I wrote a long comment and then, trying to edit it I deleted it.
I just wanted to say, in answer to this statement:
Is it any more or less brave and admirable for a mayor to marry gay folk when it's against the law than for a judge to post the 10 commandments in his courtroom (also illegal)?
I'd have to say that I think the judge is far less brave and admirable. Our constitution separates church and state. No religious group is allowed to post their religious tenant on government property. (that courtroom does not belong to the judge)-not just Christians. However, some non-related consenting adults in this country are allowed to get married while others are not. Our federal government and the states may be scurrying to define marriage, but it was never defined in the constitution. Those mayors believe that as American citizens, gays are afforded all the rights of U.S. citizenship and it is therefore unconstitutional to deny them the right to marry. They are challenging unconstitutional laws.
The judge is saying "to hell with the constitution" while the mayors are trying to uphold it.
no subject
I just wanted to say, in answer to this statement:
Is it any more or less brave and admirable for a mayor to marry gay folk when it's against the law than for a judge to post the 10 commandments in his courtroom (also illegal)?
I'd have to say that I think the judge is far less brave and admirable. Our constitution separates church and state. No religious group is allowed to post their religious tenant on government property. (that courtroom does not belong to the judge)-not just Christians. However, some non-related consenting adults in this country are allowed to get married while others are not. Our federal government and the states may be scurrying to define marriage, but it was never defined in the constitution. Those mayors believe that as American citizens, gays are afforded all the rights of U.S. citizenship and it is therefore unconstitutional to deny them the right to marry. They are challenging unconstitutional laws.
The judge is saying "to hell with the constitution" while the mayors are trying to uphold it.