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Max Coutinho
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The Portuguese parliament approved the same-sex marriages. The President is more likely to veto the bill, since it may be unconstitutional to label this type of unions as “marriage” (in summa, it is a question of semantics: instead of “marriage” we might end up with “civil union”).
This subject has sparked a lot of controversy (especially among the Catholics) but it seems to have vanished before the innumerable business opportunities that this bill may generate.
The Portuguese jewellery industry is producing same-sex wedding rings. I didn’t know that there were heterosexual wedding bands, let alone homosexual ones – shocking. But what really appals me is that the gay community (that shouts at the four corners of the world how discriminated they are) seems more than willing to embark in this most dreadful form of discrimination.
They want to be considered equal before society, yet they want to segregate themselves from it (Selah).
What will be next, special same-sex flats; special neighbourhoods for same-sex couples? Perhaps the car industry will soon manufacture cars for gay families as well (since same-sex couples may not feel comfortable enough to drive “heterosexual vehicles” – who knows?).
This type of concept is not only ridiculous but mainly dangerous; however people never think of it when before the prospect of making a profit.
A new form of discrimination is on the rise…should we allow it?
Image: Hercules and Cacus by Baccio Bandinelli
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WOAH!!! Same sex wedding bands? And you're right that it can spread to any other type of products just for profit. I don't know what to think anymore...
ReplyDeleteHi Max, glad to ear you in such post...a risky one i shall say! I couldn't agree more with you. This is a tough issue...My personal opinion, is that we can't simply adopt all needs of society based on equality/ democracy. There are defenders of such measure that compare this right to the rights of womens voting or racism.... (what ?!). Democracy should embrace freedom, in rights and duties, fairness, justice, in a balanced way; So one can love the all universe, but its not necessary that the all universe be forced to love you....
ReplyDeleteall the best
Gallardo
Hey Amel :D!
ReplyDeleteIt is so nice to hear from you, girl!!
Girl, it is hard to know what to think these days: people are going mad!!
Thanks for your thoughts, darling :D!
Cheers
Hi Gallardo :D!
ReplyDelete"Hi Max, glad to ear you in such post...a risky one i shall say!"
LOL "risk" is my middle name ;)!
"My personal opinion, is that we can't simply adopt all needs of society based on equality/ democracy."
Agreed.
"There are defenders of such measure that compare this right to the rights of womens voting or racism.... (what ?!)."
Nonsense! They are so not the same thing...
"Democracy should embrace freedom, in rights and duties, fairness, justice, in a balanced way; So one can love the all universe, but its not necessary that the all universe be forced to love you...."
*nodding in utter agreement*!
G, what a way to begin the new blogging year!! Thank you ever so much for your super comment :D!
Cheers
Max,
ReplyDeleteAhh...now you are getting a taste of what we have been dealing with here in California. What has appalled me most has been to see the reaction of the gay community when things didn't go their way. They picketed the businesses of people who opposed gay marriage. They vowed to ruin them. They cry discrimination, but they won't allow others the freedom to believe differently from them.
One of my biggest concerns is that when you open the door to same sex marriage, you open the flood gates to numerous other types of marriage. If two people of the same gender can marry, then why not multiple people marry? Or how about members of the same family? Brother to sister, father to daughter. Society has to draw the line at what is moral and what is not. Gays may not feel that same sex marriage is immoral, but if the rest of society does, then they have to accept that. And for the good of the community, we have to look at the far reaching effects of laws we put in to practice. Churches could be penalized for not performing same sex marriage, even if it is against their religion. I'm sure MANY law suits would occur, not to mention that churches could lose their tax exempt status.
I think one reason society listens to the gays is that they are so loudly vocal. The squeaky wheel gets the grease. If we who oppose same sex marriage are equally vocal, maybe our voices combined will drown out their angry cries.
Hi Max,
ReplyDeleteAs far as i read from newpapers, at least the parliment didn't allow the child adoption of same sex couples which is a right decision in my opinion.
Ok, at some point i can understand legal homosexual marriages which actually i don't support but how can they go too far and expect this child adoption to be legalize? I mean when the baby is grown up then won't it be a mental cruelty or such a big psychological impact on this child?
It's anyway luxurious enough to get married but adopting a child is just disgusting, nothing else...
Thanks for providing this news for discussion Max.
Have a great day
Greetings from Northwich
Hi Max and welcome back! Yes, the same-sex marriage issue is akin to the old hot potato. No one wants to be seen handling it.
ReplyDeleteHere, cohabiting same-sex couples are recognised as de facto couples as under our law marriage is defined as "the union of a man and a woman" and I can't see the protesting ever stopping until the law is changed. One day perhaps.
Now, when there is a quid to be made no one will stop at the opportunity to make a fast buck.
A wedding ring is just that, a wedding ring, no more no less, no matter what preference you have.
The Gay Rights movement is pretty big here as you can see in Sydney's Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras although its popularity is declining with numbers of spectators falling.
In my experience Sydney's Kings Cross area and the outlying suburbs are a haven for the Gay community especially Oxford St.
Tight blue jeans and tight sleeveless white T shirts are all the go.
My final few words, "It's not my cup of tea but each to their own."
Take Care
Peter
In Norway they pass that law more than a year ago and to be honest; I think it's good that they have the same privileged as the heteroe.
ReplyDeleteDon't need all the commerce though!
Max:
ReplyDeleteFirst of all---a big welcome back. And I see you've made a spectacular entrance. Well done. This topic ought to bring you lots of comments, because this is a global issue. Good luck with those.
As you know, I live about four hundred miles from gay marriage ground zero! I'm speaking of San Francisco, of course. So I'm deep fried in this hot issue on a daily basis, and that's the way it's been for quite a while now.
In the early days of this explosive topic, actually not too long ago if reckon in half-lives like fissionable uranium, I was fairly neutral. Live and let live I always said. But then it became more than a simple issue of access to hospital visits, retirement benefits and discrimination on the job. I agree with some of those proposals. But it morphed into a big thing about heterophobics being the natural order of things in the same regard as heterosexuals. Please. Of course, heterophobics naturally appear in the population. We all know and accept that. No problem. I've known some wonderful heterophobics and I suspect that I will meet even more of them as time goes by. But I will never believe that homosexulaity has the same natural standing as heteorsexuality. It is an aberration, plain simple. It doesn't mean their not good people and responsible citizens. But as to it's origins, we simply don't know. Maybe it's genetic. Maybe it's environmental. Maybe it's purely mental. Or maybe it's just an over-powering urge. Heterophobics say it's genetic---all in the genes. Right. So what about those heterophobics that revert back to heterosexuality? What does that say? Weren't they real heterophobics? And where do bisexuals fit into this scheme? Are they heterophobic one day and just plain old heterosexual the next day? Or do they just have a that over-powering urge to have hot sex with their own gender? That's what I think. Heterophobia is an incredible urge. I don't have any problem with that. Like I said, live and let live. But until we have some real answers to those big questions, exactly what's their true status, beyond any uncertainty, I am not prepared to change thousands of years of religious belief and universally accepted standards for marriage. And I am not a religious Bible thumper.
Having said all of that, however, I do believe that we are on the brink of a global social revolution. Not just change, but a brave new world. I only hope that human beings, all human beings, regardless of their genetics, or behavioral proclivities, have come far enough to not make a mess of things.
Max, just my two cents.
Happy trails.
I support same-sex marriage because frankly, I can't see why not. I mean, a man with a man, a man with a woman, a woman with a woman... we are all the same, all in love, right?
ReplyDeleteNow, I find specific communities claims for their "rights to be the same yet different" a bit silly.
Does that make sense??
Welcome back Max, I was wondering where you were ;-)
You know Max, this is a global issue, and I say big 'no' we should not allow it. Why is it that during they gay parade a gay man can walk naked, but if it was a normal person, he would be arrested. This thing is really going up to the roof, okay I have nothing against them, but little discretion and respect to the heterosexual society would be nice.
ReplyDeleteAnd you are calling this post 'no stress' Max, lol, I got stressed reading it. I think I am going to go and live in the woods, and enjoy nature, lately politics and all crazy issues around us driving me nuts. The more I know the more stress I get....
Hey Max not back to you girl, welcome back, it is so nice to see you, hope you are doing well.
Anna :)
Hey Max, I met to say now back to you girl....Anna :)
ReplyDeleteI don't support same sex marriage but I am not against it either. I have a sister who's one of them. She lives in the US and last time I heard, she has a girlfriend. Although she hasn't talked about getting married, I don't know how I will react if she will. Guess I'll cross the bridge when I get there.
ReplyDeleteI missed you too sweetie and I'm glad you're back. :) *hugs*
Hey D! :D
ReplyDelete"Ahh...now you are getting a taste of what we have been dealing with here in California."
LOL a bit, yeah...
"They cry discrimination, but they won't allow others the freedom to believe differently from them."
I must admit that you are right, some of them are like that...
"Or how about members of the same family? Brother to sister, father to daughter."
A couple of siblings, in Germany, had children and asked a judge to get married - obviously, it was denied.
(when they met and made the children they didn't know they were brother and sister; they only found out later on...but even when they learned about they situation they kept the relationship going - can you believe it?)
"Society has to draw the line at what is moral and what is not."
Morality is important.
D, don't you think gay couples' social benefits should be protected? And if so, how would you propose to protect their rights?
I loved your comment, and I fully understand your concerns: thank you for having shared them with us :D!
Cheers
Hey Burcu :D!
ReplyDelete"As far as i read from newpapers, at least the parliment didn't allow the child adoption of same sex couples which is a right decision in my opinion."
Yes, our parliament likes to please the Greeks and the Trojans...
"Ok, at some point i can understand legal homosexual marriages which actually i don't support but how can they go too far and expect this child adoption to be legalize? I mean when the baby is grown up then won't it be a mental cruelty or such a big psychological impact on this child?"
I don't see what psychological impact could there be on a child adopted by two loving human beings that take care of her. Look at the amount of heterosexual couples that abuse children...what impact does that have on a child?
It's anyway luxurious enough to get married but adopting a child is just disgusting, nothing else...
"Thanks for providing this news for discussion Max."
It is my deep pleasure, darling :D!
Burcu, thanks a million for your comment :D!
Cheers
Hi Peter :D!
ReplyDelete"Hi Max and welcome back!"
Thanks, mate :D!
"Now, when there is a quid to be made no one will stop at the opportunity to make a fast buck. A wedding ring is just that, a wedding ring, no more no less, no matter what preference you have."
So true. You know?
"The Gay Rights movement is pretty big here as you can see in Sydney's Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras although its popularity is declining with numbers of spectators falling."
I know! But why is it falling? (what does that tells us?)
"Tight blue jeans and tight sleeveless white T shirts are all the go."
LOL LOL....
Peter, it is always a pleasure to hear from you: thank you for your input :D!
Cheers
Hey Renny :D!
ReplyDelete"In Norway they pass that law more than a year ago and to be honest; I think it's good that they have the same privileged as the heteroe."
I also think they should have the same social benefits as heteroes do...but we need to be careful about what we call it (semantics must be respected).
"Don't need all the commerce though!"
LOL....I hear you!
Renny, thanks a lot for your input: I loved it :D!
Cheers
Hey Swu :D!
ReplyDelete"First of all---a big welcome back. And I see you've made a spectacular entrance. Well done. This topic ought to bring you lots of comments, because this is a global issue. Good luck with those."
Thanks, man *bowing*! LOL it may bring out some crazy and aggressive comments...but hey, I am ready for them.
"a simple issue of access to hospital visits, retirement benefits (...)."
Reason why I support civil unions for gays....
"But I will never believe that homosexulaity has the same natural standing as heteorsexuality. It is an aberration, plain simple."
It is not the same as heterosexuality: it can never be (heterosexuality may/will produce a human life. Homosexuality won't ever [when gays want to have kids, they either adopt or they need the seed of the opposite sex to produce one - i.e. usually in vitro reproduction; not necessarily sexual reproduction).
"But as to it's origins, we simply don't know. Maybe it's genetic. Maybe it's environmental. Maybe it's purely mental. Or maybe it's just an over-powering urge. Heterophobics say it's genetic---all in the genes. Right. So what about those heterophobics that revert back to heterosexuality? What does that say? Weren't they real heterophobics? And where do bisexuals fit into this scheme? Are they heterophobic one day and just plain old heterosexual the next day? Or do they just have a that over-powering urge to have hot sex with their own gender? That's what I think."
Tough questions, yet excellent!! I would like to get a plausible answer to these myself...perhaps someone will let us know...
"But until we have some real answers to those big questions, exactly what's their true status, beyond any uncertainty, I am not prepared to change thousands of years of religious belief and universally accepted standards for marriage. And I am not a religious Bible thumper."
LOL @ "I am not a religious Bible thumper" I hear you, man!
"Having said all of that, however, I do believe that we are on the brink of a global social revolution. Not just change, but a brave new world. I only hope that human beings, all human beings, regardless of their genetics, or behavioral proclivities, have come far enough to not make a mess of things."
I totally agree with you!! We are on the verge of a global social revolution, and I am curious to see where it will lead us to (I pray that chaos does not take over).
Swu, as always...a true delight to hear your two cents: thank you ever so much :D!
Cheers
Hey Zhu :D!
ReplyDelete"I support same-sex marriage because frankly, I can't see why not. I mean, a man with a man, a man with a woman, a woman with a woman... we are all the same, all in love, right?"
Marriage means "legal union between a man and a woman" so it doesn't make sense to apply the word to gay unions. Now, I support their civil/legal union cause they are utterly entitled to the same social benefits as we are; and plus...like you said: they are people in love and perhaps they wish to share it with the world (I don't know).
"Now, I find specific communities claims for their "rights to be the same yet different" a bit silly."
lol indeed....
"Does that make sense??"
No, it doesn't...
"Welcome back Max, I was wondering where you were ;-)"
Thanks, girl!!! It is great to be back :D!
Zhu Zhu, thanks for your great input :D!
Cheers
Hey Anna :D!
ReplyDelete"Why is it that during they gay parade a gay man can walk naked, but if it was a normal person, he would be arrested. This thing is really going up to the roof, okay I have nothing against them, but little discretion and respect to the heterosexual society would be nice."
That is odd indeed *nodding*. I also think that discretion is a must - the same way I demand discretion from heterosexuals.
"And you are calling this post 'no stress' Max, lol, I got stressed reading it. I think I am going to go and live in the woods, and enjoy nature, lately politics and all crazy issues around us driving me nuts. The more I know the more stress I get...."
LOL LOL LOL It was not intended to stress you (I am sorry)...I entitled it that way, because the Portuguese are dealing with this subject in a very stress-free fashion (I am even surprised).
Live in the woods? Hell no!!! lol ;)....
"Hey Max not back to you girl, welcome back, it is so nice to see you, hope you are doing well."
Thanks, girl!!!! :D It is great to be back: I missed you all :D!
Anna, my girl...I loved your comment: thanks a million :D!
Cheers
Hey Liza :D!
ReplyDelete"I don't support same sex marriage but I am not against it either. I have a sister who's one of them. She lives in the US and last time I heard, she has a girlfriend. Although she hasn't talked about getting married, I don't know how I will react if she will. Guess I'll cross the bridge when I get there."
Thanks for sharing this with us, darling :).
"I missed you too sweetie and I'm glad you're back."
Thanks, darling :D!
Hugs
Ciao Max,
ReplyDeleteMarriage is strictly between a man and a woman.
The gay affair should be treated as a protection of rights. Gays should register themselves in their respective Council and in case of demise or separation, the assets should be inherited by the one who remains or be equally divided.
Welcome back, Max! I missed you!
Hi Max,
ReplyDeleteWe see that you are back!
Gays have been around for many many years. So much so that the Bible tells us about a king who expelled gays from his city due to their scandals.
Civil union between gays is a right, because in case of illness or death the other partner is not recognised by anyone, anywhere in the world, and that is wrong.
The gay wedding ring is an absurd, because the ring is a symbol of the union between a man and a woman. They should just register themselves and forget all the paraphernalia...but oh well, we guess it is business.
Gay people, in order to see their civil rights recognised, should never compare themselves to slavery, to mixed race marriages (USA case) and women's right to vote; because if they were male, white and discreet they could be free, vote and have a job without ever being discriminated.
Thanks for posting and you know we love you!
A very interesting post and I appreciated your perspective. I myself was raised Catholic by conservative parents, but have come to greatly appreciate diversity. As for sexual orientation, I don't care, really, when there are so many more parts to the person than his/her sexuality. Whether gay or straight, though, don't go throwing all your PDA (public displays of affection) in front of my kids. Otherwise, be who you are and hopefully you will have equal rights as others, not preferential rights.
ReplyDeletegood energy being sent from me to all involved in this conflict.
I'm a little slow in answering back to you Max. In California, gay couples do have the same rights as straight couples. They can even claim each other on their insurance. The only right that is denied them is marriage. There is one problem that they could probably work out. If a gay has a partner from another country, that partner cannot get citizenship unless they are married to that person. So if gay marriage isn't legal, they can't become a citizen. In California we have cohabitation laws that give them the same rights in many areas. Maybe they can fight for the right to have their partner granted citizenship if they can show they are a long term partnership.
ReplyDeleteBut frankly Max, I don't think any of this argument is really about marriage. It's more about trying to normalize homosexual behavior. If they really value marriage, then why are many of them trying to get rid of marriage? They would rather no one be able to be married than for them to be denied it. No, what they want is for acceptance of their lifestyle. They want everyone to accept it as being as normal as heterosexual relationships. Marriage is their way of "proving" they are normal. It isn't about having more rights, because they already have those in California. It's about trying to convince society that homosexual relations are natural, even though we don't see homosexual relations occurring naturally anywhere else in nature. We see some male animals showing homosexual behavior at times, but it is only an act of dominance, not one of wanting a partner.
I think that as time goes on, and the media continues to laud gay marriage as one of the "politically correct" things to do, we will see it accepted more. People in this world already have a hard time finding their moral compass, and the media only compounds the problem. So although California currently doesn't accept gay marriage, give it 10-20 years of more desensitization in the media, and it will probably be voted in.
We should focus more on commonality and the "Common Good." If each group and sect and department and identity feels discriminated against because it is only PART of the larger whole, and it wants to own some kind of favor or dominance, we will be splintered into further divisiveness and more conflict.
ReplyDeleteCiao Dux :D!
ReplyDelete"Marriage is strictly between a man and a woman."
Agreed.
"The gay affair should be treated as a protection of rights. Gays should register themselves in their respective Council and in case of demise or separation, the assets should be inherited by the one who remains or be equally divided."
It is a very good proposal.
"Welcome back, Max! I missed you!"
Thanks, Dux! I missed you all as well :D!
Dux Probus, thanks a million times for your most valuable input: loved it :D!
Cheers
Hi C.C! :D
ReplyDelete"We see that you are back!"
LOL...I wonder what gave it away? LOL ;)....
"Gays have been around for many many years. So much so that the Bible tells us about a king who expelled gays from his city due to their scandals."
So very true! I was waiting to see whom would refer to this...."It had to be you" ;)...
"Civil union between gays is a right, because in case of illness or death the other partner is not recognised by anyone, anywhere in the world, and that is wrong."
I totally agree with you.
"The gay wedding ring is an absurd, because the ring is a symbol of the union between a man and a woman. They should just register themselves and forget all the paraphernalia...but oh well, we guess it is business."
I think a ring can be a symbol of union, of affection, of an agreement...it doesn't necessarily have to be between a man and a woman - here I do not agree.
LOL LOL indeed, business is business...and you know how people go crazy over it *nodding*.
"Gay people, in order to see their civil rights recognised, should never compare themselves to slavery, to mixed race marriages (USA case) and women's right to vote; because if they were male, white and discreet they could be free, vote and have a job without ever being discriminated."
Hear, hear!! Now you have said it all *applauding*.
Comparing themselves to the suffragist cause or the Black civil rights is nonsensical, in every way. One thing has nothing to do with the other for the very reasons you presented.
"Thanks for posting and you know we love you!"
You are most welcome, and yes...I know you guys love me (I love you guys, as well) :D!
C.C, thank you ever so much for this outstanding comment :D!
Cheers
Hi StoryTeller :D!
ReplyDeleteWelcome to the MAX :D!
"A very interesting post and I appreciated your perspective."
Thank you so much *bowing*!
"As for sexual orientation, I don't care, really, when there are so many more parts to the person than his/her sexuality."
So true....
"Whether gay or straight, though, don't go throwing all your PDA (public displays of affection) in front of my kids. Otherwise, be who you are and hopefully you will have equal rights as others, not preferential rights."
Agreed.
StoryTeller, thank you so much for your comment: I appreciated it a lot. And I hope to see you more here among us :D!
Cheers
Hey D!
ReplyDelete"I'm a little slow in answering back to you Max."
D, don't worry about it....as you can see, I am being even slower ;).
"In California, gay couples do have the same rights as straight couples. They can even claim each other on their insurance."
I didn't know. And I didn't know this because Hollywood (when producing their moving - regarding this issue) tells us otherwise *nodding*. But I will definitely look into this more.
"There is one problem that they could probably work out. If a gay has a partner from another country, that partner cannot get citizenship unless they are married to that person. So if gay marriage isn't legal, they can't become a citizen."
It makes sense.
"In California we have cohabitation laws that give them the same rights in many areas. Maybe they can fight for the right to have their partner granted citizenship if they can show they are a long term partnership."
Like on of my readers suggested: maybe they could register their relationship in their local Council (which could prove their long term partnership) and maybe that way their partner could be granted citizenship. I think this would please all parties involved in the debate.
"It's more about trying to normalize homosexual behavior."
D, homosexual behaviour will never be normalised...no matter how liberal one might wish to get. However, it can be respected.
"Marriage is their way of "proving" they are normal."
Insisting on the term "marriage" could have that interpretation, true. But I don't know...
"It isn't about having more rights, because they already have those in California."
In California, perhaps...but what about other places? What about other countries (where they are still brutally murdered fro being gay)?
"I think that as time goes on, and the media continues to laud gay marriage as one of the "politically correct" things to do, we will see it accepted more. People in this world already have a hard time finding their moral compass, and the media only compounds the problem."
The media tries to brainwash people, that's for sure. But this issue has nothing to do with PC...and we should not let the media tell us otherwise.
"So although California currently doesn't accept gay marriage, give it 10-20 years of more desensitization in the media, and it will probably be voted in."
I see exactly what you mean.
There is another thing I'd like to add: no all gay people agree with gay "marriage"...and it is interesting to hear their reasons (you would be surprised).
D, thanks for this wonderful conversation :D!
Cheers
Hey Lynda :D!
ReplyDelete"We should focus more on commonality and the "Common Good." If each group and sect and department and identity feels discriminated against because it is only PART of the larger whole, and it wants to own some kind of favor or dominance, we will be splintered into further divisiveness and more conflict."
Well said!
Lynda, thanks a lot for your insightful comment (it is always a pleasure to hear your thoughts) :D!
Cheers