The news just came in: California’s Supreme Court has made same-sex marriage legal! This has been a long time coming for what is considered one of the most liberal states in the Union. I look forward to the other states following suit. Some have said that this is just judicial activism that rejects the will of the people. The only problem is that the majority does not always get the last word in a democracy. The rights of the minority must also be upheld. If we always let majority rule then we may not have abolished slavery, granted interracial marriage, granted women the right to vote and many other decisions that were unpopular then and are now considered common sense. I would also like to take this time to do a plug: I am a Reverend in the Universal Life Church and am legally allowed to perform weddings. I am offering my services to anyone in the Tulare County area that is looking to have a non-faith based wedding. Yes, I realize that being both an atheist and a reverend is somewhat contradictory, but I am a big fan of irony. 
Even though I am not gay, I do know many who are and I am extremely happy for them. We’ve f’d up marriage for long enough and I think it’s high time the LGBT community gets a crack at it.
Starbix
“Don’t Panic.” -Douglas Adams
Tags: Bisexual, California, Civil Rights, Courts, Gay, Gay Marriage, Lesbian, LGBT, Transgender
May 15, 2008 at 4:04 pm
Hey Starbix–big fan of you (should I say something like “Long time reader, first time commenter”?)
You continue to have patience with Steve where I’ve given up all hope–props to you.
Additionally, when it comes to the right-wing claims that this is “judicial activism,” may I please note that the judiciary did exactly what it is supposed to–tell us which laws are constitutional, and which laws are UN-constitutional. There was no activism here, just judges doing what they’re supposed to do–upholding the constitution against laws which aren’t.
And thanks for the invite for a wedding–unfortunately, I’m on the other side of the country, but was already planning a vacation to Las Vegas–perhaps the hubby and me will pull a Brittany? LOL!
May 16, 2008 at 8:22 am
Thanks for the compliment. I find that a good strategy when dealing with Christians is to be unfailingly polite. That way you guard yourself against accusations of being angry and hateful, which is how many Christians stereotype atheists. This takes away one of their primary weapons when dismissing skeptics’ questions. It’s also easy to stay polite when your opponent is polite as well, but it gets kind of fun when you stay polite while they self-destruct. I found it interesting, though, that after I posted refuting his assertion that a discrepancy is not an error that he was oddly silent on the matter.
I agree, the Supreme Court did exactly what it’s job is. If we left it up to the majority all the time this country would be in a sorry state indeed.
I hope you don’t pull a Brittany. Look at what happened to her marriages! Of course that could have something to do with her being batshit insane.
Starbix
“Don’t Panic.” -Douglas Adams
P.S.
Thanks for adding me to your blogroll, I’ve added you to mine. Also, if you want more of my Bible criticism, you can check out my Tulare County Atheists blog. The link is in the blogroll. Thanks again!
May 23, 2008 at 2:10 pm
Odd. I always thought laws were passed by legislatures and voters, not oligarchies of judges.
May 23, 2008 at 3:57 pm
Yeah, don’t you hate how those damn activist judges ended segregation with Brown v. Board of Education? If we left these kinds of decisions up to a majority vote then we would still have White and Colored drinking fountains. The madness must be stopped!
May 24, 2008 at 10:34 am
….Odd. I always thought laws were passed by legislatures and voters, not oligarchies of judges.
You are right, laws are passed by legislatures and voters. And the law, as passed by California voters in our state Constitution, does not allow for discrimination against same sex marriages, as the state Supreme Court ruled.
Or maybe you think discrimination is good, and the state Constitution should be changed?
May 29, 2008 at 2:29 pm
Hmmm, oddly quiet, isn’t he?