 | Posted by mesiamd | Edit Post




The 22 year-old Miss California who is battered and reviled because her opinion doesn’t jibe with that of some contest officials doesn’t really feel so bad being stripped of a crown. Ms. Carrie Prejean is probably more beautiful than the California beauty title. The fiesty lady, ever more popular, gracefully faced the media to explain why she lost her title---more as an offshoot of standing up for what she believes in.

A victim of a political firestorm that is not of her own making, Prejean lost in the Miss USA 2009 contest for asserting that marriage is between and a man and a woman. This angered gays and lesbians who campaign to legalize same-sex union in California.

Fortunately for the young beauty queen, most citizens of her state support her views and even the Pres. Barack Obama agrees. The pretty lady, a supporter of Proposition 8 which bans gay marriage, bravely advices women to stand against harassment. She said they must not be intimidated to stand up for truth and what they believe in.

Defending the side of Prejean, the California State Supreme Court recently ruled against the legalization of same sex unions in the Golden State. (Photo Credit: NewsYahoo.com; maCalifornia) =0=

RELATED BLOG: "Miss California retains her crown as she affirms her belief that marriage is between a man and a woman" Posted by mesiamd at 5/13/2009; "Miss USA finalist graciously defends her anti-gay marriage position" Posted by mesiamd at 4/22/2009

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PostHeaderIcon Same-sex marriage proponents lose bid to keep gay union legal in California

5/27/2009 | Posted by mesiamd | Edit Post


The California Supreme Court ruled against gay marriage by upholding Proposition 8, the initiative against same-sex union which won during the November 8, 2008 election. In spite of efforts by gay activists to make same-sex marriage legal, the court decided in favor of what the majority of Californians wanted---that marriage must be between a man and a woman.

In a 6-1 decision, the court banned gay marriage in California on Tuesday, May 26, 2009, but ruled that the 18,000 marriages forged before the prohibition, are retained as legal. The court decided that the change in ruling must not be retroactive; dissolution of homosexual unions contracted in the Golden State in the five months that they were legal could be disruptive.

“The court said that while the ban denies gay couples use of the term "marriage," it does not fundamentally disturb their basic right to "establish an officially recognized and protected family relationship with the person of one's choice and to raise children within the family." California still allows gay couples to form domestic partnerships.”----The Huffington Post (05/26/09,)

Gay activists, homosexuals, lesbians, and their supporters were furious. Setting demonstrations which blocked the streets in front of the courthouse, they accused the court of not protecting a minority. On the other hand, anti-gay marriage advocates were ecstatic that the court respected the right of voters to define marriage as they knew it.

This tug-of-war on the acceptance of same-sex marriage isn’t over. The long drawn debate on legalizing unions of the same gender has touched issues on equality and tolerance. It also threatens the religious faith of many Californians that forbids gay unions.

Experts say gay advocates can still appeal to the federal court for equal protection under the US constitution. Iowa, Maine, Vermont, Massachusetts and Connecticut are states that so far recognize same-sex marriage. (Photo Credit: ACME-Nollmeyer) =0=

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PostHeaderIcon Miss California’s advocacy against gay marriage takes an ugly turn with the release of “revealing” photos

5/06/2009 | Posted by mesiamd | Edit Post


“We live in a great country; a nation that was built on freedom of speech and freedom of religion. Yet my comments defending traditional marriage have led to intimidation tactics that seek to undermine my reputation and somehow silence me and my beliefs, as if opinion is only a one-way street.”----Carrie Prejean, Miss California, 2009

Well said Miss California!

Twenty one year old Carrie Prejean who emerged as the first runner up in the 2009 Miss USA pageant angered homosexuals for opining that marriage must be between a man and woman during the finals of the beauty competition. It was an opinion that comes from her as a Christian. But she couldn’t be forgiven by her detractors who attack her by releasing a partially nude picture she had as a model when she was in her teens.

“I am a Christian, and I am a model,” Prejean said in a statement released overnight to the media. “Models pose for pictures, including lingerie and swimwear photos. Recently, photos taken of me as a teenager have been released surreptitiously to a tabloid Web site that openly mocks me for my Christian faith. I am not perfect, and I will never claim to be.”----MSNBC.com/ Todayshow.com (05/05/09, Celizic, M)

It’s sad to see this controversy morph into a demolition job against Miss California who obviously is entitled to her belief and conviction. This seems familiar when one recalls the experience of Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin who was unfairly put under the microscope and vilified for having the “audacity” to run for vice-president. The biased media dug in for every dirt that could be revealed against the woman and her family. The rest of the story is history.

The intolerance and hate by people in the progressive liberal left against these two ladies are assaults against conservatism and traditional moral values in America----a place whose people like to think of themselves as beacons of freedom and tolerance, yet are bigoted against those who don’t agree with them. (Photo Credit: AP/ Eric Jamison) =0=

For expressing her views against same-sex marriage, pageant officials in her home state are trying to boot out Miss California of her title (which is really not nothing compared to the attention she is getting for expressing her views.) It's outrageous see a woman (who at the onset said she doesn't mean to offend anyone) being singled out because of her traditional Christian point view. Obviously, there are irrational people who want to ram their agenda to people's throats.

RELATED BLOGS: "Miss USA finalist graciously defends her anti-gay marriage position" Posted by mesiamd at 4/22/2009; "Miss California lost because of a politically (in)correct answer in the Miss USA 2009 Pageant?" Posted by mesiamd at 4/21/2009

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PostHeaderIcon Miss USA finalist graciously defends her anti-gay marriage position

4/22/2009 | Posted by mesiamd | Edit Post
Expressing the sentiment of majority of Californians and Americans, Miss California Carrie Prejean who placed second in the recently concluded Miss USA pageant, reiterated her bible-based belief that marriage is between a man and a woman.

She made it clear she won't choose the dictates of political correctness and compromise her belief just to win a beauty contest.

The scintillating and outstandingly pretty beauty contestant clearly explained her position gaining her more respect and adulation from TV audiences who watched her clarify the controversy. She said she had no regrets having to express her long-held belief because she thought that was the right thing to do. =0=

RELATED BLOG: "Miss California lost because of a politically (in)correct answer in the Miss USA 2009 Pageant?" Posted by mesiamd at 4/21/2009

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PostHeaderIcon Miss California lost because of a politically (in)correct answer in the Miss USA 2009 Pageant?

4/21/2009 | Posted by mesiamd | Edit Post




When Miss California Carrie Prejean was asked about her thoughts on same-sex marriage, she quickly shared her opinion which many believed was excellent--- an answer that came direct from her heart and mind.

“We live in a land where you can choose same-sex marriage or opposite marriage. And you know what, I think in my country, in my family, I think that I believe that a marriage should be between a man and a woman. No offense to anybody out there, but that's how I was raised."

But according to reports, her answer to the question and answer portion of the contest angered an openly gay pageant judge because it wasn’t politically correct---it didn’t conform to the progressive liberal political agenda that he wants others to espouse. Her conservative innocuous comment against same-sex unions probably caused Ms. Prejean to lose the Miss USA title to another gorgeous lady, Miss North Carolina Kristen Dalton.

Many questioned why the politically charged question was ever asked at all. Or why it should matter when in America, everyone is entitled to each one’s opinion. Others believe that if a person goes for traditional marriage---that which is contracted between a man and woman--- one is a bigot, a racist, and homophobe. Gay marital unions entail a redefinition of marriage and run contradictory to religious beliefs.

Miss California got praise and respect for her honest answer. Some snide remarks against the first runner-up are mostly undeserved. The controversial question intended to advance political agenda must have no place in a beauty pageant. The assault on traditional values which serve as the foundation of families and strength of society make people wonder where the American culture is heading. (Photo Credit: AP/ Eric Jamison x 2) =0=

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PostHeaderIcon Religion tailored to one's liking---an alternative to Catholicism?

11/26/2008 | Posted by mesiamd | Edit Post




Those who can’t take the teachings of the Roman Catholic Church (RCC) may have a lesson from the members the Universal Fellowship Metropolitan Community Church (MCC,) the 40-year old American church of gays and lesbians who has established a chapter in Manila. The founding of the gay church has practical applications to those who campaign against other religions for the sake of changing their teachings.

It’s often suggested by some leaders of RCC that those who cannot abide with its teachings has the option to make their own congregation just like any protestant denomination. That’s exactly what the MCC has done for the gay community. Providing support for the homosexuals, the MCC enjoys peace in the Christian ministry instead of wrangling with the RCC to change its age-old doctrines.

TJ Agbayani, the local pastor of MCC said that since the founding of his church in September 2006, twelve (12) gay and lesbian members entered in the “holy matrimony.” The main tenet of his church is that every member of the community can serve God through ”holy service.” Diverging from RCC’s teaching, Agbayani and his church members believe anyone can interpret the Bible so long as he follows “guidelines.” So far, no one seems intent to bother them on this belief.



Divisions among religions have been spawned by age-old conflicts. In more modern times, the cultures of secularism and relativism have something to do with the bitter quarrels over religious convictions and traditions. That’s why more and more churches are established, creating splits even among the believers of Jesus Christ. A gay life-style is considered aberrant and sinful by the RCC, a belief carried through its 200 centuries of existence.

Spreading peace and avoiding antipathy towards other faiths seem to be the immediate windfall of being part of a sect like MCC which is tailored to one’s belief. The separate congregation is an alternative for those who doubt and cannot find a common ground with the church they belong.

Can there be a time when believers of abortion, contraception, euthanasia, stem-cell research, thievery, murder or corruption will have their own churches too? Maybe.(Photo CRedit: GoldenCalf; CaloricoHermoso;Blazeip1) =0=




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PostHeaderIcon Moral Challenge: angry gays protest ban of same-sex marriage in California

11/10/2008 | Posted by mesiamd | Edit Post


During the election in November 4, 2008, Californians were asked to decide on Proposition 8---a move to reverse the law enacted by the state Supreme Court in May 2008 on the validity of same-sex marriage.

Barack Obama fans and liberal democrats had a big surprise when West Coast's residents rejected gay marriage (approved Proposition 8) in spite of the secular reputation of California, a bastion of democrat-liberals who generally support gay lifestyle. Two thirds of California's black voters (66%) who voted for Obama didn’t do so for the lesbians and homosexuals. A record of these gays, 18,000 of them, forged matrimonies in the last 5 months before the election.

By the strength of the ballot, gay marriage prohibition won in California, Florida and Arizona. Only Massachusetts and Connecticut now approve same-sex marriages. On the other hand, New Jersey and New Hampshire only permit civil unions with the same legal rights as marriage.

What ensued was a flurry of gay activists’ angry protests who blamed religion, among others as a cause of their defeat. Despite the expressed will of the people, well-organized and vocal homosexual groups numbering up to 10,000 converged in San Diego on November 8, 2008 to protest.

In Salt Lake, Utah, a group of 2,000 staged a rally against the Church of the Latter Day's Saints (Mormons) and mainstream Christians who forbid gay marital unions. Five thousand (5,000) gay marriage supporters came to a similar mass action in Los Angeles area.

The passing of Proposition 8 in California is a victory for conservatives. For now, the religious right and those who want to uphold traditional family and moral values have an upper hand. But the radical liberals are fighting back to change the rules and impose alternative lifestyle for society. In spite of the understanding, tolerance, and partner benefits given to gay couples, moves to redefine marriage go on.

The increasingly secular world has made people to ponder on what is right and wrong. An alarming fifty (50%) of traditional marriages end up in divorce in the United States. There are those who think the socio-cultural debacle stirred by the same-sex marriage issue, along with questions on abortion, euthanasia, pornography, illegal drugs, and stem-cell research may indicate the fraying of America’s moral values which signals its decline. Respect for the poor, aged, disabled and children are on the wane.

Contrarians however think gay marriage is a boost to advance modernity and sophistication--- an expression of liberation from what others perceive as anachronism and religion’s oppressive hold on the people’s imagination. Quo Vadis, America? Where are you going, World? (Photo Credits: specsappeal.net; ncregister; moonbattery.com) =0=
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