California lifts gay marriage ban

**Hugh** · 15-05-2008, 19:54

"California's top court has ruled that a state law banning marriage between same-sex couples is unconstitutional.

The state's Supreme Court said the "right to form a family relationship" applied to all Californians regardless of sexuality.........

......The decision is expected to re-invigorate the fight for same-sex marriage rights nationwide, say gay activists and legal experts.
California's Supreme Court has a history of landmark rulings that are later picked nationally."

BBC

Mr_love_monkey · 15-05-2008, 21:36

Quite right too - don't see why gays should be allowed to escape the misery the rest of us 'normal' people have to live with.

15-05-2008, 21:57

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mr_love_monkey

Quite right too - don't see why gays should be allowed to escape the misery the rest of us 'normal' people have to live with.

/ looks up statistics on 'new dads likely to turn gay'

**Hugh** · 15-05-2008, 22:33

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mr_love_monkey

Quite right too - don't see why gays should be allowed to escape the misery the rest of us 'normal' people have to live with.

Obviously, you are a new definition of "normal" that the rest of us hadn't come across before............

PeteTheMusicGuy · 16-05-2008, 09:31

About time

Everyone should be treated the same

Russ · 16-05-2008, 10:20

Probably just a token gesture. Not sure where I read it but apparently, and I could be wrong on this, but the number of gay 'divorces' in the UK is rocketing, leading to suggestions that most 'signed up' because they could rather than they wanted to.

cookie_365 · 16-05-2008, 18:29

Quote:

Originally Posted by Russ B

Probably just a token gesture. Not sure where I read it but apparently, and I could be wrong on this, but the number of gay 'divorces' in the UK is rocketing, leading to suggestions that most 'signed up' because they could rather than they wanted to.

Well, since you've only been able to dissolve a civil partnership since the end of 2006, it'd be strange if they'd been falling

Russ · 16-05-2008, 18:30

Quote:

Originally Posted by cookie_365

Well, since you've only been able to dissolve a civil partnership since the end of 2006, it'd be strange if they'd been falling

I'm not sure what the actual statistics are - but apparently the amount filing for 'divorce' is much higher than anticipated.

joker · 16-05-2008, 18:52

Quote:

Originally Posted by Russ B

Probably just a token gesture. Not sure where I read it but apparently, and I could be wrong on this, but the number of gay 'divorces' in the UK is rocketing, leading to suggestions that most 'signed up' because they could rather than they wanted to.

Or perhaps they just wast not meant to be, or perhaps one played away from home. They are many suggestions as to why this happens. Seems to be its nothing different to that of some 'marriages'.

c_r · 16-05-2008, 19:04

Quote:

Originally Posted by Russ B

I'm not sure what the actual statistics are - but apparently the amount filing for 'divorce' is much higher than anticipated.

This article from Feb 2008 would suggest otherwise:

http://www.guardian.co.uk/uk/2008/fe...ayrights.world

"Grew said that the low rate so far of gay divorce - known as 'dissolution' of a civil partnership - and the long time spent together by many couples who form one, 'shows that gay people are treating them with due solemnity and respect. Generally, they take them more seriously than many people who get married. The people who go for it are older, have been together longer and have more committed relationships. That's why we won't see the 40 per cent or 50 per cent divorce rates we see in heterosexual marriages,' he

Russ · 16-05-2008, 19:07

Quote:

Originally Posted by joker

Or perhaps they just wast not meant to be, or perhaps one played away from home. They are many suggestions as to why this happens. Seems to be its nothing different to that of some 'marriages'.

Yes, it's different as civil partnerships have only recently been legalised. It seems many rushed in to it as a statement against prejudice as opposed to why couple really should be together.

---------- Post added at 19:07 ---------- Previous post was at 19:05 ----------

Quote:

Originally Posted by c_r

This article from Feb 2008 would suggest otherwise:

http://www.guardian.co.uk/uk/2008/fe...ayrights.world

"Grew said that the low rate so far of gay divorce - known as 'dissolution' of a civil partnership - and the long time spent together by many couples who form one, 'shows that gay people are treating them with due solemnity and respect. Generally, they take them more seriously than many people who get married. The people who go for it are older, have been together longer and have more committed relationships. That's why we won't see the 40 per cent or 50 per cent divorce rates we see in heterosexual marriages,' he

Well that article says one thing, the report I read says another. It's up to the individual which side to take I guess.

Shaun · 16-05-2008, 20:46

If you give a link Russ it will be.

Russ · 16-05-2008, 20:54

As I said I can't remember where is was (it was just after Christmas anyway, not long after the 1st anniversary), people are of course free to make up their minds on the matter. I might be wrong about the situation but I certainly read about it.

Time will tell

Shaun · 17-05-2008, 11:02

Time will tee Russ - but without all the facts one can only rely on their own experience.

I've been with my partner for 8 years (in July) and we're getting hitched in August - I can't see it likely that a dissolution would be on the cards in the near future.

Russ · 17-05-2008, 16:05

You're gay????