General Chat

David, Gay marriage has been revoked in Oregon and also California, causing a complete mess as thousands of marriages are now invalid. The measure was added to the ballot papers of 11 States for the presidential elections in November and I really believe this helped Bush secure his election victory. Adding this measure to the ballots probably encouraged more of the religious right to come out and vote. Crista

Everyone should have equal rights in my opinion. J

David I agree we are in the 21st century not the dark ages after all. Val

sound like a good idea to me!

The Gay Parnership Register is up and running in Brighton and apparently there is something called The Pink Wedding Agency. It was recently shown on a television programme. Brighton was the gay capital of europe at one time but I think that title now belongs to Glasgow, I don't have a problem with it at all. Sheila

I think it's about time there was some sort of legal recognition for same-sex couples. Currently there are issues with everything from inheritance to hospital visiting (a same-sex partner cannot visit their critically ill lover because they cannot be classified as 'next of kin'). I don't think there should be a similar register for cohabiting straight couples who just don't want to get married. If they care so much about inheritance and the like, then they can get married. This register should be for homosexual couples who have no alternative. I can understand why the religious would object but this country has a separation between church and state. Less than a quarter of the population attend church regularly so why should the minority inflict their beliefs upon the majority?

PS - if it is one man for one woman - where the hell is my man!?! I can find him! ;-)

It's about time! As for the bible - if you follow it word for word, everything you do is a sin. The bible doesn't even let women have rgiths, shall we take them away too? No offence, but God has a funny way of showing that he cares. I know about free will and all of that, but surely he would intervene when he sees people destroying each other in a massive way.

Mea Have I got it wrong or isn't Bush intending to revoke some of the gay 'marriage' laws in some states? Patty I didn't know Canada dealt with the issue in such a mature and democratic way. A vicar I know believes that the clergy should have the discretion to bless same sex unions as they do where a bride or groom is divorced but feels that the term marriage can't be applied to a church sanctioned union. I don't have a problem with this at all. I think that changing the definition of civil unions is the best way forward.

A long time in the coming...

Doesn't matter whether it's a gay or straight relationship it's still a relationship! Equality for all! becx

Hi Susanne The London Partnership Register is great for making a statement of your commitment to someone but unfortunatly don't have any legal rights or protection behind it, but it was another small step in the right direction. Jane

Thanks Jane - I'll have to read up on it but at least I know it's called the Civil partnership bill now lol

a partner for life is a partner for life!!! What ever the sexuality!!

Hi David, I can't remember exactly who is covered in the Bill, although there was some talk of it covering straight couples if that was what they wanted, but I've a feeling that was dropped as it would get away fron the central issue of giving the legal rights& protection to same-sex couples which straigh couples can achieve through marriage. I think the Bill is available somewhere online, but I don't have an address for it. Jane

Jane I'm actually quite ignorant about the register - is it relevant for any partners who want to register their relationship as opposed to marrying (for those who can)? Jo Have to agree with Jane - it's not a good idea to use the Bible against homosexuality because the Bible contains so many contradictiory directives - as a christian myself I understand one of the most important messages to be not to judge other people - though I don't always manage it:)

I think it's a start in the right direction. Sue xx

What's the bible got to do with it? especially in this day and age with the decline in church attendences, and lack of interest in what this 'great book' has to say.

The Bible says a lot of things and can be slanted to support many different and opposing points of view. The Civil partnership bill will give legal rights and protection to people who chose to live as a couple. Jane

Sorry I disagree, but then I'm straight. One man for One woman, as it states in the bible. God did not intend men to 'marry' men or women with women. You did ask for an opinion and I'm giving it. Sorry if it offends anyone. One has to be so careful on this board. Jo.