Oh - so where does that leave the Federal Government? If California approves Gay Marriage, but Texas doesn't, how is the Federal Government going to handle that? Will the "spouse" in a gay marriage be eligible for spousal Social Security benefits if they are in California, but not in Texas?
What about that same scenario - a gay couple "married" legally in California moves to Texas - do they "loose" rights? What about tax filing? Will they be able to file jointly while California Citizens, but not if they move to Texas or any other state that does not recognize this screwed up marriage?
And therein is the problem. This is an interstate issue. I can completely understand what Fred is TRYING to say - he is trying to give power back to the states (a great idea), but is ignoring the real scope of this issue. Without federal protection, the "rights" gained if a state chooses to legalize gay marriage will ultimately be spread to states that oppose same-sex marriage because of the "equal protection" clause.
This has to be a federal issue.
What about adoption?
26 states do not provide for a second “mommy” only a mother and a father.
Will california adoptions be recognized in other states for the recreational sex partner? What about social security death benefits for minors?
Leaving it to the states is 100% pure unadulterated politician weasel words.
What next “support the troops”? “though I am personally against abortion”?
If we follow this absurd development perhaps we should return immigration laws to the INDIVIDUAL states too the way it was 100+ years ago. After all California should determine their OWN state immigration needs.