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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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Labels: gay, gay marriage, gay rights, gender issue, homosexuality, Legislation, Maine, referendum, same-sex marriage, sex, Totie Mesia

Pope Benedict XVI's lenten visit to Africa

3/19/2009 | Posted by mesiamd | Edit Post

In his first visit to Cameroon, Africa, Pope Benedict VI renewed his calls to all believers of the Roman Catholic Church to help the impoverished people of the world.

He underscores the need to protect and defend the poor African family from the snares of secularization that is fraying traditional values, causing a lot of misunderstanding and suffering in many nations. Cameroon is listed as among the poorest countries of the world where hunger is prevalent.

Amidst criticism versus the Vatican for preaching against artificial contraception, the German-born pontiff stresses his opposition against the use of condom. He says condoms distract people from personal discipline and proper sexual behavior. His long-standing religious perspective upheld by Catholics is contrary to the United Nation’s (UN) belief that condoms are necessary tools to fight the spread of HIV/AIDS.

Catholic Opposition to the UN Declaration of gay rights

In another vein, the Catholic Church along with the Islamic faith opposes UN’s position on gay rights----the decriminalization of homosexuality. It is expected that under Barack Obama’s secular leadership, USA will a signatory to the declaration.

This is a complete reversal from the conservative position espoused by former Pres. George W. Bush, a perspective supported by many of America's 76% Christians who are against abortion, same-sex marriage, euthanasia, and stem cell research. In December last year, 66 of U.N.'s 192 members signed the decriminalization of homosexual acts, but 70 countries continue to outlaw the practice which they believe lead to deplorable sexual acts in society. (Photo Credit: DMalantic) =0=

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Labels: Africa, Cameroon, condoms, contraception, gay rights, Lent, moral religion, Pope Benedict XVI, Roman Catholic Church, Totie Mesia, Vatican

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Gay marriage loses popular vote in Maine

Pope Benedict XVI's lenten visit to Africa

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