Yesterday and today, SCOTUS is hearing oral arguments on the issue of same-sex marriage. The first was a case on the constitutionality of California's prop 8, where voters decided to limit the definition of marriage to "one man and one woman". The argument is that the initiative was violating of the 14th amendment equal protection clause. The opposing argument is that the voters had a rational basis for passing the law, in that they are showing caution in redefining a vital institution that is supposed to protect and support families, given that the effects of SS unions are both sparse and new, and thus inconclusive. Those interested in hearing or reading the arguments can go here: http://www.supremeco...argument=12-144 The second case focuses on the constitutionality of the federal Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) which recognises marriage to mean one man and one woman at the federal level, and has the effect of limiting federal spousal protections and benefits to those that fit that definition. It is being argued currently and audio and transcripts will be made publicly available around 2pm EST. Below is a link to all the briefs and other documents for both cases: http://www.supremeco...et/DOMPRP8.aspx It should be noted that many believe that the decisions will be close (5 to 4) fall along ideological lines. If Kennedy, who is normally seen as the swing vote, is the deciding vote; then it is telling that he authored the last 2 cases expanding the rights of LGBT Americans by invalidating sodomy laws and by holding a Colorado amendment excluding homosexuals from protected class status as unconstitutional.
The LORD will preserve His creation and His law and His love. Have confidence & faith in Him, and pray without ceasing!
As I've told my confused, liberal friends in the Episcopal Church, be careful what you ask for. They have asked the Federal Government to step in and adjudicate the sacraments for the church. They're happy now because of the current liberal amoral party occupying the White House, but what happens when that same frame work established by them is controlled by conservatives or even the Tea Party? They're ignorant and can't see past the end of their own nose. Civil unions are abundant, and second and third party assignments of assets and inheritance is commonplace, and it's common knowledge that filing income taxes as a married couple yields less of a return. Jeff
Sorry, you can reach the info from the main page of the supreme court's website: www.supremecourt.gov
My feeling is that DOMA is doomed procedurally, owing to a trick by the administration, but that prop 8 has a fighting chance if it isn't dismissed for lack of standing. Jmo but we'll see for sure in a few months.
LOL I read the title of this thread and thought what!!!!! At first glance I thought what has John Duns Scotus ever said about gay marriage... John Duns Scotus was a 13th century Franciscan Theologian....
Our government is obsessed with acronyms and abbreviations, I once provided medical training for the Federal Armed Response Team.............I'll leave the translation to you!