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

5/27/2009 | Posted by Anonymous | 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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Labels: California, gay marriage, homosexuality, legal case, lesbian, marriage, Proposition 8, same-sex marriage, Supreme Court, Totie Mesia, tradition

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

11/26/2008 | Posted by Anonymous | 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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Labels: Catholic, faith, gay, gay marriage, homosexuality, lesbian, religion, Roman Catholic Church, Totie Mesia

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

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

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