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If you support same sex marriage in California, the new Field Poll has some encouraging news. According to a release on their website, “Californians stand out for both their level of support for same sex marriage and the rate at which it is growing.”
According to the same release, about 43% approve of same sex marriages while about half of residents disapprove.
This is pretty remarkable stuff when you look at it in the context of the rest of the nation. The bottom line, according to the poll, is that the shift is related to two factors. The first, and more influential, is the generational shift on attitudes towards gay people.
The second, at about a third of residents, is just the straight up changing of people’s views. That is, people have just flat out changed their minds.
Interesting.
One of the quotes that Mayor Newsom refers to most when talking about this issue comes from Dr. Martin Luther King:
“Let us realize the arc of the moral universe is long but it bends toward justice.”
Of course, Dr. King’s comments were made when African Americans were in a deep struggle for equality. But what is most amazing about the words of great people is how their wisdom seems timeless and relevant.
After reading this poll, it seems that Californians are doing their part in bending the long arc of history towards justice.
- : 6.3
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March 15th, 2007 at 9:22 pm
God designed marriage to be between a man and a woman. End of story.
March 18th, 2007 at 10:55 am
Very interesting field-poll article. It’s odd that only 71% of non-religious people approve of same-sex marriage. That means that more than a quarter of the population just doesn’t think a substantial group should be treated equally - for no reason. Imagine how that plays out in states like Alabama and Mississippi.
Let’s face it - most people oppose same-sex marriage not because it infringes on the sanctity of marriage, but because they don’t like homosexuals. For years it was acceptable to hate gays, and in most parts of the United States, it still is. The older generation grew up being taught to think that way.
Education level is also interesting. It infers that those of us who are willing to invest in ourselves through education are more likely to focus on bettering ourselves, than on condemning others, in general. Education doesn’t, in itself, teach us to accept alternative lifestyles.
One thing the article didn’t mention is that California attracts a certain demographic. People come here to escape ignorance. Not necessarily because they’re part of the GLBT community, but because they don’t care to associate with underachievers who feel best when they’re beating up on the minority group du jour. This type of migration has complimented the generational replacement.
The article gives hope to the gays and lesbians in California that our society is moving in the right direction.
March 20th, 2007 at 2:01 pm
I have been raised as a Christian and a Patriotic American. I try to uphold God’s laws and the Constitution. I believe in God and “We the People and by the People” and the division in church and state although they are both in my heart. As a Christian, I think of marriage as a blessing from God and therefore a Holy Matrimony administered by an ordained person by God. Couples also have to register their marriage as a legal union as well. Since there are many people that don’t believe in God and Holy Matrimony, our government provides a civil union that the law recognizes as a legal marriage given by a Mayor, Judge, Captain and so on. I think it unfair to discriminate the law of our government to deny a civil union between two consenting adults and afford them the legal rights a marriage provides. I think a Holy Matrimony is not afforded to same sex marriage although, as it is quite clear in the Bible. In conclusion, gay marriage should be included within our civil laws of protection as basic human rights.
March 20th, 2007 at 7:44 pm
To Ted Bekefi and his cronies:
What god are you talking about? My god is about love. If two people love each other and they want to formalize it, let them! Further, formalizing same-sex relationships then allows the couple to enjoy the same tax, inheritance and other benefits that opposite-sex couples enjoy.
However, disregarding your god argument, the Constitution of the United States guarantees ALL persons the rights of, “… life, liberty and the pusuit of happiness.” Nothing in the Constituion states that only heterosexuals have rights. By denying gays and lesbians the right to marry means that you violate the Constitution. It’s time to address this horrendous violation of basic human rights.
Yes, Ted, remember that the christian bible even states that the church and state are separate.
So let’s take “god” out of the issue here.
March 21st, 2007 at 7:23 pm
” we the people…” I am people ; I am a taxpayer.
church and state are separate.
I will not tolerant discrimination. the law protects me. I will continue to fight for my rights ; politicans are weeds blowing with the wind ; change will come & the future will be different.
james m buckley
March 22nd, 2007 at 9:15 pm
No, no and no.