Tag: politics

Strange Bedfellows

First published at Between The Lines News on March 12, 2009 Recently I wrote about a proposed compromise by David Blankenhorn, who opposes gay marriage, and Jonathan Rauch, who supports it. On the Blankenhorn/Rauch proposal, the federal government would recognize individual states’ same-sex marriages or civil unions (under the name “civil unions”) and grant them… Continue reading Strange Bedfellows

Can We Find Common Ground on Gay Marriage?

First published at 365gay.com on February 28, 2009 There is something very satisfying about ideological purity and the righteous indignation that often accompanies it. It can be fun to paint one’s opponents as crazy and stupid (and sometimes they make it all too easy to do so). Less fun, yet potentially more productive, are attempts… Continue reading Can We Find Common Ground on Gay Marriage?

What’s Best for Children

First published at 365gay.com on January 30, 2009 I don’t have children, I don’t want children, and I don’t “get” children. Some of my friends have children. I like their children best at two stages of their lives: (1) When they’re small enough that they come in their own special carrying cases and stay put… Continue reading What’s Best for Children

Gene Robinson’s Scary Prayer

First published at 365gay.com on January 23, 2009 When Episcopal Bishop Gene Robinson was invited to deliver the invocation at the inaugural kickoff event, I expected some conservative evangelicals to complain. And they did. Forget the fact that Robinson’s invitation seemed like a token gesture after the controversial choice of evangelical pastor (and Prop-8 supporter)… Continue reading Gene Robinson’s Scary Prayer

Margie Christoffersen’s Freedom – and Ours

First published at 365gay.com on December 19, 2008 Marjorie Christoffersen seems like a nice enough person by all reports, including those of gay friends and acquaintances. But Christoffersen made a $100 donation to Prop. 8, which stripped marriage rights from gays and lesbians in California. Now some customers of El Coyote, the landmark Los Angeles… Continue reading Margie Christoffersen’s Freedom – and Ours

Not There Yet

First published at Between the Lines News on December 4, 2008 I have a confession to make. I’m getting ever so slightly tired of the reaction to Prop. 8. I know I shouldn’t. I know that the loss in California is terrible, and far-reaching, and deserving of attention. We had marriage, and voters took it… Continue reading Not There Yet

Five Dumb Ideas about Morality

First published at 365gay.com on October 31, 2008 On the eve of the election, I am pleased that my fellow Democrats have finally learned not to concede “moral values” language to the other side. In past elections, we heard a lot about “values voters”—a code-term for right-wingers on issues like abortion and same-sex marriage. Senator… Continue reading Five Dumb Ideas about Morality

Redefining Marriage? Or Expanding It?

First published at 365gay.com on October 24, 2008 I’ve been doing a lot of same-sex marriage debates lately, and thus interacting with opponents—not just my debate partner, but also audience members, some of whom will soon be voting on marriage amendments. Recently one of them asked, “Where does your standard of marriage come from?” From… Continue reading Redefining Marriage? Or Expanding It?