by your seeming definition, anyways. But just because something is not specifically listed in the constitution as a right doesn't mean it isn't.
For one: "The enumeration in the Constitution, of certain rights, shall not be construed to deny or disparage others retained by the people." That's straight from the constitution.
For another, LAW protects against discrimination. Of course the constitution itself doesn't declare you have a right to a particular job...but law still says you can't be kept from it by virtue of race, color, religion, sex, or national origin. While not specifically stated, these laws have also been interpreted to include sexual orientation by The Office of Personnel Management. Additionally, it is also illegal to discriminate based on "genetic information", so depending on how one views the "cause" of homosexuality, it could be covered under this as well. This isn't meant to "prove" that the same applies to marriage. I'm giving an example of a right not stipulated in the constitution that is protected by federal law.
The argument against gay marriage is continuously a religious one, but this is not a religious matter. It's a legal matter and religious prejudices are not valid justification for legal discrimination. Your average homosexual couple is not asking for churches to be forced to marry them. They're asking for the same legal status of heterosexual couples.
For one: "The enumeration in the Constitution, of certain rights, shall not be construed to deny or disparage others retained by the people." That's straight from the constitution.
For another, LAW protects against discrimination. Of course the constitution itself doesn't declare you have a right to a particular job...but law still says you can't be kept from it by virtue of race, color, religion, sex, or national origin. While not specifically stated, these laws have also been interpreted to include sexual orientation by The Office of Personnel Management. Additionally, it is also illegal to discriminate based on "genetic information", so depending on how one views the "cause" of homosexuality, it could be covered under this as well. This isn't meant to "prove" that the same applies to marriage. I'm giving an example of a right not stipulated in the constitution that is protected by federal law.
The argument against gay marriage is continuously a religious one, but this is not a religious matter. It's a legal matter and religious prejudices are not valid justification for legal discrimination. Your average homosexual couple is not asking for churches to be forced to marry them. They're asking for the same legal status of heterosexual couples.
Still Empress of the Poofy Purple Pillow Pile Palace!!
Continued Love of my Aussie <3
Continued Love of my Aussie <3
This message last edited by LadyLorraine on 16/07/2010 at 06:06:12 PM
Argentina legalizes gay marriage
15/07/2010 03:44:34 PM
- 1105 Views
I'm glad - was getting depressed hearing about Uganda on NPR yesterday.
15/07/2010 03:56:33 PM
- 736 Views
How unfortunate.
15/07/2010 07:58:29 PM
- 748 Views
Well...
15/07/2010 09:41:32 PM
- 741 Views
Looks like the USA is falling behind on human rights again. Hopefully it will spur further change. *NM*
15/07/2010 10:48:43 PM
- 459 Views
"Again?" We were doing pretty well circa 1776, but since then maybe not so much. *NM*
15/07/2010 11:33:49 PM
- 330 Views
Marriage is not now, nor has it ever been a "right". *NM*
16/07/2010 12:41:21 AM
- 286 Views
you just really want someone to get into this with you, don't you?
16/07/2010 01:14:16 AM
- 734 Views
Well it's true.
16/07/2010 05:15:02 AM
- 696 Views
I realize it would be polite of me to answer that
16/07/2010 02:50:30 PM
- 659 Views
You mean you don't have a right to get married? *NM*
16/07/2010 02:50:46 PM
- 291 Views
No you don't. In fact...
16/07/2010 03:52:29 PM
- 714 Views
WRONG!!!
16/07/2010 11:16:58 PM
- 723 Views
Nothing about homosexuals having the "right" to marry and have a family.
16/07/2010 11:20:03 PM
- 716 Views
Pepsi isn't a right
16/07/2010 03:04:30 PM
- 728 Views
And yet no country can force any church/mosque to marry anyone who is gay.
16/07/2010 03:53:42 PM
- 748 Views
That isn't relevant
16/07/2010 04:17:32 PM
- 817 Views
And yet the burden is on you to prove marriage is a right.
16/07/2010 04:59:03 PM
- 709 Views
you keep claiming that. Shouldn't you be able to prove you are right first?
16/07/2010 05:29:43 PM
- 692 Views
Have you been drinking?
16/07/2010 11:18:43 PM
- 694 Views
it doesn't have to mention them specifically, they have been granted ALL the rights/freedoms listed
16/07/2010 11:36:47 PM
- 673 Views
Are you on drugs or just stupid? 'Marriage is not now, nor has it ever been a "right".'
17/07/2010 12:09:23 AM
- 690 Views
you don't have to get married in a church/mosque/whatever or under any official thereof.
16/07/2010 04:55:34 PM
- 752 Views
It. Is. Still. Not. A. Right. *NM*
16/07/2010 04:59:34 PM
- 312 Views
*Shrug* I view it as one. No amount of denial can change that. *NM*
16/07/2010 05:40:32 PM
- 338 Views
neither are many things protected by law.
16/07/2010 06:03:03 PM
- 739 Views