OMG Marriage (Again)

[deusabscondidum]

I keep trying to wrap my mind about a conversation I had last month with one of my coworkers. I didn't bring the topic up; it was presented to me as a gift for being 'one of those good queers' who don't raise a ruckus and clearly don't find their sexuality and gender identity the least bit important. (A proverbial pat on the head is never a good

Comments

[teragramm]

The idea that gay marriage is wrong because of religious beliefs has always puzzled me. Most Christian religions believe that marriage can only truly be recognized as marriage if the ceremony is a religious one. Many (if not most) Christian religions do not recognize a civil ceremony. So why then do they object to gays having a civil ceremony? The obvious reason is that these people are hiding behind religion to spout their prejudice.

[deusabscondidum]

The origin of it is definitely prejudice, but I think a lot of people have simply gone along with ideas they've heard about without analyzing them. There was a lot of talk awhile back about Elton John, who talked about how American queer folk were being ridiculous for pursuing marriage; he didn't understand, however, that American civil unions don't come with all the rights - whereas in the UK they do.

[gwyd]

You realize you are advocating a return to traditional marriage? ;) No really. For 3/4 of the length of time Christianity has existed, marriage was a civil matter. It wasn't performed inside churches. In Italy, most people married in front of a notary. Admittedly, in England, it was common to marry outside the church on a Sunday, then go inside for service, but it was by no means required. All that the christian church required was 1. An exchange of vows in the present tense (I thee wed), or 2. an exchange of vows in the future tense plus sex (Will you marry me? Yes. + sex). No really. To avoid arguement, it was considered best to have witnesses, hence the Italian notaries, but really, it could be quite casual.

Marriage in church came in with the Reformation, and the catholics added it as part of the counter reformation.

[deusabscondidum]

Hah, now I can go around saying that I am a marriage traditionalist.

[gwyd]

It's really easy for people to forget how much the idea of marriage has changed over time.