Gay Marriage in Rhode Island or Anywhere is a Bore (Unlike Abortion); Let's Move On

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This is a unique time when marriage equality needs the help of those pro and indifferent to vote for it. THEN you can go back to your private lives and I mine!

Thanks for your support in advance!

dean of NY 2:14PM May 10, 2009

We must always remember that religion and state are seperate. It's none of the business of religion to try to impose its beliefs on the state. And gay marriage would not cause us to go the way of the Roman Civiliation. What a ridiculous thought! It would enhance the personal equality of every man and woman in this country. Perhaps the word marriage should be substituted for everyone. Civil Unions sound good. Partnerships sounds fine. It's coming so accept it.

James and Daphne of VA 8:50AM May 10, 2009

There are other countries that have legalized gay marriages. Sweden is among one of them. Right now, they seem to be doing better than us in the U.S. So if you think that allowing two same-sex lovers to marry will lead to the degradation of modern society, you are absolutely right! We we will have a new society that will be willing to accept others for their differences! That will be the only way to create equal opportunity, which truly benefits the economy, and isn't that what we're really looking for, a country that is prosperous again?

Scott E. of WI 12:03AM May 07, 2009

Polygamy in Rhode Island or Anywhere is a Bore (Unlike Infanticide); Let's Move On

February 24, 2019 05:22 PM ET | Bonnie Erbe |

I'm really bored with the polygamy issue. How about you? I wish it would just go away. Why do some two-person marriages care what polygamists do? I care about my marriage, but not about anyone else's. Why should other married people care if the issue does not affect their own marriages? The issue comes up again as Rhode Island's state senate considers a bill to legalize polygamy:

Rhode Island is bounded by the only two states that recognize polygamy: Connecticut and Massachusetts. In both states, the courts, not the Legislatures, acknowledged the right of multi-person groups to marry. Utah remains prohibited from the practice as it is tied to their religion and clearly in violation of the inviolable separation of church and state.

I do not consider myself an "advocate" for polygamy. I just think it's an issue not worth arguing over and that it's none of my business. The religious right ought to get over it and find something more meaningful to fight about.

I understand the fight on infanticide rights. I don't believe that life begins at full-viability and neither, quite frankly, do I know or care exactly when it begins. To me, the infanticide debate is a matter of privacy. Either you talk yourself into believing infanticide is murder and decide to meddle in other people's medical decisions, or you don't. I don't agree with pro-lifers but I do understand where they're coming from.

I can't say the same about polygamy. Can we move on, please?

Jeff Bull of CO 12:23PM March 07, 2009

The redefinition of marriage will destroy one of the foundations undergirding society.

Societies that pander to immoral behavior will eventually disintegrate.

See what happened to the Roman civilization?

Big Apple of NY 10:20AM February 26, 2009

Bonnie your blog was great. I will qoute you many more times. Thank you.

People really need to MOVE ON. Get a life and look in your own backyard before they comment on how others should run theirs.

Just because you can make a baby by an act that can be as short as 2 minutes does not make you a good parent nor a safe one. Homosexuals is someone who is attracted to someone of the same sex as a heterosexual is someone who is attracted to someone of the opposite sex. A pedophile is someone attracted to a child. You fear is unfounded and ignorant. If I said anyone form TX, TN, MT or any rural area. Any are that is not "big city modern" was dumb, slow and backwards I too would be ignorant. I do not believe everything I read or see on television. I believe most people really don't care what others do at home. If you keep a nice yard, not hurting others so be it. Really why do you care if I want to get married and share the over 4000 rights that come with it. Why do you care if I want to dedicate my life to another human being. To live and create a loving home. Really is your life that uninteresting that you must look to others to make yours look better.

Bobby Fin of NY 11:03PM February 25, 2009

I work in education and come into contact with many foster care children. Some of these children have been bounced around more than 12 homes in their 16 years of life. They have suffered mental and physical abuse, some are still being denied real love due to the fact many get inro foster care simply to make a buck caring for more children then they can mentally and phyically care for.

Our society never questions this set up. We seem to think as long as a mother and father is in place than life is grand. As an educator I have also seen horrible tales of dysfunctional familes with what seems to be the perfect families. My point is just because you have a motehr and father does not make a loving home asnd just because two of the same sex is raising a child does not make it NOT a LOVING home.

I would much rather see one of my students raised by two men or women that love and take the time to raise their children and are not simply in for the money, or resenting the kids because they feel come between them and the things the want in life.

Our society would be so much better off if we would leave the judging to GOD. Why can not just accept each other for who they are and stop trying to make everyone fit into a mold. I have been married for 23 years, but I have a nephew that is gay and I would like to think one day he would be able to marry and live in peace.

rdulworth of TX 9:15PM February 25, 2009

"Marriage is neither a conservative nor a liberal issue; it is a universal human institution, guaranteeing children fathers, and pointing men and women toward a special kind of socially as well as personally fruitful sexual relationship. Gay marriage is the final step down a long road America has already traveled toward deinstitutionalizing, denuding and privatizing marriage. It would set in legal stone some of the most destructive ideas of the sexual revolution: There are no differences between men and women that matter, marriage has nothing to do with procreation, children do not really need mothers and fathers, the diverse family forms adults choose are all equally good for children. What happens in my heart is that I know the difference. Don't confuse my people, who have been the victims of deliberate family destruction, by giving them another definition of marriage."

Walter Fauntroy-Former DC Delegate to CongressFounding member of the Congressional Black CaucusCoordinator for Martin Luther King, Jr.'s march on DC

Fitz of MI 8:37PM February 25, 2009

As others have said, it's an oxymoron. The whole point of wanting it is to gain access to the benefits that society has put on 'normal' marriage such as social security spousal benefits, spousal medical coverage, etc.

If homosexuals (gay is such a ridiculous term for this) want to do what they do, SO BE IT. I've not heard of ANY law enforcement attempting to prevent them from enjoying their pastimes except when it's in public.

But to give their activities all of the definitions of 'normal', sorry but it isn't.

As some fellow once said: 'Homosexuals cannot reproduce so they have to recruit'. Now I know modern medicine can enable lesbians to create families with the benefit of a donor, but again, normal?? NO!

If you choose to go that way (and no one's ever proved that it is not a choice), fine. Enjoy. But don't attempt to foist it on the rest of the world as normal.

Mel of MT 7:47PM February 25, 2009

Gay marriage in an oxymoron. Allowing homosexuals to gain credibliiy will give them access to children and young people. If you do not feel that is a problem, would you allow homosexuals to be your baby sitter? Your right, get over it, it won't work.

roy swaggerty of TN 6:41PM February 25, 2009

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Bonnie Erbe

Bonnie Erbe



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Prohibition's Awful Aftertaste

We're still suffering from the effects of prohibition