Welcome to Maine.. with all the problems we are facing this should be something we deal with later.....Much more pressing issues ...Time to not vote in people like Damon who are wasting time with this....Don't these people have priorities? It is obvious they don't have a clue about the task at hand .

Welcome to Maine.. with all the problems we are facing this should be something we deal with later.....Much more pressing issues ...Time to not vote in people like Damon who are wasting time with this....Don't these people have priorities? It is obvious they don't have a clue about the task at hand .

Redefine marriage? How does that work? Sounds like another idiot in the Maine Legislature. Why not let Maine people be Maine people. Recognize unions of two people and help with the legal aspects, is fine, but to 'redefine marriage' is nauseating, to say the least..Right on Rep. Josh Tardy. Get Representative Celli onboard..

Larry T. Doughty, South Brewer.. larrytdoughty@yahoo.com.www.ourstory.com/larrytdoughty/

Well, it's certainly time that the state of Maine came of age and freely admitted what it has known ever since the ice cap receded and the first Native Americans treked across the land mass that then linked North America to Asia.

That is, of course that all people have the right to be treated equally, and that also includes the fact no one has the right to tell other people just whom they can love.

I almost wish I were living in Bangor right now. I'd be the first to volunteer for this fair minded group and their much needed legislation.

Perley J. Thibodeau

Mainelyme

I agree this is a waste of time...Rep. Tardy, please stop wasting taxpayer time & money to create legislation that restricts the rights of individuals.

I just submitted my info to volunteer with Equality Maine. For those who wish to make judgements and lash out at supporters of gay marriage, take a long look at your self and try to figure out why you feel the need to discriminate. If it doesn't affect you, then why do you care so much? This will also be a good step towards releasing the strangehold of influence that the church has had over politics in this state, should it pass.

so if a person s orietation is love with animals thats ok too? kids? No one has the right to tell people whom they can love ? or what they can love? Rights for every perversion? Its a slippery slope- remember its ok in some cultures to do things we dont tolerate here. A process of re defining things will only lead to more and more extreme expectations. The media will help us with shows that make these things look normal . Where does it stop! Not a priority at all , waste of time.

This is exactly the kind of thing that makes many of us cynical about 35 years of Democrat mis-management of Maine. Based on the challenges we're facing these days, most notably economic & related, shouldn't our Legislators be focusing their time and efforts on other priorities than trying to enfranchise yet another special interest voting bloc in the "D" camp?

No, skull77, animals and kids can't vote (yet).

Isn’t this the guy who owes a butt load of delinquent property taxes. I guess that is why he is tackling this issue. He can’t manage his own finances, so obviously he is useless to do anything about the current financial mess this state is in, so he picks up stuff like this. Boy, do we know how to pick em’ in Maine.

boogyman, "butt load" is an excellent choice of terms! Bravo!

We saw this one coming, didn't we?! I'm sure it will be passed, too. Just a sign of the times. MARANATHA!!!

I love how people who are against same sex marriages go right into talk of marrying animals. we are talking about human beings here. a little respect and class goes a long way.

Thanks, Dennis!

Where's the LD#?

Diana22 if you act like animals why not be compared to them?

Right on bendover. I agree

Animals?

Do you disenters still eat with your feet?

Mainelyme

Someone wrote in complaining that folks were equating gay marriage with marrying animals, and that the comment was crude. The person was right those comments totally missed the mark. My question is, why limit marriage to two people? Why wouldn't three or four people in love be ale to be married? Think of the mix and match possibilities...two women and two men; 3 women and one man; three men and one woman and so on. What is involved in the sanctity of the number two? (tounge firmly planted in cheek).

Diana, bravo. Very well said. Respect and class DOES go a long way. And bendover and sewmama: Being gay means that you act like an animal, therefore the general public has a right to restrict who you marry? That is the MOST ridiculous thing I have read on here today. Being gay does NOT make you an animal. If you are not gay why should you care? Why worry about it? How would you like to be told that you could not marry someone because you don't share the same religion? How would YOU like your rights restricted by people who don't know or understand YOUR life? I don't believe that you would.

The passes only if the public is not allowed to vote. Of course, we're not "smart" enough to decide.

All of you dissenters who are bringing your unacceptable sexual fantasies into the argument for the millioneth time, please stop.

If we intelligent thinkers want unmitgated fiflth we'll Google Night Surf!

Thank you!

Perley J. Thibodeau

Mainelyme

Rep. Joshua Tardy, R-Newport, will submit a bill that would call for an amendment to the Maine Constitution that would define marriage as between a man and woman and ban same-sex marriage. We all need to support this bill.

And I agree with "Comnsenz". Why not just rewrite the marriage law to allow more then two people then. Or say hey if two males or females can get married and have the same benifits as a man and women then what the hell let two women and 1 men get married and allow them the same rights too.

The word was "Filth!"

Mainelyme

It's about time that all people had the right to marry.

That said, it will be interesting to see how those who oppose that staetment (first made by a Jew called The Christ) find a way to refute it -- without offending two major religions .. or declaring themselves Islamic.

Bill Lipton

Harrington,

They're baaaaaack.

Bring on the sheep. oh baby

I just love the....Jekyll Hyde thinking of some who post here....it's all right to make illegal someones right to have a safe abortion....it all right to take away or not give somone the right to be married to what ever other human they want to be.....but it's not all right to ban the use of cell phones in cars...and to protect my right to be as safe possible on the road way.....let's make it illegal to give out birth control or info about condoms and other means of protection....I mean let's get real here ...

I'm beggining to think that the state looks at marriage as just another way to collect a fee for a permit.

I knew this was coming, but I hope the legislature lets the people of Maine vote on this so we don't have to bring it to referendum the expensive way. Somehow though, I doubt that will happen.

irv4me: I would also like to volunteer to "help the cause," but Portland is a long haul for me. Do you know of any groups or extensions of Equality Maine in Washington or Hancock counties?

The Declaration of Independence, as written by the founding fathers of this great nation states "We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal,...". Over time, the definition of "men" as used in government laws and regulations has expanded to include both non-caucasions and women. Therefore, I think it is safe to state that all humankind is created equal.

If this is true, why then should one group of humans be prohibited from marriage? If homosexuals are prohibited from marrying, they are in effect, being treated as non-humans, much like slaves were treated during the early days of America.

While the Declaration of Independence is not law, the words within it should hold water with courts of law and public opinion. If everyone is created equal, then there should not be any laws permitting or prohibiting acts by certain groups of humans. Anti-discrimination laws are un-needed as there should be no "class" of people.

The remainder of the sentenance states, "...that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness."

If marrying makes people happy, then people should be allowed to marry. Sexual orientation should not be a consideration. The prohibitation of homosexual marriages denies some Americans the three basic truths that our ancestors fought to give us. As an American, I am outraged that this government sanctioned discrimination exists.

Many who oppose homosexual marriage do so on religous grounds. This means they support the Constitutional Freedom of Religion and enjoy the benefits granted by it. But they hypocritically deny basic rights to some of their brothers and sisters.

No one is telling anyone whom they can love. You can love your dog, but marriage should not be "redefined" to allow you to marry it. Where do you draw the line. What if I want to have sex with my son and I love him and want to marry him since he is of age? Should I be included in this redefinition of marriage. Allow the civil marriages, but leave it at that! Everything will be okay. The world is coming to an end in 2012 so I guess we might as well go for it all!

Who cares...I ignore most gays..they never really bring anything useful to the table. Its all about them being gay. Who cares. wanna get married...who cares? If your happy with your percieved place in heaven...or hell...who cares? Just shup up about it......We're all pretty sick of hearing about it. Get married..adopt your 2.5 kids like normal people screw em up beyond repair send em out to the world and hope for the best. at any rate...just STFU about it we don't care

Just a blog that may be interesting to some:

10 Reasons Why Gay Marriage is Wrong

1) Being gay is not natural. Real Americans always reject unnatural things like eyeglasses, polyester, and air conditioning.

2) Gay marriage will encourage people to be gay, in the same way that hanging around tall people will make you tall.

3) Gay marriage will change the foundation of society; we could never adapt to new social norms. Just like we haven't adapted to cars, the service-sector economy, or longer life spans.

4) Straight marriage has been around a long time and hasn't changed at all; women are still property, blacks still can't marry whites, and divorce is still illegal.

5) Straight marriage will be less meaningful if gay marriage were allowed; the sanctity of Brittany Spears' 55-hour just-for-fun marriage would be destroyed.

6) Straight marriages are valid because they produce children. Gay couples, infertile couples, and old people shouldn't be allowed to marry because our orphanages aren't full yet, and the world needs more children.

7) Obviously gay parents will raise gay children, since straight parents only raise straight children.

8) Gay marriage is not supported by religion. In a theocracy like ours, the values of one religion are imposed on the entire country. That's why we have only one religion in America.

9) Children can never succeed without a male and a female role model at home. That's why we as a society expressly forbid single parents to raise children.

10) Legalizing gay marriage will open the door to all kinds of crazy behavior. People may even wish to marry their pets because a dog has legal standing and can sign a marriage contract.

Just a blog that may be interesting to some:

10 Reasons Why Gay Marriage is Wrong

1) Being gay is not natural. Real Americans always reject unnatural things like eyeglasses, polyester, and air conditioning.

2) Gay marriage will encourage people to be gay, in the same way that hanging around tall people will make you tall.

3) Gay marriage will change the foundation of society; we could never adapt to new social norms. Just like we haven't adapted to cars, the service-sector economy, or longer life spans.

4) Straight marriage has been around a long time and hasn't changed at all; women are still property, blacks still can't marry whites, and divorce is still illegal.

5) Straight marriage will be less meaningful if gay marriage were allowed; the sanctity of Brittany Spears' 55-hour just-for-fun marriage would be destroyed.

6) Straight marriages are valid because they produce children. Gay couples, infertile couples, and old people shouldn't be allowed to marry because our orphanages aren't full yet, and the world needs more children.

7) Obviously gay parents will raise gay children, since straight parents only raise straight children.

8) Gay marriage is not supported by religion. In a theocracy like ours, the values of one religion are imposed on the entire country. That's why we have only one religion in America.

9) Children can never succeed without a male and a female role model at home. That's why we as a society expressly forbid single parents to raise children.

10) Legalizing gay marriage will open the door to all kinds of crazy behavior. People may even wish to marry their pets because a dog has legal standing and can sign a marriage contract.

Call it something except ' a marriage' at least. For all of us who have been married for well over half a century to the same person of the opposite sex , this seems to make a mockery of it . God said marriage should be between one man and one woman for the purpose of procreation. When he said to love thy fellow man he didn't mean to have sex with him. Jesus died to forgive us all of our sins , so long as we believed in Him, AND stopped sinning.

The sicknics are right in their glory sprewing their verbal filth and garbage on to the rest of the people who really only want a piece of the equal rights pie.

As for marrying your dogs.

You might just as well as you're having sex with them now anyway!

Mainelyme

Eastmainer....I'm glad you brought the "God" argument into this. I'm certain that God is telling priests it is okay to fondle the altar boys, you just can't marry them.

comnsenz,...its spelled tongue. don't worry misspelling second grade words doesn't make you look like a moron.

Mainleyme---You sound like a real swift homo. You seem to think that the rest of the human race should think and act like you or they are the ones who are wrong. I don't hate homosexuals, I just don't understand them and I want them to keep it in the privacy of their own home . There is nothing more nauseating to us 'straights' than seeing two people of the same sex making out in public.

comnsenz,....its spelled TONGUE. that's okay. not being able to spell third grade words doesn't make you look like a moron.

gosocks,...lets not confuse homosexuals with pedophiles,.....again we don't want to write like morons,..do we?

Diana, pointing out a simple typo does not make you are moron either. Not.

Eastmainer: I am a "straight" and to see 2 homosexuals kiss, make out, or show any affection does not bother me anymore than to see a man and a woman make out in public. Has it ever crossed your mind that maybe gay people find it offensive when you kiss YOUR significant other in public, even if they are of the opposite sex? Please speak only for yourself.

eastmainer:

Granted I'm pretty swift.

It's obvious that you're not because the whole crux of this proposed legislation is geared to keep sexual matters within the confines of people's own homes!

Mainely(Swift)me

eastmainer--if you're nauseated by a same sex couple making out in public, imagine how they feel having hetero sex shoved at them in movies, advertisements, television, and daily life. If is it wrong for you to be disgusted by the seeing a homosexual couple showing affection in public, then it should be wrong for them to see a heterosexual couple doing the same.

Hmm. Eli has two Mommy's.

A peanut butter cup is the marriage of peanut butter and chocolate. But marrying peanut butter with more peanut butter just ends up giving you more peanut butter, and that's just gross.

I don't particularly enjoy watching any people making out in public - gay or straight. To me it's on a par with watching 2 dogs screw.

good,

Let's outlaw marriage by left-handed people until they learn to make their right hand their dominant hand. Let's also outlaw marriage by lobstermen, since tthe Bible tells us eating shell fish is an abomination. While were at it, let's outlaw divorce. Then we will have done enough to protect the sanctity of marriage. Guess which religous group has the highest divorce rate? You guessed right: conservative Christians. It's always do as I say, not as I do.

Diana22, My priest comment was not designed to confuse homosexuals with pedophiles but to rebut Eastmainer's claim that his God said that marriage was between a man and a woman, for the purpose of procreation. If God's word should be accepted to limit marriage, then why isn't God's word enough to stop Catholic clergy from engaging in sexual acts? Why isn't God's word enough to stop religous pedophiles?

If God's word is not strong enough for God's chosen people to follow, then why should it be strong enough for everyone else?

I once knew a Indian named 2dogsscrew David. I never new where his daddy came up with the name. Now I do.

Butt Pirates have been around a long time, look at the Greeks. They like little boys.

People.

Can we please stick to the legislation as worded at hand?

And, by the way I have always been happily left handed.

Mainelyme

Lets look at our governor and see what he has to say, its probably one of his brilliant ideas to take it to legislature. He has so mnay bright ideas and look what has happened to us now

Lets look at our governor and see what he has to say, its probably one of his brilliant ideas to take it to legislature. He has so mnay bright ideas and look what has happened to us now

Divorce Rate Statistics of 1st, 2nd and 3rd Marriages in the United States

Various studies on US Divorce rate show significant differences when a comparison is made in 1st, 2nd and 3rd marriage, divorce rate in America.

* Divorce rate in America after first marriage is from 41% to 50%.

* US divorce rate after second marriage is from 60% to 67%

* After 3 marriages the US divorce rate is from 73% to 79%

What a wonderful institution marriage is .... wouldn't want to screw it up.

Damon-once a turd always a turd

Homosexuality is a genetic defect. For all of you people who don't believe in god, then I really don't think you can argue with that, it sure does not fit in with Dawins theory of evolution either.

Look at the bright side, instead of suing one person for an auto accident or whatever you will be able to sue for money with two incomes.. Lawyers will make more on divorces and they will have to give equal rights to people who don't want to get married but share house loans car payments, insurance and partnership tax deductions.

Actually I change my mind about gays acting like animals. Animals know better then to have same sex, sex. So why do people think they can. It's sick and discusting so don't shove it down our throats.

the hardest critics of same sex relations............. usually have something themselves to hide.....come out of the closeted u all =)

Serious who are we to say the same sex can not have sex? I am not gay but if I was who are you? to say? oh wait GOD? HMMM who are you to say there is a god? any proof ever met him oh we can all say teachings and feelings and all that good stuff..but seriously as with santa....how many believed in santa when you was a child? when you gre up you new better...well you believe in god for the same reasons..what u was taught.......and you NEED to believe that when you die your not just DEAD,,,,we all do....we hop pray have faith there is more...we need this....we can not live without this....oh my thinking we are a pile of rotting flesh and not with god.....never! we can live without Santa belief's but not GOD...so you was taught men with women women with men....I follow my teachings...BUT what if what if I wanted a same sex relationship? SO......is it in your bedroom no oh wait you might have to see a lady kiss a lady or a man kiss a man? gross you could never handle that that is not natural right because your busy living natural in your own world of men and women ....and having baby's and living what you was taught right....well.....what if you do not believe in those teachings and you feel different.....like being gay? I myself dont believe in jewish law....are they all damned for hell cause OUR god says so..I think not...what about Muslim? oh wait they are doomed too...and what about...someone born with both sexes? oh wait god messed up right....be who u want and if your right with your god....you will know this.." thou shall not judge"......who's god said this??? the same god that said man for woman ...woman for man? or man shall not lay with man?...but of course some Christians can pick and choos bible pieces to fit their needs....cya in hell =) cause after all one sin is not greater than another sin or wrong doing .........right?

sewmama

Your lack of knowlege is showing.

Please don't ever sit on a jury as it would be a shame to hang an innocent person!

Mainelyme

Boogyman, you don't fit in with any theory of evolution either. Knuckle-dragger.

For those interested, you can find the complete bill here:

http://www.turnmaineblue.com/showDiary.do?diaryId=2272

I'll note that this bill would in no way force any house of worship or member of any clergy from performing a marriage ceremony for gay couples - they can continue to decline such as they do today, for example, turning down members of other faiths or divorcees.

GeraldWeinand-just wait-that will be next. It always has to start somewhere

For us believers marriage was instuited so man would not be lonely and to procreate. Until a gay couple is able to procreate, I will be against gay marriage. Just another barrier that you are trying to tear down. Next thing we know it will be alright to be a pedophile..................

For us believers marriage was instuited so man would not be lonely and to procreate. Until a gay couple is able to procreate, I will be against gay marriage. Just another barrier that you are trying to tear down. Next thing we know it will be alright to be a pedophile..................

For us believers marriage was instuited so man would not be lonely and to procreate. Until a gay couple is able to procreate, I will be against gay marriage. Just another barrier that you are trying to tear down. Next thing we know it will be alright to be a pedophile..................

ilovebama_

I'd hate like Hell to have to meet anything that you procreated, Mister.

I'd just hate like Hell!

Mainelyme

What happened to separation of Church and State?

I believe that it is none of my business whether or not people choose homosexual lifestyles or get married. It is not my cup of tea, but I will not judge others. I have some very good friends and a sister who are lesbians. My faith is such that I believe that each person has agency (the right to choose between what is right and wrong) in their lives. My opinion and morality may be different from theirs, but only the God that I know and love has the qualifications and ability to judge. He states through his son and prophets, "Judge not lest ye be judged."

I will tell you that my friends and my sister, as well as her partner, are very important people in my life. I love and accept my sister's partner as a member of my own family - indeed, she is like a sister to me. These people are all wonderful people who are contributors to society, caring, compassionate, and empathic to others, and would do anything to help anyone out of a problem. To judge them for a personal choice is not what I want to or am capable of doing.

Should there be gay marriage? I do not believe that it is a legislative question. There are churches that will support it, and churches that will not. As with any denomination, if a couple are married within the guidelines of a valid ecclesiastic order or state recognized church entity, the state should honor that marriage. God will decide whether it is right or wrong when that couple stand before him one day. No one else should offer their two cents.

I also add though that the Bible and God specifically use the reference to the destruction of Sodom and Gommorah to clearly define their views about homosexualtiy.

MainelyMe your 6th grade education is showing. You want to shove your beliefs and agenda down everyone's throat, but then you have NO tolerance for an opposing viewpoint. To the person that commented that even animals know not to have sex with like gender animals is right on. I disagree with your viewpoint, but I respect your right to have that viewpoint. Thank GOD that we live in a country where you can vocally express your point of view..................

I would also mention that my church does not accept or condone homosexuality, but it does teach us that we are to love all. It states that marriage is defined as a union between a man and a women who have made a covanent to each other in the presence of God. Thus, if I am to follow my church's teaching and love all, I do not have the right to judge others, merely accept them for who they are and love them as my brothers and sisters in this mortal existence.

Gosocks-----Would you please define who you refer to by "God's chosen people"?

DowneastDiva, you make the most sense yet............Right on.......................Nobody, and certainly not me, is saying to hate homosexuals. The bible teaches to love the sinner, but hate the sin. If you do not believe in god then this will not make sense to you.

WHO THE HELL SAID MARRIAGE WAS CREATED SO WE COULD PROCREATE? ?????? LMAO.....so if you are sterile? shall you be denied marriage cause that is the only reason? ..lmao.....oh wait your god said marriage was created for this.....oh and your god knows everything too the future the day u die and so on.....does he not know when he created us that come would make a choice of being gay or is it not a choice???? I saythis AMERICA land of the free who the hells says what is right or wrong?????? GOD....then let him show up and make a speech oh wait unless your cramming "your bible" down throats saying that is the truth.....let god come tell us......in his words so we can hear just like I learned Santa was not true I think you all would find when your dead..you go to the maggots now streets of gold.

BUT in saying all I said in your are in belief ..DOWNEASTDIVA got it VERY right...

ilovebama:

8th grade.

8th grade.

The Bangor School System.

I just got an e mail from my movie script management company's co/owner in New York/Hollywood and he again told me that he's a fan of my writing.

He said in the recent past that he and the others at the company feel they won't have any difficulty in selling my movie scripts.

8th grade.

8th grade.

Bangor School System.

Mainelyme

MainelyMe, lots of luck..................

ilovebama:

Also, the scripts are in part about favoring same sex marriage.

Hope to see you at the movies!

Mainelyme

well anne_queenofmdi, explain homosexuality to us all if you are so smart. The way I see it, you either believe in creationism or Darwin's theory of evolution. How does homosexuality fit into either? If it is not a genetic defect (or anomaly if you prefer) than what is it? If it was the "norm" then humanity would not exist. If you don't think it’s genetic, then you obviously think someone chooses to be gay. If I'm wrong here, why don't you clear it all up.

boogyman

Better still, why don't you get out into the world and live your own life?

That way you'll be able to clear it all up for yourself!

Mainelyme

Like I said, we should all thank GOD that we live in a country where we can express our point of view. If you lived in Iran, Syria, Afghanistan, etc., do you know what they do with people of this belief??? Let's be glad we don't live there...............

Time to get the GAYS, the hell out of office. ONE LAW FOR ALL PEOPLE !!! AND THAT ONE IS: LAWMAKERS ENFORCE PHYSICAL ASSAULTS ON THE GAYS..... AS THEY ENFORCE ASSAULTS ON ANY OTHER HUMAN BEING. BUT, TO MAKE A MOCKERY OF MARRIAGE IS GOING TOO FAR! THAT'S LIKE SAYING GEN. MACARTHUR WASN'T CRAZY! THEY WANT TO CHANGE SOCIETY TO THEIR PROVERTED WAYS.... PAGANS STILL DO EXIST !

THROW IT IN THE TRASH WHERE IT BELONGS!!! HOW MANY OF OUR FINE CONGRESS ARE GAY??? IS THIS A MOVEMENT WITHIN...... ???

anne_of_mdi

Do you have a Ph.D.?

Mainelyme

mariahstorm

Stop screaming in capital letters or readers will think you voted for Obama!

Mainelyme

Funny, I have not heard one response from the pro gay rights people on the question of why a man can't marry his daughter if they are in love. I mean really, if they are in love, what business is it of anyone elses. Please respond gay rights advocates.

Here goes... the text book definition of Homosexuality according to my sister is that if a person has feelings, hormonal reactions, and sexual relations with a person of the same gender, they are considered to be homosexual.

Bisexuality is when a person has feelings, hormonal reactions, and sexual relations with a person of either gender.

Heterosexuality is when a person has feelings, hormonal reactions, and sexual relations with a person of the opposite gender.

If, in any case there is no sexual activity, then a person is not identified as being one of the three, merely the person has an inclination toward one of the three.

The argument as to whether a person is born that way is the timeless Nature vs. Nurture debate. Can there be genetic aberrations to cause this? Science has never determined it - however, the genome is not fully mapped, so it is still inconclusive. Is, or can, Nurture (be) a cause? Possibly. Again, the science and study of the human psyche is indeterminate. We do not have these answers, and probably never will have them in our lifetime, because each of us has different capacities for knowledge and moral interpretations of the knowledge that we acquire. In any case, choice is a personal determination tha can not be judged. Some of my friends lived as heterosexuals and changed to bisexuality or homosexuality later in life after having children or a personal catharsis. Others have always followed one preference from the time they began to experience the adolescent pull of hormones.

In my opinion, this is not an area that we are capable of judging morally or defining as fact. There are infinite possibilities (reasons) for a person's sexual inclination.

Mainelyme,

Don't you have some rats to feed in central park or something?

I can't believe we are going to waste legislature time and money on this. I think we have people in maine that want jobs, tax reform, and some sense of security. Once again somebody is setting of the grenade of misdirection and sending everybody in the wrong direction....Welcome to Maine, a welfare state the way it should be.

boogyman

No, Darlin' they're all here on this thread!

Mainelyme

Actually Mainlyme, I'm spending the weekend in the Hamptons, dinner resrvations at Balthazar in Manhatten Saturday night. If you're in the vicinity of Spring St., stop by and say hi, I'll be the guy with his knuckles dragging on the ground.

ladyslipper:

Careful, she might have!

Mainelyme

Mainelyme, Heed your own advice and live YOUR OWN life. Gay marriage does not effect you, so what does it matter?

boogyman

I ride right by Spring Street on the subway everytime I go shopping in ChinaTown.

I'll be the guy in the gorgeous show girl costume!

Mainelyme

I think it's great. About time. Don't mind all of the small minded, homophobic twits.

It's soho, you need to be a little more descriptive, 20% of the men are in showgirl costumes.

boogyman

And by the way.

You're not the only guy in Manhattan with his knuckles dragging on the ground.

Among other things!

Mainelyme

Wait downbeat, it is the perfect time while everyone's focus is elsewhere to slip this right in! And skull77, you're exactly right!

I think this whole thing is a hoax.................The Bangor Daily News made up this entire article to see if they could get anyone responses. It worked. The joke is on us.........................

boogyman:

Oh, but Darlin' I grew up in Bangor, Maine and I was told I'm a credit to the upper East Side so, they don't look like me!

Mainelyme

Can we all agree that same sex marriage doesn't concern anybody except those who wish to participate in the joyously festive ceremonies?

That way we can all go back to sleep!

Mainelyme

NO

boogyman:

You're rotten!

Mainelyme

boogyman:

Better wear your long woolies if you're going to be in the Hamptons or SoHo this weekend.

"Baby, it's cold outside!"

Mainelyme

Thanks for your concern, but I have a companion to keep me warm, a FEMALE companion.

I'm sure glad a lot of the commenters on here don't live in Maine. Most of you sound like your elevator doesn't go to the top floor.

I use the stairs

Louise...God's chosen people = those who are ministers, clergy, etc...the ones who have felt called by God ot perform His work.

So - have any of you read the bill? I did provide the text.

In the 1st place their are animals that engage in same sex, sex....I fact the larger the amimals brain the more likely it is to happen...most monkeys apes and dolphinsfor a fact these animal also don't only have for the purpose of procreation.... animals discriminate either....

boogyman, do you know what Ph.D stands for? Piled High and Deep. Just the way you like it, dear. And stop confusing pedophilia with homosexuality. It makes you seem even more ignorant. Using your logic, I should take my daughter out of any class taught by a heterosexual male. Or take my son out of any class taught by a heterosexual female.

eastmainer

I'm on the 20th floor and the two elevators just happen to be working today.

But, we don't have any hot water in the kitchen sink

Mainelyme

boogyman, you're making way too much sense on this message board.

And other previous posters are right. Why did Damon stop at defining marriage at two eligible people? Who's to say two is the magic number?

Liberals - Once you open Pandora's box, you can't simply stop just because you think you've gone far enough. You have no objective standard to define what is right and wrong. Does the majority of opinion define morality? If so, is it just the majority of the town, state, country, continent, world? Who's taking the polls? Do cultural norms define morality? Is morality a moving target? Your "enlightened" standards may fit perfectly now, but will they in 25 years? If you have no objective standard, your opinions are just that...opinions...which, in the large scheme of things are meaningless.

Previous posters have trotted out the old, tired, "Well, then you can't eat shellfish, wear fabric made of different materials, etc." Let me address - 1) In the OT, God's chosen people was Israel and His promises, relationship with the Jews was mostly of a physical nature (land, crops, children, etc.). 2) Jesus' death fulfilled all aspects of the law (including the rituals, dietary restrictions, etc.), making it of no effect in this current age. 3) God's moral standards, however, have not changed, which is why we see all manner of sexual sin (hetero and homo) condemned in the NT epistles.

So, please don't twist the Scriptures in an attempt to be cute. It doesn't work. Read the Bible with an open mind and see if you draw a different conclusion.

boogyman

a FEMALE (what) companion?

Manelyme

BCB, you're missing the point. Boogyman is referring to a point made by Saltoria who asked, "What if I want to have sex with my son and I love him and want to marry him since he is of age?"

dirigodad:

Had you read the bill you would see that marrying your son is not allowed.

AND thankfully Mainelyme , you're one of the people who no longer live in Maine .

eastmainer:

You'd be amazed how many influential friends I still have there.

Mainelyme

If we are going to change marriage laws I want a second wife. If the three of us love each other, why not?

gerald, I apologize. I should have been clear. Our point is that who's to say that in 1 year, 5 years, or however many years, some Yahoo isn't going to introduce a bill that does allow it? What's stopping them now? If it's ok for two men to "marry," why not a father and a son of age? Why not a mother and son of age? Why not a mother and daughter of age?

Please give me one good answer...Why isn't it allowed? If they love each other and they're both adults, who's to say that's wrong? Are you going to impose your morality on them?

Careful now...don't want to judge, right?

Once we take the first step, it's a slippery slope. Can't you see that?

why not have two wives you're a hell of a man if you can keep them BOTH happy

and why is it moral to keep two people from legally sharing life together ....your reason are the same that were used to stop marriage between blacks and whites....people use to beable to married...anyone they wanted to..but as we became more aware of genetic...it was found that in breeding was the cause of many things....so to stop in breeding laws were made as to whom you could marry...

The redefinition of marriage is a tricky idea. Most people who speak about redefining marriage are talking about the legal definition, and the legal rights given to a couple by being legally married by the state. They are generally not talking about redefining the religious definition of marriage. Some people feel it may be better to change the legal "marriage" to "civil union" for all couples, heterosexual or homosexual, but that's a bit of a different argument. Most of the gay/lesbian/etc community has no problem with religious marriages staying what they are, but simply wish for the same legal rights that married couples are given (rights to adopt children together, to be allowed in each other's hospital rooms, to make legal decisions together, etc).

As well, I worked as a volunteer with Equality Maine on both the Maine Won't Discriminate campaign in 2005, and the recent campaign to collect signatures supporting same-sex marriage on November 4th of this year. On this one day, from 9 am to 8 pm in 100 polling locations across the state (York to Aroostock counties, rural, suburban, and urban communities, Republican, Democrat, and Independent communities), Equality Maine volunteers gathered over 33,000 signatures from people who were willing to tell our legislature that they wanted to support same-sex marriage rights in the state.

To those of you who want to help volunteer at Equality Maine, you don't have to be in Portland to do so. Equality Maine and organizations like it need people from all over the state and from all walks of life. Please, visit Equalitymaine.org to get more information, or sign up to volunteer.

Regardless of your personal and political feelings on this topic, I hope that as a state we can keep working together positively for the common good.

<3 Trixie

.....................to each his own

1) Why are you using the term “animals” to describe homosexuals?.

After all, aren’t we all Animals. For those who are using that term, look it up in the dictionary before you use it again.

2) I agree there are bigger issues in Maine that are in need to be taken care of, before taking into account a marriage bill for homosexuals.

3) I believe gay people should have the same legal rights as a heterosexual marriage has. Their legal union shouldn’t be called “marriage”, but should be supported by law.

4) We all have our opinions and we are free to express them. There is no need to insult each other.

I agree that there are many issues besides same sex unions that the state faces right now.

The intelligent thing to do is to let the legislators pass this bill and get it out of the way for all time.

Then they can put their undivided attention on addressing the other more pressing matters that face the good citizens of the beautiful state of Maine.

Mainelyme

1 wife is bad enough. 2 is insane.

TRIXIEJACK......YOUR COMMENTS WERE NICELY WRITTEN. AND I COULD NOT AGREE WITH U MORE

REMEMBER THOSE GAY BASHERS USUALLY HAVE THE MOST TO HIDE...=)

Same sex marriage is not really ethical to me but thats just my opinion. I dont care what anyones sexual preferance is but I dont feel it needs to be advertised. I do not run around and say i am straight and push it all over the place so I find ppl that push being gay and want to talk about their sexual preferance to the world is a little off. Not because they are gay but because they want to talk about their sex life everywhere.

I guess mabe for insurance or if a death occurs it would be better to be married. So mabe for those reasons it should be allowed. I am not sure. To me it just seems different. That doesnt make it wrong mabe I am a little narrow minded But I have never given this matter serious thought because it never affected me and still doesnt affect me. To each his own. I do not feel it will bring on multiple ppl marriage or any of that far fetched stuff. Marriage is only two persons and I guess it shouldnt matter as long as it is only two consentual adults. Its not for me but I am not gay, if I was then I would probably want to be married to my partner and be able to have insurance and the benefits as well and have that persons name or hers mine I suppose.

sewmama, your wrong, my friends male pitbull tryed to screw my male pitbull. lol. But my dog almost bit its head off. And, I dont want to have to hear about it all the time either. Sexual preferance should be a private thing anyway. I dont run around saying I should get a tax break cause i am straight.

Gaybashers usually change spouses like underwear or are serial adulterers...

I think Saltoria even mentioning sex with her son or his son whatever, that was a sick thing to even say. What is wrong with that persons head to even say that. I have a son and would never have thought to bring that statement out of my mouth. I dont care if Saltoria is the Virgin Mary that is a disgusting referance to make about your son.

Adam and Eve and the Marriage Institution

"The Lord God formed the man from the dust of the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, and the man became a living being." The Lord God said, "It is not good for the man to be alone, I will make helper suitable for him." "Now the Lord had formed out of the ground all the beasts of the field and the birds of the air. He brought them to the man to see what he would name them; and whatever the man called each living creature, that was its name." So the man gave names to all the livestock, the birds of the air and all the beasts of the field. But for Adam no suitable helper was found. So the Lord God caused the man to fall into a deep sleep; and while he was sleeping, he took one of the man's ribs and closed up the place with flesh."

How can a woman think she is an equal when she is a part of someone else? It does not even make sense. If you come from someone's rib you are a part of that person, you are not equal.

"Then the Lord God made a woman from the rib he had taken out of the man and he brought her to the man." Then the man said, "this is now bone of my bones and flesh of my flesh; she shall be called woman, for she was taken out of man." ''For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and they will become one flesh." The man and his wife were both naked and they felt no shame."

This is the way the Lord God intended it from the beginning. It is how I believe in my heart he wanted it. Any deviation from this is outside of God's written word. It does not please him. I intend, if it be the Lord's will to be married someday, in the way the Lord intended it, and I will submit to his authority, because I am not equal to him, according to the scripture. I love God's law and I will embrace only this way of living. I will not live my life according to how someone else feels I should, and I certainly will not allow society to dictate what I believe in. When Eve was tempted in the garden, I think she should have talked to her husband because he was the one who knew what the Lord had told him, that is probably why the devil went to her.

"And the Lord God commanded the man, you are free to eat from any tree in the garden, but you must not eat from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil for when you eat of it you will surely die."

God told Adam what to do, but not Eve. Eve should have gone to her husband and Adam should have listened to God. Both sinned. In the beginning Adam and Eve were easily persuaded by Satan; they did not obey the Lord God and look at the consequences. Have we not learned our lesson? What does it take for us to learn?

Janylee McGlinchy

Twenty seven states have passed marriage protection amendments thus far. Simply say no to same sex marriage.

It is a labor of love and a great effort to raise our children in this world today. I am not glad at all that we as families of husband and wife will not have the strongest opportunity to vote against the entering into marriages for alternative lifestyles. This is an area that must be upheld by voting for what is right. It's OK for people to feel strongly against gay marriage. It's not fear, control, or meanness. We just believe that it's the correct allowable choice that is important to the moral fiber of our beliefs and voted upon unfavorably for same sex marriage. Sometimes not everyone can make the requirements, and we all live with the freedom of choices in this world. There are lines drawn for many types of circumstances that exist in our world. We vote.

The strength that I teach my children and show them everyday allows them to make good choices. In this world there are different reasons that dispose people to choose being gay such as genetic, appearance, or vulnurability. But I believe that will be seperate from the marriage and recognition in the voting society that holds these beliefs.....religion basis excluded from the belief I have on this issue. And I've heard it before. If everything is taught the way you see it in your house than outside influences shouldn't matter. That's obsurd. I hope to draw from the beliefs that are upheld in a good part of society and the daily leadings of such. I need that to draw from as a solid foundation as well. The first sentance is the extent I can go.....But I know it will be pushed until my household has no standing on this issue, without end.

I am seeing the voice and logics against a religious arguement rather than social psychology and the influences for in regard to choice and beliefs. Are we really so deadened and immune to an ethic, an upbringing that nurtures the harmony within a male and female marriage and children. Can there be any special recognition within the foudation of the union founded in marriage. Do people value that as a society? Am I supposed to say and vote everything is alright. Why not be happy and have more husbands , wives , multiple partners that we take in as a marriage. If we all love each other and it doesn't work out, by law let's work that out with benefits, liability, alimony, custody as well. Make everything OK It can never stop. There has to be a website advocate for group marriage. Where can a society draw a line on an ethic. It's convenient to argue a stong religious believer, isn't it.Let's say law meets marriage...Vote your household and what you believe important in your home and the world you can make of it on this issue. This is your chance..