Same-sex marriage begins in Conn.

Leviticus 18
22 " 'Do not lie with a man as one lies with a woman; that is detestable.
Leviticus 20
13 " 'If a man lies with a man as one lies with a woman, both of them have done what is detestable. They must be put to death; their blood will be on their own heads

I dont get it I really dont!!! God made men and women to be together not same sexes!! It is an abombination to God, he doesnt like it!!! Gay marriage is sooooo wrong. Come on people wake up!!!

Yayyyyy!!!!!!!!! Same sex marriage is legal!!!!!!!!! Awsome!!!!!! I'm not gay, but I'm happy for them.

Children are necessary for society's preservation. In addition to acknowledging man & woman’s love/commitment, society created marriage contracts & gave benefits because the couple had the _assumed potential_ to bear children. Marriage ideally creates a loving environment in which children could be born. Even if infertility exists, the assumed potential is still valid, just not realized. The gay-marriage movement seeks to redefine marriage by eliminating the idea of children as an inherent part of the social contract. Since society cannot ever assume a gay couple will bear children, the "marriage" contract _only_ becomes a social recognition of two people’s love. Therefore, no children should be assumed of any couple, if we are to be “equal.” Our society keep devaluing the importance of children. We seek to abort them on demand and now we will eliminate them from the assumptions of marriage all for the sake of "self" importance. I vote for children and society.

Congratulations to Peg & Jennifer - I wish them peace and happiness!

two states down, 48 more to go! Marriage is nothing more than tax codes, property ownership, health care and parental rights dictated by the government. If one group is excluded from these issues our country suffers and the terrorists win

Congratulations to all of the couples in CT that can now be married. Although, I no longer live there, I've never been more proud to call CT my home state.

When citizen’s have a say, it’s unanimous. Calling gays who want to get hitched “married” is just plain silly. Let’s see if they get a say via Constitutional Convention, or if as in MA a few flakes make the final decision.

I applaud the State of Connecticut for enforcing EQUALITY FOR ALL.

Best Wishes to all the new couples, and may they finally walk in dignity and equality among others without repercussions. My hope is this ruling will ring across America loud and clear: Same sex marriage is out of the closet to stay !
Congratulations to you all & God Bless.

I have heard that supporters of same sex marriage say that public acceptance of gay marriage is now finally happening?
Yet this was a case of yet another court decision overturning what I might assume was an unforseen loophole in the states constitution. I see very soon the same outcome as in California that a petition will be started and then the next election will ammend the constitution to support what seems to be the mojority will of the people. There is no majority acceptance of Same Sex Marriage. Only legal holes still left to be closed.

Good for them!!! It's about time!
As a heterosexual woman living in Los Angeles, I have many gay friends, co-workers and associates. I’m glad to see two people in love, whoever they are. Love, commitment, and caring within a marriage are a rare and precious experience. I wish the Gays all the best and encourage them to fight for their basic civil and human rights. I voted so that same sex marriage would remain legal in California. I pray the courts will uphold the legality of these marriages, over the discrimination voted by a small margin of narrow-minded people. What I can't believe is the bigotry by so many African-Americans against Gays! Of all the people, I think they would be the most supportive. The polls, surveys and my discussions have shown me that Blacks think that this is NOT a civil rights issue and shouldn't be allowed to be married! California and Connecticut are the Alabama and Mississippi of the new century! I send my best to all the same-sex marriage and newlyweds. My friends, 6 of us are UCLA alum sorority sisters, and I will march with you! As a group of women, we have had unwarranted slurs and ugly jokes thrown at us, but it is nothing compared to what I have heard and seen against Gays. God bless you and Congratulations! Please don't settle for anything less than legal marriage and equal rights!

Good for them. I hope my state of California can re-claim it's progressive status some day. I think it's sad to deny them this because it's saying that something is wrong with them and they are not as good as straight people, which is not true on any level. I think for gay people it is mostly a biological difference, and it's discrimination to base it on that. I don't believe people can "pray the gay away" like Sarah Palin prays for people, because if it were that easy a lot of people would because of the social pressure to conform. I don't see how marriage between two gay people is a threat to straight people. Obviously I am not very religious and I try to understand the issue with those that are, but they should be limited to disallowing it in their church, not demanding that the government disallow it and sending money into our state. However I don't think that I would compare the struggle for these civil rights to the same struggle that African Americans civil rights had, and there should be some understanding there so as to not simplify the history and hardships there. Although I do think it could be compared to the stupid miscegenation laws we had.

Watch out gay community, here comes the LDS to take away your rights in the name of their religion.

Sickening. Let the people decide whether they want this abomination.

CONGRATULATIONS to all of the couples in CT, who now can choose to legally wed.
My husband and I have been married almost 3 years and it's still great!
I believe that's longer than most Hollywood marriages, isn't it?
Also, isn't Hollywood located within that state that needs to protect the sanctity of "Male-Female only" marriage? Holy-rollers, with all due respect, keep your faith and beliefs to yourselves. My marriage doesn't have anything to do with you.
Massachusetts and now Connecticut married gay couples can demonstrate how our marriages don't deminish anyone elses'.

This is sickening.

It is a another historic day!

This is a sad day for America. Why can't the courts respect the will of the people rather than trying to legislate from the bench?

wonderful-now gays can be as miserable and divorce like normal people.

Makes my heart sing. I am a very disappointed Californian right now hoping to keep fighting for all Americans to have the the beautiful right to be married to the person they love!

One step closer to true equality. I'm glad we're still fighting for this.

I would rather same sex peoples that want to bond as a couple please find another word other than the, Marriage, word? It would differentiate what is and isn't? If these folks really want to make a union in the peace and love of an committed bond? This will be easy for them to do. If not, then, there are underlying issues and that is what many think that are against the same sex permant bond. Thank you.

A sad day for our constitution and the morals of the American family.
Here is the "other " problem ( meaning political) - Gays want the right to hate all others: ie.when anyone critizies them ( like the older ladie with the cross who was stomped on) they are within their "emotional " rights. However, whenever they are critizied, its a hate crime.
Time mag. had it right - The Gay Mafia>

They need to pass a constitutional amendment proposition that defines marriage between a man and a women like we just did in California. Then advocate judges will be taken out of the equation. Gay people can practice their behaviors behind closed doors, but this 'in your face' attitude is beginning to become tiresome. Their "rights" should not be insulting to the rest of the public. Let them have domestic partnerships, just don't infringe on the divine sanctity of marriage. Marriage is a religious act, not a publicity stunt. According to the bible man should not lay beside man, it is wrong.

Get your combat boots and suspenders ready - we're getting married!

They might be considered "married" by some people on earth, but they will not be considered "married" for God, in fact, God is now their greatest threat. Nation is going down by allowing this.

God bless them all! Here's to a long and happy life together.

BTW -- as if it matters, but it probably does to some people -- I'm straight.

disgusting.

This was a very one sided article. How about presenting the opposing view for a change? Or has free speech for conservative values officially died?

"Today Connecticut sends a message of hope and inspiration to lesbian and gay people throughout this country who simply want to be treated as equal citizens by their government..."
How are they not equally treated now? What don't they have that normal people have?
Here we go again - splinter minority groups playing the tune that everyone must follow. What a sham!

So, what's next.... legalizing marriage between brother and sister.

Good for Connecticut.

I hope that all of the controversy surrounding same-sex marriage will serve to apply enough societal pressure to create a lasting legal resolution to the issue for the whole country. The only lasting resolution possible is for same-sex marriage (in a legal, not religious sense) to be legally recognized. Anything less than such a "live and let live" solution is bound to be short-lived.

I never thought I'd live to see the day when we would have these rights. I am very grateful, and jealous, since I live down here in the South. Congrats to all.

What a joke! Legislating from the bench once again. Too bad Czar Demasi wouldn't allow we the people vote on this farce. Thay can scream equal rights until they are blue. Some states passed "civil unions laws" but NOOOOOOOOOOOO that's not good enough. Let's just keep pushing that envelope trying to color it as a "civil Rights" issue, It's was is and always be a farce!

I am not gay and will never understand what it is to be gay. Nevertheless, I wish that government would not regulate marriage or license marriage beyond the base necessity of protecting the gene pool from incest. Frankly, I have lived next door to a gay couple , and they will not be any different if they are married or not. They will still be the same two people who have chosen to make a life together. They do not pose a threat to my kids nor do they "recruit". Besides, why should they have it easier than us poor old married guys?

I am thankful I dont live in that state.

This will be the beginning of a mass exodus of people from the USA. I forsee a rapture like disapearance of people as they realize the country they once loved has ceased to exist. People who engage in very unnatural behavior will bring unhealthy life style suggestions to all of our children. This has nothing to do with rights. This has everything to do with what's right and wrong. People are afraid at this point in history. That fear will be magnified by this type bad behavior. Something very bad is going to happen to this country.

This is WRONG!

You can't buy beer in CT after 8:00 on any day but you can legally marry your same sex partner? Talk about two ends of the spectrum...Who is in charge there Hillary Obama?

Congratulations, Connecticut!

Since Gays want to equate inter-racial marriage with gay marriage and we all know what a racial characteristic is, What is a gay characteristic ?
Racial characteristics are skin complexion, features such as nose, hair texture, etc.
CAN BLACKS PUT THEIR SKIN COLOR IN THE CLOSET LIKE GAYS DO ? IS COMING OUT OF THE CLOSET A CHOICE?
READ: LEVITICUS 20:13

And no one's died yet from the first desicion to allow gays to marry, so how bad can it really be?

This is a matter of civil rights, an issue of withholding equal rights to all human beings, not a question of interpretation of the bible.

Fortunately, the church doesn't make the laws.

I am also very pleased with the decision they made. All people should be treated equally under the law or constitution. I am not gay either and I am sad any state would choose to discriminate...

Leviticus 20
9 "If anyone curses his father or mother, he must be put to death."
10 "If a man commits adultery with another man’s wife—with the wife of his neighbor—both the adulterer and the adulteress must be put to death."

Enough hypocrisy already....

Much of the bible is a comment on the societal mores of that time. It reflects what society generally believed at that time. Not everything in the bible is being reported as the word of God and it is high time that people stop using the word of the God they believe in to bludgeon other innocent people. God's most sacred law was to 'love your neighbour as you love yourself'. If we obey this law then you can find it in your heart to live and let live. God can settle his own scores he does not need your help.

It is the worst thing to hit the human race, if everybody went gay the human race would stop! Need I say more?

It's disgusting to say God doesn't like gay marriage. It's an abomination to say he approves discriminating and hurtful thoughts from the overzealous. God is supposed to be the God of love, but you put his word to deaf ears if you turn it with your own callous nature. Conneticut has done the right thing here, gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender people should be afforded the same rights as any other minority group in the united states if we are truly believe in liberty and justice for all. I too am not gay, but it's unfair to ban same sex marriage and I will gladly celebrate with the newlywed couples of Conneticut.

People yay because its not their business. Nowadays people do not like rules and disciplines - They exist for a reason to balance the world. It is hard to get back to rules the moment the world lost its discipline.

hey erica why dont you tell god that o wait you never talked to him before so A. shut up B. gay people can do whatever they want C. go ruthh !!! i agree with you i am not gay either !!

liljackie: If you take the bible literally (which I'm assuming you do), that means that lesbianism is fine by God. The bible does not say anything about woman lies with woman. If you say that it is inferred, then you can't take the bible literally.

erica: I'm glad that you know what God likes and doesn't like. Talk to Him often? Does He answer? None of this "In my heart I know" crap.

ruth: I just hope that other states follow suit. I too am not gay. I really don't see the big freakin' deal. If they want to get married, then fine. I didn't get married in a church or before God, but these so called Christians consider my marriage valid. Here's a thought to everyone that opposes gay marriage: Don't like it? Don't get one!

Congratulations to the happy couple! Thank goodness our legal system is FINALLY figuring out that banning gay marriage is UNCONSTITUTIONAL!!! Its a matter of separation of Church & State---not everyone belives in your god, and because we're in the USA, not everyone has to--so stop enforcing rules created by your god on all of us.

There is no big bearded Jew up in the sky who sees blood whenever two boys or two girls kiss. Think like adults, folks. No one has the right to restrict anyone's freedom to do with their own lives as they see fit.

Great stuff!! Another milestone achieved. God create men to equally love men and women. If God doesn't want same sex partnership, then why create the feelings between them?

So what about straight people loving their gay counterpart of the opposite sex? Seems to apply to the rules? Yes so stop complaining!

ah Leviticus, so I suppose you do not wear clothes of mixed fabrics ... as that is an abomination. Nor do you sleep with your wife while she is having her period... as you should be exiled from society and the list goes on... really now the bible is quite a silly book to quote verbatim

Leviticus 15:
'Whenever a woman has her menstrual period, she will remain in a state of menstrual pollution for seven days. Anyone who touches her will be unclean until evening. Anyone who touches anything she sat on must wash clothing and body, and will be unclean until evening. On the eighth day, she will take two doves or two young pigeons to the priest. The priest will offer one of them as a sacrifice for sin and the other as a burnt sacrifice. In this way he makes atonement for her before Yahweh for her unclean discharge. '

Clearly, we should all take Leviticus literally... so every woman needs to get a pair of doves each month and have her priest burn them alive.

Or maybe we could think for ourselves instead?

Now the children in Conneticut will be taught about gay sex the way they are in MA.

It is important for America to know that the California Teachers Association was the #1 contributor to the "No on 8" campaign. It seems that public educators are very anxious to shove gay marriage down the throats of the next generation.

This is America, where everyone should be able to live there one and only life as they wish. Without Judgement of others. God shall be one's only Judge!

I have always said it is okay with me as long as it does not infringe on my rights or the rights of others.

If God thought homosexuality was so bad why wasn't it one of the commandments?

It's pure prejudice to impose old testament biblical views on a society who continues to evolve into a more secular ideology. You are allowed to follow your own religious beliefs but what makes you think you have the right to impose them on anyone else, especially those who do not believe in the God you believe in.

If both members of a homosexual couple love each other, what's the big deal in letting them marry? Who are we to stop them from expressing their love in a legally binding agreement, aka marriage? This is for the courts to decide. Why should they not have the same rights as heterosexuals? Does being gay make them a lower class of people not entitled to the "privileges' of heterosexual couples? No. What does God have to do with it anyway? Nothing. A wedding ceremony between two people does not need to be accomplished before the eyes of God. Why else do we have justices of the peace? If God is really a factor, then why not ban atheists from getting married. I am so proud that Connecticut is a state that allows marriage equality!!!!

Good for them. The bible has no relevance to non-christians/jews, and should have no place in government.

Sabbath day holy, which is Sunday. Basically the rest says, using modern day language, any who works on Sunday should be put to death, Have you work on a Sunday ? hmmmm or what about the one that says it's ok to sell your daughter into slavery ???
You can't Pick out what you like and don't like from the Bible DAM HIPPOCRATES

If your religion does not agree with gay marriage, then sure, your religion ABSOLUTELY has the right to NOT marry two people of the same sex; and, if your God does not agree with gay marriage, then YOU shouldn't marry someone of the same sex. HOWEVER, the state should be allowed to 'marry' two people of the same sex. Not allowing it is bigotry and discrimination.

Your religion should not be forced upon those with other beliefs on behalf of the state. This is what freedom of religion is all about, and the 'separation of church and state.'

@ liljackie
Leviticus 11
10 And all that have not fins and scales in the seas, and in the rivers, of all that move in the waters, and of any living thing which is in the waters, they shall be an abomination unto you:
11 They shall be even an abomination unto you; ye shall not eat of their flesh, but ye shall have their carcases in abomination.
12 Whatsoever hath no fins nor scales in the waters, that shall be an abomination unto you.

Lo
@erica
Marriage is a WORD.Who caresa baou the literal meaning of it?
Christianns need to have some common sense sometimes...

You don't have to get it. Just leave people alone. The fact that gay people can marry in no way effects the sanctity of your marriage.
Why not give everyone the same chance at happiness (or misery) that we enjoy. Instead of focusing on the old testament quotes that no longer apply, focus on the golden rule given to us by Jesus "Therefore, whatever you want men to do to you, do also to them, for this is the Law and the Prophets" (Matthew 7:12)

Or do you think we should stone our rebellious children to death still?
Deuteronomy 21:18 - 21
"If a man have a stubborn and rebellious son, which will not obey the voice of his father, or the voice of his mother, and that, when they have chastened him, will not hearken unto them:
Then shall his father and his mother lay hold on him, and bring him out unto the elders of his city, and unto the gate of his place;
And they shall say unto the elders of his city, This our son is stubborn and rebellious, he will not obey our voice; he is a glutton, and a drunkard.
And all the men of his city shall stone him with stones, that he die: so shalt thou put evil away from among you; and all Israel shall hear, and fear."

So all the *FREAKS* are now flocking to Conn. to valididate their twisted values and moral self worth. Let them rot in hell.

God may or may not have written Levitich, but he did not write the State Constitution. We are governed by the Constitution not the bible.

By the way, there are many things written in Leviticus that are punishible by death, but the religious conservatives never mention them. Instead they cherry pick the bible to support their views.

I live in California and after whitnessing the lies they put out to get California Proposition 8 passed, my respect mfor them dived below zero. To my memory this is the first time people have voted to deny anyone their constitutional rights in this country despite their claim that they merely codified marriage.

"narrowly passed" ... that does a pretty good job of showing the globe's leanings.

I hope they remembered to legalize gay divorce!

It is about time that there begins a separation between State and Religion. For those God fearing people who do not believe in Gay marriage, good for them and their beliefs. However, according to their own beliefs, only God holds judgment power and they should not fear retribution based on how others live their lives

this is sick.... first blacks can marry whites and now men can marry men?????????

what's next, i'll be able to hook up with my daughteR?

Call it what they want, it is not a marriage in the only eyes that matter, Gods.

This is a victory for all in the U.S. today, the civil right to marry is the mark of a great society interested in true equality and the decency of basic human rights for all of its citizens. We are all much more the same than we will ever be different, yet most choose to segregate themselves from the perceived "other." Perhaps one day this can change for good and we can understand instead of fear one another. Congratulations to the citizens of Connecticut!

To the first two posts so far, don't quote the Bible. And until everyone here is free of sin why judge? Is it just me or did Jesus say, "He who is free of sin cast the first stone"? Something like that or other right? And also, why quote Leviticus? When Leviticus is the same book that says people are allowed to OWN SLAVES, BEAT SLAVES UNTIL THEY'RE DISABLED, BE PUT TO DEATH FOR WEARING GARMENTS OF DIFFERENT MATERIALS, EATING SHELLFISH IS AN ABOMINATION, NO ONE IS ALLOWED CONTACT WITH A WOMAN ON HER PERIOD B/C IT IS DIRTY, ETC ETC ETC !!! Are those things ok? Anyway, yes for this civil and EQUAL law. Too bad California went back on it.

I understand those that need to quote Leviticus 18 & 20, but I would also like to point out that people like these are called sheep for a reason. Sheep are the dumbest animal in the barn yard. Keep flocking. Congratulations to all that have become equal today.

Romans 1:27
27In the same way the men also abandoned natural relations with women and were inflamed with lust for one another. Men committed indecent acts with other men, and received in themselves the due penalty for their perversion.

This earthly legal systems finds legal holes to usher in ungodly acts, but they still have to face the "Lord God" himself. "And there are NO lop holes with HIM.
Pray for them. !!!!!

I saw a picture of two lesbians getting married holding a baby they adopted. I'm having a hard time thinking of anything more perverted. I feel really bad for that child, what a terrible example for any child. Same sex marriage is just so wrong, and immoral and disgusting. I'm so ashamed of Conn.

Congrats to the people of CT. Who are we, as humans, to decide if it is right or wrong for two same-sex people to wed? That is God's decision and we are not God. Why do some straight people care what two other people decide to do with their lives? No one is forcing you to marry someone of the same sex. Let everyone make decisions for themselves, decisions that make them happy and work for their lives.

Terrorists win if we don't allow same-sex marriages? I have never heard God referred to as a terrorist. God instituted marriage as a man and a woman. God also clearly makes known His attitude toward homosexual behavior and the wages of that sin. No law of the land can change that, no person can change that, no court can change that. Just because you WANT to do something, doesn't make it right and certainly doesn't mean you SHOULD do it. Americans have let their freedom go to their heads for over 100 years. "As long as it makes me happy" has become the norm. Our society is going to crumble because of it. God will not let a disobedient nation go undisciplined. Gay marriage may just be the final straw. You can say you are happy for them but that is like saying you are happy for a murderer or liar or sexually immoral or iolaters, etc. All of these are sins that God will not tolerate. We don't get to choose what is sin and what is not. God determined that for us. It just makes me so sad that we are headed in this direction. But history shows us that societies self-destruct typically out of our own selfish wants.

It never ceases to amaze me that in this day and age we have hypocritical, myopic, self-absorbed people who think they have the providence to say what is or is not good for our society when no one is harmed by an action. Of course, these same bigoted twerps still think they can treat their fellow humans like dirt and somehow enter an afterlife of happiness. These same people demand that a child be born but refuse to care about the child after that. These very same ignorant people believe in ways we never were. They don't believe in God, they believe in THEIR God. Do yourself a favor, clouded minds of yesteryear, educate yourself on what is as stake and what it is you're truly "defending". Come to learn that marriage predates any monotheistic cult. Learn that love is more important than hate. Then, and only then, will the gates of heaven open for you.

I love that so many of the comments are about things that I see as totally beside the point. I am a lesbian - married to my partner of 8 years - and we have a son, adopted domestically. So how are we eliminating the concept of children as an inherent part of the social contract? And maybe there's not majority support for same-sex marriage. We could have said the same thing not so many years ago about interracial marriages, but that didn't justify continuing to ban them. And what's more: public opinion is beside the point when we're talking about civil rights. How about I get to vote on your marriage next?
You may think we are disgusting, sinful, an abomination, silly, or self-indulgent: stay out of mybusiness just as I stay out of yours.

Now the children in Conneticut will be taught about gay sex the way they are in MA.

It is important for America to know that the California Teachers Association was the #1 contributor to the "No on 8" campaign. It seems that public educators are very anxious to shove gay marriage down the throats of the next generation.

To all the people making comments about the bible/god, get a grip. What does your religion have to do with being seen equally under the law??

This same sex couple lark is discrimination. I want to marry my brother! Why not, huh? we both run a farm together, we love each other, we're commited (22 years together), longer than most. Discrimination! Discrimination!

I just love all you people that bring god into everything you do not agree with, to all you weekend church people with your attitudes, let me ask you this if god had to pick between the drunk that beats his wife and kids or the ceo's that steal millions, or the car salesman that puts someone in a car that they do not need or cannot afford or the boss that hits on all the woman in the office or a same sex couple that are in love and wanted to be married which door do you think he would choose to open and which doors would he close? get out of the dark ages there are all kinds of people in the world and that is what makes it interesting

eewwwwwwwwww

ITall follows logically:NO?
gay presidents? gay prize fighters? gay dads? gay generals? gay strip clubs? gay line backers? full backs?
gay law firms? gay physicians? gay physical therapists? gay churches?
gay gangsters? gay santas? gays only places of "worship" oops!
gay new york times sunday section?

Chris, if you want to 'marry' your brother, I say go ahead, I think it should be allowed As far as the state is concerned I believe there shouldn't be a problem with it. As James E. Stephenson said, "Marriage is nothing more than tax codes, property ownership, health care and parental rights dictated by the government."

For equality, I only believe in two solutions.

One: Any unmarried person should be allowed to be 'married,' or joined, or whatever you want to call it, to another unmarried person. This way, they will be able to receive government benefits attributed to other joined people. Regardless they be lovers, roommates, brothers, etc.

Two: The government needs to get out of the marriage business. The state should not be allowed to marry people. Further, all government privileges given to married people should either be given to all people or no one (repeal the tax codes, shared property, shared health insurance, etc.).

In the second scenario, the SANCTITY of marriage will be truly be preserved... by making marriage ONLY a holy or religious union.

I love the comments. Especially the first one. Way to quote a two thousand year old book that has no bearing whatsoever on the legal system.

@John Knapp: Well, he would obviously accept the wife beater, the rich business milker, the con artist and the pig, of course. But then again, this IS God we're talking about; he's more ruthless and sadistic than most mortals can comprehend if the Bible actually has any say in it. He'll let virtually anyone in as long as they worship him until the day they die.

Excuse me while I take my gay ass to Canada and get the hell away from you crazy Christian Reich-spewing nutters.

Connecticut voters voted NO -- resoundingly -- to ballot question 1, which would have allowed for a convention to amend the state constitution and potentially ban gay marriage. So Connecticut voters have spoken, and that's that.

The God who gave men life and breath LOVES all people, and it does not matter the color of their skin, however he HATES SIN, and each will be judge according to His law, regardless of how man interpret it.

The law was designed to protect "all" people from being brutalized whether they are Christians, non-Christians, drunk or sober; so what does that have to do with the legitimacy and definition of marriage? Marriage is the union of one man and one woman before God. A state or county license that says same sex couples can cohabitate isn't worth the paper it's printed on if you want to call it a marriage license; because it's not regardless of the "bench legislation" that made it up.

What is Connecticut taking the torch from California? If so what's next?

So, some readers want to leave the country due to steps forward in marriage equality? Be my guest. Look around the world. Take your choice of countries that have the most restrictive view on gay marriage. Move to a country with a totalitarian religious government. Oops, we're at war against those countries. Well, don't let the door hit you on the way out!!! Or stay, but please put your energy to something a little more constructive.

So, liljackie, your religion governs the rest of us now? And, for the rest of you, notice the sky has not fallen in Massachusetts, your marriage is still valid and God has not sent lightening bolts to burn the state. We just allow all couples, regardless of their sexual orientation, equal rights. SImple, huh?

Congrats to the happy couples. No more second class citizenships!

It amazes me how mauch hatred and bigotry still exists in these posts. For Gods sake people, if you call yourself Christians start acting like one. Do you think that Jesus would look down on two loving people and say that they were wrong. If you think yes, YOU HAVE NO CONCEPT of what he was about. It is no longer acceptable for preachers and ministers, and priest to run off their mouths with words of anger and hatred. Face it, you are the same people who stated that women were not equal, and that inetr-racial marriage was wrong. GROW THE HELL UP. Be thankful that two people get the opportunity to celebrate their love and stop getting in the way.

society1self2: "Even if infertility exists, the assumed potential is still valid, just not realized." Ummm...what?? What on earth does that even mean? You aren't making sense.

Every argument I've ever heard against marriage for same-sex couples falls apart so easily. If you quote the Bible, I can quote you right back. If you say it's for procreation, I ask why you don't deny marriage for an 80-year-old couple. I could go on. It's just ridiculous. These couples love each other -- really, truly, deeply love each other. Their marriage won't hurt you at all, not one bit. It boggles my mind how anyone can see this as anything but a blessing for society. Congratulations to you all in Connecticut!

Well, the gays haved PROVEN that they can do WHAT THEY WANT, WHEN THEY WANT and WHERE THEY WANT!! Just go to a grocery store and see 2 gay couples groping at each other and see what would happens if you say anything!! They would scream DISCRIMINATION!! If a heterosexual couple was doing the same thing, the cops would be called because it's "INDECENT"!!!

"Oh, great. It's in connecticut now. Maybe next they'll find a place for us in the middle east."

Marriage is a legal contract between 2 consenting adults. If gays and lesbians want to get married let them. How does that hurt anyone else? I'm so sick of self-righteous people who always use the bible and God to discriminate against others. According to those bible thumping freaks -- marriage should be reserved for heterosexuals because God ordains it and in order to pro-create. First question, how do they know what God wants? Second question, if the sole purpose of marriage is to pro-create, then what do we do about married heterosexual couples who can't have kids or choose not to have kids? Do we we force them to get a divorce??? By the way, whatever happened to Separation of Church and State? Why are Churches getting involved in legal and civil rights? If they want to be Political, PAY TAXES, just like everybody else -- just like Gays and Lesbians that churches want to deny benefits to.

Saddened:
God did not institute marriage. It is states and courts, and other man-made institutions (including churches) that instituted this control and authority mechanism. I don't understand why gays so crave for state recognition of their relationship, which sounds almost like aspiring a heteronormal lifestyle. But that's besides the point; they should have the option to enter legal agreements like others.

I have always found it odd that anyone cares enough about this issue to actively reject it. If you disagree with same-sex marriage for your own personal/religious reasons, I do not see how, in any circumstance, you can impose these on others by way of the law. There are so many arguments for and against this issue it is impossible to provide any one staggeringly strong point that directs us to a decision that satisfies everyone. But who does this ruling directly affect?

As a university student in Ontario, Canada, I do think that this advancement, and I use that term intentionally, in Connecticut is just another stepping stone en route to equality in the United States. I congratulate anyone in support of, and responsible for this decision.

Gay marriage should be banned everywhere since the bible speaks out against homosexuality. After that marriage between Hindus, Buddists, Muslims, Wikkens, Jews, Scientoligists, and all other non-Christian religions should be banned since none of these religions have accepted Jesus as Savior and would not teach their children to worship as the majority does. After that we can ban Mormon marriages because they're not like other Christians and then we can ban Catholic marriages because their papists who have strayed away from true Christian values and worship idols. Once we've taken care of the marriage issue we need to protect our families by not letting any of these immoral groups have jobs that involve our children. They should not be allowed to teach, coach, practicde medicine, or operate daycares. They should not be allowed to own businesses or property since they would have too much influence over the economic structure of our society. They should all have to wear badges so that we can identify who they are and avoid them. Then we can make them live in camps so that we can control where they go and who they talk to. There is precendent for do all of this. It was done before during the late 1930's and early 1940s. Of course the invasion of Germany that brought about the end of Nazi Germany ended it all.

I suspect that many posters here worry about the spread of homosexuality because they feel themselves "weakening" and lusting after members of the same sex. Trust me, for those of us who are not self-hating closeted gays, homosexuality does not pose a threat. We can coexist peacefully with our gay friends.

If gay marriages raises consciousness enough to help tear down religion, we need more of it. Why tolerate all these dumb religions when they do nothing but create persecution and war? The Bible thumpers have had a few thousand years to run things in the West. What got accomplished in that time? Hmmmm, the geniuses running the religions got weathy and powerful and everyone who got in the way of the money machine was run out of town or killed by the mindless faithful. It's the same disgusting story, played out again and again and again.

All that blood and misery wan't enough. The true believers are not done. Even today, we've got to hear endless threats about a redneck, beer-swilling Jesus, who will be coming back soon in a jacked up celestial pickup truck just so he can put a biblical beatdown on all the gays who dare to be gay-- well, except for the hot lesbians. Redneck Jesus probably won't be offended by the hot, porno star-esque lesbians, but he won't like those butch girls and the gayboys, he'll bite them, fight them, smite them, and then raise them from the dead just to crucify them all over again. Bad boys, bad butches, whatcha gonna do, whatcha gonna do when Jesus comes for you?

And what is with all of the stern biblical language? Why can't the faithful speaketh liketh normaleth peopleth? Talking old school Biblespeak now is like speaking to everyone in nothing but gangsta' rap--in the year 4008!

I'd rather live next to gays who have loud sex every night than live next to sheep who can't stop telling me and everyone else how to live even though I am free and the sheep are slaves. Give me a break. You sheep-slaves are infected by a harmful delusion. Try to lose the delusion before you create any more misery for yourselves and everyone else.

Have a blessed day!

What effect the following should have on the laws of our land is another matter, but as to how God feels about sin: "Or do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived; neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor homosexuals, nor thieves, nor the covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor swindlers, will inherit the kingdom of God." (1 Corinthians 6:9-10)

Congratulations to Jeff and Stephen, I am so happy for you and all the couples both heterosexual and homosexual that can share this momentous decision.
How dare anyone be at odds with this decision between two people in love.
Furthermore, I don't tell you who to love, how dare you tell me who to love. I am amazed that you call youselves Chistians and liken marriage to thieves and drunkards. Speak for yourself, rejoice in the happiness of others. Open your eyes and accept the word of the State of Conn. that marriage is for two people who love one another .

there is a stoy that comes from plato...
when humans were first on earth there were three sexes...
a human with both male parts... a human with both female parts.... and a human with male and female parts...
one day zeus got mad at the humans for misbehaving... and separated the halves...
now that is why there are homosexuals and heterosexuals...
people have been trying to figure out what causes people to be gay and looking for answers since the begining of time... personally i believe what people do behind closed doors is their bussiness... and if they happen to be interested in someone of the same sex and the two are in love i see no reason why the two couldn't be married... to me if there is a god... that god should love you no matter what even if u do love another man or woman...

Thankyou fje 1. I couldn't have said it better myself. All you Gay haters on here, if you would mind your business and take care of whats at your home instead of in everyone else's, you wouldn't have time to care about who marries who. The way I see it is this: if your a man married to a woman or a woman married to a man, If I decide to marry my girlfriend (lesbian) then you will still be married. So tell me again how me getting married concerns you? I'm willing to bet that 75% of the ones on here using that "being gay is un-christian" line probably never goes to church or sins regularly. If your out clubbing on saturday night, then you have no rBeoom to talk. Besides, minding other people's business is the reason we have a war going on in Iraq!!!!!!!!! Shut up and look the other way if you don't like it. I always heard that "those who fear disease, fear it because they think it may be contagious" which means u must not be too content with your sexuality.....