Posted on 06/25/2005 1:23:26 PM PDT by Crackingham
Bruce Smith and and Tony Carroll have been together for 10 years. They've been married for two.
"We were as married as people could be," Carroll said, so they didn't expect their relationship to change once they tied the knot in Canada. "But it did feel different having the validation of a whole country."
In November, Texas voters will be asked to validate the opposite idea as they consider a constitutional amendment against same-sex marriage. Smith and Carroll plan to be active in the campaign against the amendment. And Houston is emerging as a focal point for both sides.
Carroll said the amendment could interfere with the legally documented partnership he and Smith spent tens of thousands of dollars creating to replicate a marriage. Supporters say such relationships are an assault on the institution of marriage. In last November's election, measures against same-sex marriage were on the ballots of 11 states, and all passed.
Texas already has a law defining marriage as a union between a man and a woman. And a 2003 law prohibits the recognition of same-sex unions. But Rep. Warren Chisum, R-Pampa, who sponsored the amendment measure during this year's regular session, said he doesn't think that's enough.
The constitutional amendment on November's ballot defines marriage as the union of one man with one woman, and prohibits the state or any political subdivision from creating or recognizing "any legal status identical or similar to marriage."
Supporters of the amendment say it's needed because Texas laws regarding same-sex marriage could be challenged in state court if the language is not placed in the constitution.
Texas is among 15 states that ban same-sex marriage by law or constitutional provision. Massachusetts recognizes same-sex marriages, and Vermont and Connecticut allow same-sex civil unions. Opponents of the amendment acknowledge there is little chance of defeating it in Texas. They're centering their efforts in Houston in hopes that a close vote in the city might narrow the statewide margin.
"We have to look beyond traditional win-loss definitions," said Tammi Wallace, president of the newly-created Houston Equal Rights Alliance.
Thank you for the nice reply. Blessings.
I like this, alot.
You know, if i wasn't so enlightened, I'd be more condescending. How does what 2 people do in their own home affect any of you? Plus, if there were no homos, there would be very few church music programs and a much smaller choirs. Jesus!
bttt
Please do with it as you see fit.
I am indeed honored.
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