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
- 1106 Views
I'm glad - was getting depressed hearing about Uganda on NPR yesterday.
15/07/2010 03:56:33 PM
- 737 Views
How unfortunate.
15/07/2010 07:58:29 PM
- 749 Views
Well...
15/07/2010 09:41:32 PM
- 742 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
- 460 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
- 735 Views
Well it's true.
16/07/2010 05:15:02 AM
- 698 Views
I realize it would be polite of me to answer that
16/07/2010 02:50:30 PM
- 661 Views
You mean you don't have a right to get married? *NM*
16/07/2010 02:50:46 PM
- 292 Views
No you don't. In fact...
16/07/2010 03:52:29 PM
- 719 Views
WRONG!!!
16/07/2010 11:16:58 PM
- 724 Views
Nothing about homosexuals having the "right" to marry and have a family.
16/07/2010 11:20:03 PM
- 717 Views
Pepsi isn't a right
16/07/2010 03:04:30 PM
- 729 Views
And yet no country can force any church/mosque to marry anyone who is gay.
16/07/2010 03:53:42 PM
- 749 Views
That isn't relevant
16/07/2010 04:17:32 PM
- 818 Views
And yet the burden is on you to prove marriage is a right.
16/07/2010 04:59:03 PM
- 711 Views
you keep claiming that. Shouldn't you be able to prove you are right first?
16/07/2010 05:29:43 PM
- 693 Views
Have you been drinking?
16/07/2010 11:18:43 PM
- 695 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
- 674 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
- 691 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
- 754 Views
It. Is. Still. Not. A. Right. *NM*
16/07/2010 04:59:34 PM
- 313 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
- 741 Views