Kirk becomes second Senate Republican to back same-sex marriage

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Illinois Sen. Mark Kirk on Tuesday became the second Senate Republican to support marriage rights for same-sex couples, saying that "government has no place" in blocking loving marriages.

...

"When I climbed the Capitol steps in January, I promised myself that I would return to the Senate with an open mind and greater respect for others," said Kirk, who missed almost a year on Capitol Hill after suffering a serious stroke.

"Same-sex couples should have the right to civil marriage. Our time on this earth is limited, I know that better than most," Kirk added. "Life comes down to who you love and who loves you back-- government has no place in the middle."

http://firstread.nbcnews.com/_news/2013/04/02/17570577-kirk-becomes-second-senate-republican-to-back-same-sex-marriage?lite

[Penny Lane 8,159]

Good for him!

[Karee 4,189]

Didn't realize Illinois had a republican senator. Guess I should start paying attention.

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Didn't realize Illinois had a republican senator. Guess I should start paying attention.

something happened to this guy during his stroke rehab. he came back a medicaid lover and now loves the gheys too.

[I AM NOT THAT GUY 5,715]

But I thought Kirk was Canadian.

[JstaRebel 48]

Just a stupid question... Why is the government involved in marriage in the first place? Isn't this a matter of religion and if so, isn't there a crear definition with regards to the seperation of church and state? It just seems to me that the government has crossed over this fine line of Church (religion) and Politics (state) and thus has gone out of bounds of our great constitution. (what is left of it of course)..

[Karee 4,189]

Just a stupid question... Why is the government involved in marriage in the first place? Isn't this a matter of religion and if so, isn't there a crear definition with regards to the seperation of church and state? It just seems to me that the government has crossed over this fine line of Church (religion) and Politics (state) and thus has gone out of bounds of our great constitution. (what is left of it of course)..

Things like SS benefits. How you file your taxes. Immigration.

[I AM NOT THAT GUY 5,715]

Just a stupid question... Why is the government involved in marriage in the first place? Isn't this a matter of religion and if so, isn't there a crear definition with regards to the seperation of church and state? It just seems to me that the government has crossed over this fine line of Church (religion) and Politics (state) and thus has gone out of bounds of our great constitution. (what is left of it of course)..

Marriage is a civil contract, regulated by the individual states, administered by the local governments. Churches may participate, but are not required.

[elmcitymaven 9,711]

Marriage is a civil contract, regulated by the individual states, administered by the local governments. Churches may participate, but are not required.

Exactly.

[JohnR! 5,495]

Just a stupid question... Why is the government involved in marriage in the first place? Isn't this a matter of religion and if so, isn't there a crear definition with regards to the seperation of church and state? It just seems to me that the government has crossed over this fine line of Church (religion) and Politics (state) and thus has gone out of bounds of our great constitution. (what is left of it of course)..

Marriage exists in two realms. There is the religious realm, over which the government has no influence, hence some being OK with same-sex marriages and others not.

There is also the legal realm, which affects benefits, spousal rights and all the tangible benefits marriage entails, and as such it is subject to the law.

In the subject of same sex marriage we can only wish more shared your point of view. There seems to be way too much church interference in matters of the state.

Edited April 2, 2013 by Gegel

[Danno 1,228]

[quote name=' timestamp='1364921163' post='6112463]

something happened to this guy during his stroke rehab. he came back a medicaid lover and now loves the gheys too.

It could be one of those male nursed "assisted him" in the shower... and he saw the light.

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Q: okay who is keeping count: How many dems are against changing marriage and how many Repubs are for it?

Edited April 2, 2013 by Danno

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It could be one of those male nursed "assisted him" in the shower... and he saw the light.

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Q: okay who is keeping count: How many dems are against changing marriage and how many Repubs are for it?

In the Senate... 7 Dems are against it. All but 2 Republicans are against it.

[Danno 1,228]

[quote name=' timestamp='1364936807' post='6113583]

In the Senate... 7 Dems are against it. All but 2 Republicans are against it.

Are you thinking a sizable number of the Repubs will go for it eventually?

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Are you thinking a sizable number of the Repubs will go for it eventually?

Eventually.

[I AM NOT THAT GUY 5,715]

They can't change marriage, that is a state's issue. They can change, for now, whether or not the Federal government recognizes non-heterosexual marriages. Currently, if the state you are married in recognizes your marriage as a heterosexual marriage (two humans not of the same sex), under the Constitution, so must all other states, and so must the Federal government.

The US Government is already allowing individuals who have elected to change sexes, to receive US passports with the new sex. The USCIS has elected to follow the same criteria as the State Department. Even more interesting, the actual sexual reassignment surgery may not have to be performed.

http://www.uscis.gov/USCIS/Outreach/Feedback%20Opportunities/Interim%20Guidance%20for%20Comment/Transgender_FINAL.pdf