Come August First
We will smile until we burst
Watching the beloved
Bride & Bride
Groom & Groom
Walk down the aisle
We stand on the side of love
Though we had to give the public a gentle nudge
And the Legislators a little shove
Love is Love
The law will finally agree
As we cheer each happy couple
Who enter matrimony!
Minn-EQUITY-sota
NOTE: Unitarian-Universalist "Standing on the Side of Love" reference.
Best Wishes, I adore weddings!
© Copyright 2013 Ima B. Musing; all rights reserved.
Showing posts with label marriage equity. Show all posts
Showing posts with label marriage equity. Show all posts
Saturday, May 18, 2013
Tuesday, May 14, 2013
LAW OF LOVE
Marriage should be based on two adults who want to have a permanent bond. Bonding is much more important than gender. As long as the marriage involves two unrelated adults (over the age of 18), it isn’t anyone else’s business. At 5pm today, May 15th, 2013 the State of Minnesota, United States of America will join eleven other states in recognizing marriage equity. Barring frivolous lawsuits, the bill will become Minnesota Law on August 1st, 2013.
I cried tears of joy when the debates ended in positive votes in the Minnesota House of Representatives and the Minnesota Senate. Enthusiastically elated that marriage equity is happening in my lifetime. I called a dear friend who resides in California and blubbered the results. He knows that I have been talking with elected officials about equity since I was a college student. After work I ventured to the home of friends and we went out for a celebratory supper, drank champagne, and were happy.
They have been together for nearly twenty-three years and now will have a choice to get married or “live in sin.” At least they can choose. Their personal commitment to each other will be legally recognized. About ten years ago one of the partners became ill and had to be rushed to the Emergency Room. He was undergoing procedures and lost consciousness. His partner was not legally permitted to make medical discussions, his mom had to be brought in to instruct the doctors. Actually, she did whatever his partner instructed. Thankfully, he recovered but if they had been a heterosexual couple the medical care would not of been delayed by waiting for kin to arrive. The result could have been far worse due to the law.
This is the civil rights issue of the 21st Century. Not too long ago marriage was forbidden between people of different ethnic backgrounds or religions. There was cultural, philosophical, religious, institutional and legal resistance to integration. The efforts of thousands of people took years to get the Civil Rights Act passed and enforced. Too many people were harmed or killed in the process. They were brave and strong. We have not reached parity for everyone but America is a lot better than it was 50 years ago.
People of faith know that The Supreme Being(s) do not make mistakes. Every “gay” person, which includes gay men, lesbian women, bisexual, transgender, intersex, intrasex, queer and questioning people are meant to be. LGBTQ or Rainbow community members are at least 10% of the population. They were not arbitrarily created. Indigenous and many Native American tribes have conducted two-spirit (same-sex) marriages for eons. Agnostics and atheists know that sexuality is a genetic trait. Each person is born with his or her sexuality intact, it isn’t a whim. People do not choose who to love, love chooses them. I knew at an early age that boys were cute…
Legal same-sex matrimony will boost the US economy with more nuptial ceremonies and eventually divorces. I know several couples that have traveled to states and countries to get married even though their union will not be legally recognized in Minnesota until the bill becomes law. One couple moved to New Zealand to procure their rights and they have met many other couples that did the same. We are losing some amazing people because they are seeking equal rights. I am appalled that the Minnesota State Legislature passed a bill in 2011, which placed a constitutional amendment to ban gay marriage in Minnesota on the ballot in 2012. Minnesota was the first state to reject the repulsive measure. In fact, the authors of the bill should be congratulated, they caused Minnesotans to really discuss the issue and the tide of tolerance washed over their efforts. www.freedomtomarry.org has a lot of information.
A compromise of “Domestic Partnership” or “Civil Unions” is not an acceptable substitution for marriage. Approximately 500 laws and regulations give rights to married people. They would all have to be amended to include domestic partnerships, civil unions, and recognize marriages that are legal in some states and not in others. DOMA must end. The US Supreme Court must rule that all people have equal rights, regardless of their sexuality. A huge number of heterosexual couples would benefit from a domestic partnership and civil union inclusion clause, including my nephew who is raising kids with his “common-law” partner in Texas.
We need to follow the example of the Civil Rights Movement founders; such as Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. inspired by the nonviolent actions of Mahatma Gandhi. We need an inspirational person to lead the protests and boycotts. Same-sex marriage or domestic partnership/civil union must be legalized in the United States soon. Period. End of Discussion.
PS I recycled some parts of this posting from an article I wrote in 2011. The words still hold true.
Love don’t know no gender.
© Copyright 2013 Ima B. Musing: all rights reserved.
I cried tears of joy when the debates ended in positive votes in the Minnesota House of Representatives and the Minnesota Senate. Enthusiastically elated that marriage equity is happening in my lifetime. I called a dear friend who resides in California and blubbered the results. He knows that I have been talking with elected officials about equity since I was a college student. After work I ventured to the home of friends and we went out for a celebratory supper, drank champagne, and were happy.
They have been together for nearly twenty-three years and now will have a choice to get married or “live in sin.” At least they can choose. Their personal commitment to each other will be legally recognized. About ten years ago one of the partners became ill and had to be rushed to the Emergency Room. He was undergoing procedures and lost consciousness. His partner was not legally permitted to make medical discussions, his mom had to be brought in to instruct the doctors. Actually, she did whatever his partner instructed. Thankfully, he recovered but if they had been a heterosexual couple the medical care would not of been delayed by waiting for kin to arrive. The result could have been far worse due to the law.
This is the civil rights issue of the 21st Century. Not too long ago marriage was forbidden between people of different ethnic backgrounds or religions. There was cultural, philosophical, religious, institutional and legal resistance to integration. The efforts of thousands of people took years to get the Civil Rights Act passed and enforced. Too many people were harmed or killed in the process. They were brave and strong. We have not reached parity for everyone but America is a lot better than it was 50 years ago.
People of faith know that The Supreme Being(s) do not make mistakes. Every “gay” person, which includes gay men, lesbian women, bisexual, transgender, intersex, intrasex, queer and questioning people are meant to be. LGBTQ or Rainbow community members are at least 10% of the population. They were not arbitrarily created. Indigenous and many Native American tribes have conducted two-spirit (same-sex) marriages for eons. Agnostics and atheists know that sexuality is a genetic trait. Each person is born with his or her sexuality intact, it isn’t a whim. People do not choose who to love, love chooses them. I knew at an early age that boys were cute…
Legal same-sex matrimony will boost the US economy with more nuptial ceremonies and eventually divorces. I know several couples that have traveled to states and countries to get married even though their union will not be legally recognized in Minnesota until the bill becomes law. One couple moved to New Zealand to procure their rights and they have met many other couples that did the same. We are losing some amazing people because they are seeking equal rights. I am appalled that the Minnesota State Legislature passed a bill in 2011, which placed a constitutional amendment to ban gay marriage in Minnesota on the ballot in 2012. Minnesota was the first state to reject the repulsive measure. In fact, the authors of the bill should be congratulated, they caused Minnesotans to really discuss the issue and the tide of tolerance washed over their efforts. www.freedomtomarry.org has a lot of information.
A compromise of “Domestic Partnership” or “Civil Unions” is not an acceptable substitution for marriage. Approximately 500 laws and regulations give rights to married people. They would all have to be amended to include domestic partnerships, civil unions, and recognize marriages that are legal in some states and not in others. DOMA must end. The US Supreme Court must rule that all people have equal rights, regardless of their sexuality. A huge number of heterosexual couples would benefit from a domestic partnership and civil union inclusion clause, including my nephew who is raising kids with his “common-law” partner in Texas.
We need to follow the example of the Civil Rights Movement founders; such as Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. inspired by the nonviolent actions of Mahatma Gandhi. We need an inspirational person to lead the protests and boycotts. Same-sex marriage or domestic partnership/civil union must be legalized in the United States soon. Period. End of Discussion.
PS I recycled some parts of this posting from an article I wrote in 2011. The words still hold true.
Love don’t know no gender.
© Copyright 2013 Ima B. Musing: all rights reserved.
Sunday, May 12, 2013
LOVE IS THE LAW
Minnesota is poised to expand Marriage Equity in the USA! The Minnesota House of Representatives comfortably passed a bill to extend civil marriage rights to same-sex couples on Thursday, May 9th, 2013. I was at work and my boss was nice enough to permit me to listen to the debate. I was moved to tears many times. I was utterly thrilled when it was officially passed with a margin of 16 votes, 75 to 59, with the assistance of four courageous Republicans who dared to defy their leaders. The Minnesota Senate should easily pass the bill and Governor Dayton will sign the bill into law which will be take affect August 1st (pending the dismissal of all silly litigation). Hip-hip-hooray!!
UPDATE: Minnesota Senate passed the bill 37 to 30 on Monday, May 13th, 2013. Governor Dayton will sign on Tuesday, May 14th, 2013. What utter joy!!!
Love will be the law in Minnesota commencing on August 1, 2013 barring litigation. I am certain that lawsuits to block the bill will be filed immediately but hopefully the bill was written in a way to circumvent disruption. I am proud to be Minnesotan again and look forward to attending a multitude of weddings since I have a lot of Lesbian and Gay friends. It was profoundly hurtful when the State Legislature passed a bill outlawing same-sex marriage and I was fearful that the constitutional amendment to bar same-sex marriage would pass in 2012. My fellow Minnesotans audaciously voted No to the amendment and now we honor love by making it the law. Yahoo!! This is a personal issue for me.
He was taught it was evil and unnatural. It was dangerous to explore in rural Minnesota. He believes that that God condemns it. More than seven decades of self-loathing, over fifty years of marriage, and numerous prodigy did not heal him. Prayer only brought more pain. He hates the fact that his soul desires the companionship of another man. He has had numerous affairs with men and continues to view online pornography. He is my father.
I kinda realized that my dear old dad was at least bi-sexual in grade school. He had issues of Playgirl tucked away in the basement. Though I thought it was strange, he couldn’t be gay if he was married, right? I was naive and decided that someone must have sent him the magazines as a joke. During high school he and my mom had a huge fight about his ongoing affairs. He said it didn’t count since no children could be born, again, I didn’t comprehend the insinuation.
Once I entered college, my best friend came out to me as gay. He was concerned that I would reject him because of my conservative faith. I had already separated myself from organized religion and we remained friends. We became closer because he could be completely honest with me. However, he gently pointed out to me that my dad was probably gay. HIV/AIDS was a new diagnosis and it frightened me. I gathered up prevention brochures and discreetly placed them in my dad’s office. I didn’t want him to contract the disease and give it to my mom. He never acknowledged their presence.
During the ensuing years, my dad has developed a fascination with my gay friends. He constantly asks how the couples are doing. My heart breaks for him. He hasn’t been able to be truthful about his sexuality and has suffered greatly. I think that he loved my mom but that faded long ago. Decades of misery together. They should have divorced and each located a good man for companionship.
I’ve made it clear to my father that homosexuality is a gift from the Creator (however the deity is defined, if it exists at all). He has never discussed his sexuality with me. I just wonder what would have happened if he could have been candid from the beginning. I know that I would not of been born but at least he and my mother would have had a better chance of being happy separately. He is now taking care of her since her dementia is getting worse every day. I hope but fear that he will never open himself to honest love after my mom dies. My dad deserves to love himself and be loved by a terrific man.
P.S. This is not “outing” my father, even if you read all my blogs you would not know the community where my family resides. If I were writing under my real name I would never discuss this topic openly, I would not risk causing him more discomfort. (Note: Segments of this column were originally published on October 13th, 2013.)
P.S.S. Thank you to the Suburbs, Chan Poling for permitting the marriage equity campaign to use their song “Love is the Law.” Granted, the verses are repetitive but it works well for a political initiative.
Love Rules!
© Copyright 2013 Ima B. Musing: all rights reserved.
UPDATE: Minnesota Senate passed the bill 37 to 30 on Monday, May 13th, 2013. Governor Dayton will sign on Tuesday, May 14th, 2013. What utter joy!!!
Love will be the law in Minnesota commencing on August 1, 2013 barring litigation. I am certain that lawsuits to block the bill will be filed immediately but hopefully the bill was written in a way to circumvent disruption. I am proud to be Minnesotan again and look forward to attending a multitude of weddings since I have a lot of Lesbian and Gay friends. It was profoundly hurtful when the State Legislature passed a bill outlawing same-sex marriage and I was fearful that the constitutional amendment to bar same-sex marriage would pass in 2012. My fellow Minnesotans audaciously voted No to the amendment and now we honor love by making it the law. Yahoo!! This is a personal issue for me.
He was taught it was evil and unnatural. It was dangerous to explore in rural Minnesota. He believes that that God condemns it. More than seven decades of self-loathing, over fifty years of marriage, and numerous prodigy did not heal him. Prayer only brought more pain. He hates the fact that his soul desires the companionship of another man. He has had numerous affairs with men and continues to view online pornography. He is my father.
I kinda realized that my dear old dad was at least bi-sexual in grade school. He had issues of Playgirl tucked away in the basement. Though I thought it was strange, he couldn’t be gay if he was married, right? I was naive and decided that someone must have sent him the magazines as a joke. During high school he and my mom had a huge fight about his ongoing affairs. He said it didn’t count since no children could be born, again, I didn’t comprehend the insinuation.
Once I entered college, my best friend came out to me as gay. He was concerned that I would reject him because of my conservative faith. I had already separated myself from organized religion and we remained friends. We became closer because he could be completely honest with me. However, he gently pointed out to me that my dad was probably gay. HIV/AIDS was a new diagnosis and it frightened me. I gathered up prevention brochures and discreetly placed them in my dad’s office. I didn’t want him to contract the disease and give it to my mom. He never acknowledged their presence.
During the ensuing years, my dad has developed a fascination with my gay friends. He constantly asks how the couples are doing. My heart breaks for him. He hasn’t been able to be truthful about his sexuality and has suffered greatly. I think that he loved my mom but that faded long ago. Decades of misery together. They should have divorced and each located a good man for companionship.
I’ve made it clear to my father that homosexuality is a gift from the Creator (however the deity is defined, if it exists at all). He has never discussed his sexuality with me. I just wonder what would have happened if he could have been candid from the beginning. I know that I would not of been born but at least he and my mother would have had a better chance of being happy separately. He is now taking care of her since her dementia is getting worse every day. I hope but fear that he will never open himself to honest love after my mom dies. My dad deserves to love himself and be loved by a terrific man.
P.S. This is not “outing” my father, even if you read all my blogs you would not know the community where my family resides. If I were writing under my real name I would never discuss this topic openly, I would not risk causing him more discomfort. (Note: Segments of this column were originally published on October 13th, 2013.)
P.S.S. Thank you to the Suburbs, Chan Poling for permitting the marriage equity campaign to use their song “Love is the Law.” Granted, the verses are repetitive but it works well for a political initiative.
Love Rules!
© Copyright 2013 Ima B. Musing: all rights reserved.
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