[MarkL]

"At the time the Texas penal code was revised in 1972, heterosexual sodomy was removed as a criminal offense, as was bestiality."

I believe that this will be thrown out, on the simple grounds of "equal protection." If a specific act is legal between a man and a woman, then (due to the equal protection clause) it should be legal between two women or two men.

I'm not saying that it's right, just that it should be thrown out. Personally, I believe that given the circumstances, all laws governing personal conduct between consenting adults should be reconsidered. The #1 thing should be adultery, and there should be serious civil penalties for it, since adultery is anything but a "victimless" act. A marriage is, among other things, a contractual obligation, and like all contracts, it can be dissolved by the consent of the parties. However, if there's adultery and it causes the dissolution of the marriage, there should be a penalty. There should be a serious look at the concept of "no fault" divorce. I've believed for a long time that "no fault" divorce is far more detrimental to the institution of marriage than anything else, including homosexual marriage.

Mark

[freedumb2003]

>> However, if there's adultery and it causes the dissolution of the marriage, there should be a penalty. There should be a serious look at the concept of "no fault" divorce. I've believed for a long time that "no fault" divorce is far more detrimental to the institution of marriage than anything else, including homosexual marriage. <<

You know, that may be the most rational statement on the nature of marriage yet.

I watch, helplessly, people continue to substitute license for freedom while I have to intellectualy support their rights to do so. I am pretty much on the Dr. Laura side when it comes to what is morally acceptable. I find it appalling that people live together before marriage (unpaid prostitution), say "the father of my child" with no embarrarasment, children being raised by strangers instead of at least one of their parents, having more kids than can be afforderd, and people who generally put their wants and desires above that of their family or society.

But these should NOT be addressed by laws, rather by re-introducing the concept of shame into modern society.

[lelio]

I've believed for a long time that "no fault" divorce is far more detrimental to the institution of marriage than anything else, including homosexual marriage.

Good point. Take a look at No Fault car insurance states. Not only is "no fault" a complete throwing away of any rational thought (there's an accident: someone has to be at fault, or shares a percentage of the blame), but it drives up car insurance rates for everyone.
"No Fault" is just an excuse to escape reality and its consequences.