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Viewer Comments On Same-Sex Marriage: Part 2

We asked viewers if you think same-sex couples should have the right to marry in Illinois. Here are some of your responses.


YES YES YES!!! --Sherry

I'm 14 and gay. To me it seems that some people just don't understand what it's like to be in a position where people are judgemental of you. Where some people don't even want to talk to you because you like the same sex. My best friend is accused of being lesbian because she supports me and all other couples who deserve to be given the same rights as everyone else. For those of you who aren't gay and dont support i suppose it may be hard to see what things are like in the not so green side of the grass. Give America equality. If not you, my generation. I will have my rights. --Aaron Sentell

Absolutely. I've been in a partnership with Andy Karzas for over 40 years, and we have lived in the same house in Lakeview for 35 years. --James Deuter

I absolutely think same sex marriage be legalized. I want to have the same and equal opportunities in the benefit of marriage, i.e. tax write offs, ability to adopt children without the shroud of fear of someone taking them away from me. And also I want to be just as miserable in a marriage as the straight people. Is that so wrong? --Frank Sokolowski

YES! Why not? Any two people who share expenses and pay taxes like anyone else in this country deserve equal rights. Let's follow our Nation's founders ideals and keep religion and state separated. For all the zealots out there, who want gay marriage banned for Christian values, they need to conduct themselves in their homes by the word of the Bible and not pick and choose their morals. I shudder to think what would happen if woman were made to be subservient and sex was reserved only for procreation. Should barren women or sterile men not be able to marry? Think on it. – Greg

Of course. Two people who are ready to legally become wholly dedicated to each other? What's wrong with that? It irritates me how people use personal religious beliefs and project them on others. If YOUR God doesn't want you to marry the same sex, well, then fine. But somebody else's God might not mind a bit. There's nothing wrong with being happy. We all pay taxes, gay or straight. Same-sex couples deserve the same benefits as everybody else. Years ago, interracial couples were the big "taboo." Hopefully in the years to come, the stigma of being "gay" will subside as well. (The opinion of a woman married to a man.) – Keely

Yes-why does this threaten people? Do they think it will encourge being gay? People are what they are-noone has a right to tell people who they can marry because they disagree with their beliefs. If thats the case then I think deadbeat dads & drug addicts shouldnt be allowed to marry. – Laura Sundberg

Absolutely! Who are we to judge and decide who can and can't get married? Hetero couples certainly don't want people telling them who they can or can't marry. Gay couples just want the same right! - Barb

Yes, the taxes that I pay aren't considered to be "second class" so why should I be considered a "second class" citizen by virtue of my second preference and settle for the "limited" or "NO" marital rights granted to the GLBT community?. I demand the same marital and legal rights as my heterosexual friends and family! – David Vanderbilt

Most people are hung up on the word 'marriage' and attach to it a religious persective. There is separation of church and State. Whatever it's called, the request is for the same protection to property, taxes, and other healthcare type benefits to all. Leave the 'church' out of it and let civil rights prevail. – Gary

I'm not gay, but I'm very for gay rights. I think that marriage is not only a religious act, but a legal act as well. Everyone has a right to marry someone they love. Love is genderless. – Haley A.

heck no, it's not about who turns you on. come on men and woman where made as they are, its time to reverse this crapola thats going in america, and go back to traditional ways before its to late,NO TO GAY MARAGES!!! – Robert J. Drexler

YES! True Love knows no boundaries and makes NO judgements. – RMNW

Yes - anything to highlight love is what the world needs. – Anthony Thomas

Absolutely not!! It is totally unacceptable. On the one hand, what they do in the privacy of their bedrooms is their business as long as they keep it their & not shove it down our throats. If you are gay, fine, but don't expect the world to welcome it with open arms. Personally speaking, this is sickening to me & totally unnatural. Please, keep it under wraps. There is a male manager where I work who doesn't think twice about making google eyes at other men in full view of others. Please stop already!! – Jacoma Corporale

Marriage is sacred, it is between a Man & Woman. Men marrying men, and women marrying women, is a blasphemy in the eyes of the LORD. People speak that this is a contsitutional right to marry, nothing could be further from the truth. We are headed for some serious times ahead, if this is to be. Get down on your knees and pray for America, she has sinned. --Sandy

Yes!!! We all deserve the same rights! There is nothing wrong with marrying the person you love. We deserve the same rights that a hetero couple has!!!! Lets all be open minded! Not closed minded like society has been feeding everyone!!!! --Kikina

Of course they should! I haven't read a single valid argument in all of these comments that would give a substantial reason why gays should not be allowed to marry. If all you can come up with is some Bible scriptures, then take up the argument in your church. Marriage was not defined by the Christian Bible. Marriage has existed across the world in a countless religious and secular forms. If you think your Christian church "invented" marriage and should therefore "define" it for the rest of the world, you need a good history lesson. --Travis

No. They shouldn't have the right to marry in Illinois or anywhere else in America in the land that says in God We Trust, yet have gone in the way of Sodom and Gomorrah. The Marriage union is to be between a man and woman for procreation purposes according to the Holy Scriptures. Man with man and woman with woman doesn't not make for procreation of another human being. It is an abominbal and perverse choice that people choose to commit and want others to cater to. --Mary C. Johns

Yes, I believe that preventing gays from getting married is a form of discrimination. Some people still believe that you shouldn't marry outside of your race but is that banned no. Of course everyone doesn't have the same beliefs but we need to do what?s morally right anyway. I think that if everyone would mind their own business there really wouldn't be an issue. I think that some people just need to get a life and worry about their own self. It takes a lot of time to hate and if you spend most of your time hating for no reason what kind of life do YOU really have. I am so sick of hearing people say "oh god made Adam and Eve not Adam and Steve", that is so lame and played out it just shows your lack of intelligence. For the most part I bet those are the type of people that only step foot in a church if they are going to a wedding or funeral. There are just so many other important issues in the world and I believe that we should give everyone the same rights and focus on major things like why the economy is so screwed up but of course we as Americans focus on things like trying to prevent gays from getting married. I mean you have got to be kidding me! 50% of marriages today end in divorce, I guess that doesn't say to much for the straight people. --Angela Batchelor

I really don't think it matters what sexual preference someone has, if they're in love why should they be denied the same rights of a man & woman. Religious nuts have got to get over the fact that the bible is dated & times are changing! I would hope that more people out there would be accepting of everyones happiness, whether gay or straight. People have to start opening their eyes & hearts themselves. Don't have a preist or book make up your mind for ya! --Chris

Yes. I am a straight male but I believe that church and state should be seperate. Everyone has to have a marriage license to get married and the state issues it. People that get married in city hall are not being married in church by somone who is holy. I dont feel comfortable with same sex couples but like I said that is thier decission not mine therfore it should be thier decission for marriage not mine. --Ron

No, God created the union of man and woman. --Belinda Lee

Yes, they should. If you are opposed to same-sex marriage then, by all means, don't marry someone of the same sex. Other than that, why should it make any difference to anybody. --Susan Walsh

Yes, they should. We are in the 21st century and this issue is still being debated? It is appalling that people quote the bible when it's an obvious fact that the words have been changed throughout history by Kings and Queens and other rulers to control the beliefs of the populous. It's obvious that adults and children shouldn't act in this manner but we're talking about consenting adults. So whomever said that is severly misinformed. I am a married straight man and I see no problem with others path to happiness as long as it is between consenting adults and not hurting anyone else PHYSICALLY, not spiritually or morally. This is the most ridiculous topic to be debated and if consenting adults want to share their lives and get married, then why should this overbearing and power hungry government stop them? There are already marriages recognized by the states without religion involved so the religious debate does not apply here! The fact that some groups think they know better than others is an act of pure ego. Just end this topic and allow them the same rights as you would allow any consenting adults and let's move on with the more important topics. Like why is government in our face at every turn of the road? Or even why is health care so unreachable to many people? Or even why are we in a war brought to us by a president who stole an election and lied to us to get us involved in the first place and he is still president and not in jail!? I guess it's a matter of mob intelligence. The dumbest and most mis-informed ruin it for the rest of the well meaning population. Just stupid that this is still being debated. We are not as intelligent as and well meaning of a nation as we would like to believe. That's another problem with ego altogether. Get over it, give them the right to marry and let's move on to more important issues. --Brad

Of course Gay folks should have the right to marry in Illinois? What is all the right-wing fear about anyway. Are two men or two women who want to marry creating any kind of threat to the so-called institution of marriage? No, I don't think so. Heterosexual folks are already doing that on their own! --Dan

No, I think we should keep things they way the are now..Marriage between man and a woman. --Ms. Morena

Absolutely, YES !!! It should be legal nationwide. --Gwen Meyer

Absolutely!! If the holy rollers want to complain, they need to remember one thing, in this country marriage is a legal binding process that you get a license for. The church marriage is only for those who believe in things they have never seen. And to the idiot who likens gay marraige to marrying a child, give me a break, only insecure people ramble that off, maybe some closeted feelings there. --Mike

Yes. Why shouldn't they? It's nobody's business but the gay couple's business. I'm extremely tired of anti-gay rhetoric, straight people have nothing to fear from gay marriage, and really ought to mind their own business instead of ruining other people's lives and quality of living. --Alice

Let the narrow minded straight breeders have the "institution of marriage". Who wants to live in an institution? usually those hypocrites don't stay married "till death do us part". Also those who quote the bible are usually mis-informed about the origin of its content, especially when quoting "romans". But hey, to each their own. --"Mickey the Dyke"

Yes, everyone should have the opportunity to marry the person they love regardless of sex. --Cynthia

I think they should. How can anyone say that gay marriage is a slap in the face to the institution of marriage? I think the divorce rate being near 50% is a slap in the face to the institution of marriage. People not working hard at their marriages and giving up at the first sign of difficulty is a slap in the face to the institution of marriage. I think if two people love each other, they should be able to celebrate that love. It doesn't matter if it is not a man and a woman. --Stacy

Absolutely not. Have no problem with same-sex unions. But should not be called marriage. --Clarence MacTaggart

Gay couples should have the same right as everyone else. Those that oppose equal rights are more concerned about finding a scapegoat to hate than equal justice and tollerance for those that are different from ourselves - except those in the Catholic Church who are intollerant of those like themselves. We should love each other as God loves us all. --Jim Swanson

Why should they? I say absolutely not. The legal and economic status of man-woman marriage is, among other things, intended to promote families and things like having children and grandchildren. In case you haven't noticed, this is the way to continue our species. Give me a break. Gay marriage does not mean anything. Gay relationships are going to happen, and that should not cause the participants to be shunned. Since it is un-productive, except for the two individuals involved, it should have no more status than friendship! Please don't get government involved subsidizing friendships to the same extent as families. --Bill Zimmermann

Yes most definitely. I feel equal rights regardless of gender. --Donna Bavido

YES. With so much hatred in this world why would we EVER deny something that adds LOVE? Whether you agree with it or not, it is still LOVE and that is something that should never be denied. I am hetero, but I cried when I saw the pictures of these people who were in jubilation after finally being able to solidfy their commitments. If straight marrigage is such a sacred thing then why is divorce rate over 50%? LET LOVE WIN. --EO from E. Lakeview

Yes, Everyone should have equal rights irregardless of their orientation. --Joanna

No. The cost to society of government-forced acceptance of homosexual relationships and providing them the same benefits as marriage would be great. It would result in children being taught that immoral relationships are acceptable; it will lead to more children being adopted by homosexuals; and it will further undermine the freedom of people of faith to live by their beliefs. Our civil right to object to homosexuality as a destructive lifestyle is in jeopardy, as the entire country could be forced to fully accept unnatural unions. We know that homosexuals can leave that unhealthy lifestyle, as evinced by the testimonies of thousands of ex-"gays." Therefore this debate is not about "civil rights" or "equality" but whether the government - using our tax dollars - should give preferential treatment to relationships based on wrong, unhealthy and changeable behavior. - Ian Howell

I vote Yes! Every individual has the right to marry to person they love, regardless of their gender. This is a human right, and the State and federal government are their to represent and serve all citizens. The fact is their are same-sex partners in this country, and they are no different than anyone else. --Deb Pursell

Equal rights, means equal rights to all. Yes, same-sex couples should absolutely have a right to marry. --Francesca

YES, When did wanting to marry the PERSON you love become a GAY/STRAIGHT issue? Everyone has the right to marry whomever they choose regaurdless if the that person is of the same sex. And STOP bringing God into it! God has nothing to do with it! Hello! When was the last time any of these "so called" Christians ever get God's opinion? Stop worring about who other people want to marry and worry about yourself and your own relationships! Live and Let Live! --Liz

Absolutely, I'm a straight man engaged to a wonderful woman. We have a bunch of gay friends, and they should be happy just like everybody else in this world. To the people who say "the bible says being gay is wrong" are full of it. The bible is only a book just like the lord of the rings, and what not. So all you bible freaks get a life. --Robert Kehrer

yes, why not, because it doesn't fill the needs of someone else? Let people worry about themselves and not what other people are doing. If you want that relationship, I say good luck. --Kevin Mize

No because marriage is suppose to be between a man & woman

No, No, No! Strictly against the bible, it is a choice, not a mistake! --Lisa Morton

No. It goes against the natural use of the human body and has also proven to be unhealthy. --David Harned

No, same sex marriage is not right according the scriptures King James Version of the Bible, God said man and woman, do you remember the woman in the city that turn to a pillar of salt, that was about sin in te city and the one mostly talked about was sin of homosexuality. I think it is very dangerours when a city become so loose that anything goes, God loves the sinner but he hates the sin. If they must have their rights let them have their right to take care of their partner but don't mess with the law of God, Gensis 2:21-15 vs 24 Therefore shall a man leave his father and mother and cleave unto his wife: and they shall ve one flesh. Matthew 19;5,6 For this cause shall a man leave father and mother and shall cleave to his wife: and they twain shall be one flesh. Therefore they are no more twain, but one flesh. What therefore God hath joined together, let not man put asunder. Wife/woman check out creation according to the scriptures. --Rosemary Harris

Absolutely NOT!! If God had wanted men with men and women with women, then why in the world would he have created both sexes and told them to go forth and multiply. I would like to see two men pull that one off!!! --Glenn Triller

Definitely yes. Life continues as normal in MA and it will continue in CA. Once people start to see gay people are just like everyone else it will become a non issue --Nate

Absolutely! Love is love, regardless of sexual orientation. --C. Walter

This notion is absoutely preposterous. I don't mean to come off like a reactionary kook, however, if one refers to Genesis Chapter 19:5-13, it is clearly stated that destruction of Sodom & Gomorrah will result because of the people's wicked and grevious acts were viewed as displeasing to God. We can't always look to the secular world to justify any and all behvior. Again. marriage is a sacrament that has been defined as the union of man and woman as one, (Matthew 19:4-6). It's enough that society has caved in and, recognized civil unions to people of the same sex. Try as we may, God's law is supreme over man's law. --Miriam B. Ferrell

No, absolutely not. Marriage should be a sacred covenant between a man and a woman. It's bad enough that marriage between heterosexual individuals is taken so lightly, and people give up so easily... let's not diminish the seriousness of marriage even more. --Michelle

No, they should not. What happened in California is a flagrant disregard for the democratic process. The court there essentially said that they knew better than the more than 60% of voters who had ratified Proposition 22. Fortunately, voters will have another say there. Where are the politicians afraid to let them have a say in Illinois? A democracy is just that: rule by the people. --Steve

No way! Marriages are for Female and Male only. I can't understand why some Governments allowed gay marriages. --Josue Martinez

Absolutely not! Homosexuality in itself should not be so blandly accepted. Marriage is "the state of or relation between a man and woman who have become husband and wife". (websters dictionary) Matrimony "applies to the RELIGIOUS sacrament of marriage ....." Homosexuals may form partnerships amongst themselves, but they have no sanction in marriage, religious-wise and they should not have that sanction legally. Our "anything goes society" is definitely going - down the tubes. --Wendy

Absolutely not. For our government to legitimize homosexual unions violates Biblical principles and 4000 years of religious traditions that have shaped our Constitution. In the past every society that has accepted and supported the homosexual lifestyle has declined and disappeared. --Carol Toussaint

NO... They should not be able to marry anywhere --Wayne

No. To validate gay marriages takes away the unique and beautiful concept of the union between one man and one woman that marriage has defined since the beginning of mankind. If two people of the same sex want to live together- that is their choice. But please don't identify it as marriage. It is not right to alter the marriage definition because they want to be "included." Eventually, this could also pave the way for people to challenge other universal concepts and definitions to their liking. --Amy

NO, because the bible says marriage is between a man and a wife --Camille

NO!! It is against all know cultures & morals --Harvey V. Hoyer

Yes. But my problem is where the state or federal government tries to pass a constitutional amendment against it. Currently the constitution gives Americans freedoms, they do not take them away. --Todd

No, Marriage is A man and A women It's so funny that everyone wants to give everyone the opportunity to do or say whatever their believe is for them which seems the right way of life. Yet the LORD state in the Bible the truth of what Marriage. "One Man and One Women" I think God should have the last Word. --Nancy Benigni

Yes. I see no reason for gays to be treated differently. --Thomas Guzman

Yes. I have been with my partner for almost 25 years. The notion that my relationship and love has threatened any other marriage makes no sense. In fact, I know it is the opposite--our love and commitment have actually inspired straight friends and relatives who are searching for their mates--it gives them hope: If a gay couple can survive without complete family, society and legal support, then it must be a strong, positive force. My love for another man is not a choice, not a lifestyle. What straight man would say he choses to fall in love with a woman? It's who I am. Let me have the same rights--not special rights--the same ones as my straight friends. --Michael Sugarman

yes absolutely --Arlesa Taylor

NO! It seems to say when you see a report like the one about same sex couples getting to marry in California that all in this nation approve. They do not approve. --Joyce Walker

NO, GOD IS AGAINST IT, SO I'M AGAINST IT. --Steve Walker

Yes. Not allowing such marriage is a religious concept, violating church/state separation. I'm a Christian & straight, but I support their right. --Marsha Flood

Yes, absolutely! Equal legal rights and protections should be available to all couples, regardless of sexual orientation, via the legal civil contract we currently call marriage. It should not require a religious component because that should not be what bestows the legal rights of couples. The civil marriage license or contract automatically bestows property rights, health care decision rights, even visitation in hospitals, pension rights and survivor benefits, and many other legal protections that heterosexual partners can take for granted. This does not change anything for currently married couples. It just extends equal rights to all residents. Thank you for covering the issue. --Ingrid Verhulst

No -- homosexual relationships are immoral. --Ian Howell

No, not in Illinois or anywhere else. A judge should not decide this. Instead, it should be brought to a vote of the entire U.S. population. --James Saylor

marriage is for man & women there should be a different term for same sex unions with the same rights --Cathy Rudnick

Short and Sweet....NO! --Terry

Yes, Love and a supportive relationship is what matters in life. --Karen Koronkowski

Marriage is between a man & a woman not two of the same. --Wanda

YES!!!! --Rabecca Collin

No, a dangerous sexual activity should not be endorsed as a civil right. Besides that, marriage is for society's common good to raise a future,healthy generation. Homosexuality is not conducive to a healthy society. --Jim St. Lawrence

NO! This is the United States not the Gay States! --"Mr. Straight"

yes, We love just like all other couples and we should be able to marry the one we love. --Shawnese Shannon

NO! How ridiculous - what's next? --Sue Smith

No, I don't think there should be gay marriages anywhere. I don't think the word gay should have ever been created! But at the same time if they're old enough to take care of themselves, its their choice. I would never be gay in my life. But I'm not saying that I hate gay people, or am against them. I don't think its right. But it is possible for me to be friends with a gay. It's not like they're awful people! --Tnur Shifa

No. Religion or not, Homosexual unions are wrong and it defiles the institute of marriage. We have become so nonchalant as a society that we are willing to accept anything. This is one of the many reasons why the true meaning of "family" and "marriage" is losing its value more and more everyday. --Chevon

No. Marrage is only between a man and a woman. --Jock

Yes we deserve the same rights as our straight brothers and sisters. We all grew up dreaming of falling in love getting married and building a life with that partner. Well we have grown up met someone and fell in love but the government tells us it is against the law for us to marry.We deserve the right to have our love be validated! --Lori

"Marriage" is defined as a union. Two individuals that wish to legally unite should be able to do so. --A. Charles Scott

First and formost, I want to make it perfectly clear that I am a single, straight woman... Now, in answer to your question, YES, I feel same sex couples should have the right to marry here and EVERYWHERE... The only difference between a straight couple and a same sex couple is just that, THEY ARE A SAME SEX COUPLE... They share love and respect for each other and love each other the same way a straight couple does, if not even more so. We are all human, we all bleed the same color blood... so what's the big deal? Can't we all just get along? :) --Chelle

No. Call it something else. Marriage is traditionally reserved for a family based human reproduction. --Chris Ochwat

As one of the more than 4,000 same-sex couples who were married in San Francisco in 2004, we feel that this decision is long overdue and feel that it is time for same-sex couples to be allowed to enter in CIVIL marriages here in Illinois --Robert Castillo

Certainly. Marriage is a legal entity, not a religious union. Marriage is a consitutionally protected right. Why is it when religious beliefs control governments in other countries we chastise them as theocratic religious zealots, but here it is "moral"? Sanctioning discrimination under the guise of morality is shameful and frankly immoral. Religion is protected under the constitution but is no more immutable than is sexual orientation. Frankly, even if it is a choice, its the individual's choice and not that the government. Denying the right to a federally-recognized legal union is illegal discrimination. --Sandy

No. God created men and women to partner with one another. It's sad that our society is slowly becoming numb to this sin and accepting this lifestyle. Love the sinner, hate the sin. --Laura

No, Let them move to california. --Bobby Taylor

No, Absolutely not. What is this world coming to? Marriage is between a man and woman only! Anything else is immoral. --Tammy

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