Page 107 of 111 FirstFirst ... 7579799100101102103104105106107108109110111 LastLast
Results 2,651 to 2,675 of 2757
  1. #2651
    Guest Member S Landreth's Avatar
    Join Date
    Sep 2008
    Last Online
    @
    Location
    left of center
    Posts
    20,590


    The Senate on Monday brought a bill to codify same-sex marriage protections one step closer to passage, voting to end debate on an amendment that features religious liberty protections sought by Republicans.

    The process wasn’t without hiccups, however.

    Senators ultimately voted 61-35 to advance the amendment to the Respect for Marriage Act that includes language related to religious liberty and conscience protections under the Constitution and federal law. It would also continues to prohibit polygamous marriage.

    But the voting was held open for almost two-and-a-half hours as senators wrangled over whether additional amendments could come up for a vote and waited on the votes of three Republicans who had earlier this month voted to advance the broader bill. Sixty votes were needed to limit debate.

    According to the time agreement struck, votes on three amendments proposed by Sens. Mike Lee (R-Utah), James Lankford (R-Okla.) and Marco Rubio (R-Fla.) will be held on Tuesday afternoon, with a vote on final passage expected to take place immediately following. The vote series will start at 3:45 p.m.

    Lee’s amendment will need 60 votes to be attached, while Lankford’s and Rubio’s will each need a simple majority of senators to win inclusion on the final bill. All three are aimed at protecting religious liberty amid concerns that an amendment negotiated that is already attached to the legislation does not go far enough to protect religious entities.

    Sen. Thom Tillis (R-N.C.), a leading GOP proponent of the Respect for Marriage Act, told reporters after the deal was struck that while he supports Lee’s amendment, it is “far more expansive” than the narrow bill that negotiators cobbled together.

    “I think one of the things that make it very difficult for getting people to come to an agreement is just giving everyone the Heisman instead of listening to them and trying to give them an opportunity to get a vote. I’ve got no problem with it,” Tillis said. “I wish we’d do more amendment votes around here. It was an earnest effort on our part to let them have their amendments be heard and let the vote go where the vote goes tomorrow.”

    Monday’s vote puts lawmakers another step closer to sending the bill to President Biden’s desk. The measure has already passed the House, but because of the narrow amendment it would have to go back to the lower chamber for another vote. The House passed the bill in July with the support of 47 Republicans.

    The absence of Sen. Raphael Warnock (D-Ga.), who is competing in a runoff election on Dec. 6, also complicated the path to 60 votes. Ultimately, all 12 GOP senators who voted earlier this month to advance the measure voted in the affirmative Monday: Susan Collins (Maine), Rob Portman (Ohio), Mitt Romney (Utah), Lisa Murkowski (Alaska), Roy Blunt (Mo.), Richard Burr (N.C.), Cynthia Lummis (Wyo.), Shelley Moore Capito (W.Va.), Dan Sullivan (Alaska), Joni Ernst (Iowa), Todd Young (Ind.) and Tillis.

    “We all know that for all the progress that we’ve made on same-sex marriage, the rights of all married couples will never truly be safe without the proper protections under federal law, and that’s why the Respect for Marriage Act is necessary,” Senate Majority Leader Charles Schumer (D-N.Y.) said on the Senate floor on Monday.

    Some Republicans who supported the measure have received blowback for backing the legislation. More than 40 Christian leaders called on Lummis to “reverse course” and change her vote unless the final version includes Lee’s amendment.

    “[The bill] labels people of good faith as bigots and subjects them to endless harassing litigation and discrimination and threats by that same government that was founded to protect their religious liberty,” Lee said on the Senate floor before the Thanksgiving recess. “We need to protect religious freedom. This bill doesn’t do that. It places it in grave jeopardy.”

    Congress considers codifying same-sex marriage

    Keep your friends close and your enemies closer.

  2. #2652
    Thailand Expat tomcat's Avatar
    Join Date
    Nov 2005
    Last Online
    @
    Posts
    17,216
    ...and here's little Singapore shaking off an offensive bit of colonial rule:

    Singapore Parliament Repeals Colonial-Era Ban on Sex Between Men


    • New rules prevent legal challenge to marriage definition
    • Constitutional amendment on marriage is seen as a compromise


    By Philip Heijmans (Bloomberg)

    November 29, 2022 at 5:17 PM GMT+7

    Singapore repealed a longstanding and controversial legal ban on sex between men while simultaneously amending the constitution to ensure only parliament has the right to define marriage that is currently that between a man and a woman.

    The government in moving to finally strike the law from its books is seeking to control a divisive issue in Singapore’s multicultural society through a balance between members of the LGBTQ community advocating for greater acceptance and the conservative groups pushing back. The repeal may also help the city-state attract top foreign talent at a time it wants to bolster its status as a regional financial hub.

    The repeal of a colonial-era law criminalizing sex between men known as Section 377A was introduced in parliament last month after Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong earlier announced the initiative amid changing sentiments among the population over the issue. The ruling People’s Action Party controls a super-majority in parliament, ensuring the legislation was passed into law on Tuesday.

    “The time has come for us to remove Section 377A,” Law Minister K Shanmugam told parliament on Monday during the two-day debate. “It humiliates and hurts gay people. Most gay people do not cause harm to others, they just want to live peacefully and quietly and be accepted as part of society the same as any other Singaporean.”

    The constitutional amendment on marriage is seen as a compromise, making clear that it is parliament’s prerogative to define marriage so that it can’t be challenged in courts. The government has said most Singaporeans still want to maintain “the current family and social norms, where marriage is between a man and a woman, and children are brought up in such a family structure.”

    With the changes, parliament now has the power to make laws to define and safeguard Singapore’s institution of marriage. The amendment also protects government policies based on the definition of marriage that include public housing rules or financial benefits for married couples.

    The ruling People’s Action Party did not lift the whip when lawmakers vote. Deputy Prime Minister Lawrence Wong has said the government wanted to ensure a “very limited, careful and controlled repeal of Section 377A” while some religious groups had asked for the party whip to be lifted to lawmakers so they could vote according to their conscience.
    Singapore Marriage Views

    While LGBTQ groups welcomed the repeal when it was announced, they have raised concern about the constitutional amendment. Over the years, activists mounted a series of unsuccessful lawsuits against the ban on sex between men, which carries a maximum jail term of two years.

    For now, a majority of Singaporeans are against same-sex marriages though there was support for the planned repeal of Section 377A. A poll by Blackbox Research in August found 55% of the respondents said “no” when asked whether they personally support gay marriage while 31% said “yes.”






    Majestically enthroned amid the vulgar herd

  3. #2653
    Thailand Expat misskit's Avatar
    Join Date
    Dec 2009
    Last Online
    @
    Location
    Chiang Mai
    Posts
    48,094
    A few months back when in Singapore, I was very surprised at the number of obvious same sex couples. They didn’t make any effort to hide it.

  4. #2654
    Guest Member S Landreth's Avatar
    Join Date
    Sep 2008
    Last Online
    @
    Location
    left of center
    Posts
    20,590
    Where things stand (just a few minutes ago)



  5. #2655
    Thailand Expat tomcat's Avatar
    Join Date
    Nov 2005
    Last Online
    @
    Posts
    17,216
    ...feels a bit odd to have my marriage discussed and voted on during a Senate procedure...

  6. #2656
    Thailand Expat DrWilly's Avatar
    Join Date
    Dec 2021
    Last Online
    @
    Posts
    11,382
    Japanese court rules ban on same-sex marriage ban constitutional


    A Japanese court has ruled the nation's ban on same-sex marriage is constitutional, delivering a blow to LGBTQ advocates.
    Key points:


    • The court reached the same conclusion as a court in Osaka in June
    • The Japanese government has not disclosed any plans to review the law
    • The court also said the absence of any legal system for same-sex couples to have families was an infringement on their human rights



    It marks only the second such ruling in a G7 nation where same-sex marriage is not permitted.
    But in what people took as a sign of hope, the Tokyo district court ruling on Wednesday also said the absence of any legal system for same-sex couples to have families was an infringement on their human rights.
    Japan's constitution defines marriage as based on "the mutual consent of both sexes" and the ruling party of Prime Minister Fumio Kishida has not disclosed plans to review the matter or propose legislation.
    The court ruled that banning same-sex marriage was in line with the constitution, reaching the same conclusion as a court in Osaka in June.
    A court in Sapporo, northern Japan, last year raised hopes when it ruled the ban was unconstitutional.
    Eight people in four couples were involved in the case, saying the same-sex marriage ban contravened their human rights.
    They also demanded 1 million yen each in damages — a demand the court rejected.
    The decision came a day after the US Senate passed a same-sex marriage protection bill and Singapore lifted a ban on gay sex but limited the prospects for legalising same-sex marriage.


    https://www. abc .net.au/news/2022-11-30/japan-court-rules-same-sex-marriage-ban-constitutional-but-holds/101718904

    without the spaces before and after the abc

  7. #2657
    Guest Member S Landreth's Avatar
    Join Date
    Sep 2008
    Last Online
    @
    Location
    left of center
    Posts
    20,590
    Should be on Biden’s desk by next week.

    Senate passes bill to protect same-sex marriage

    The Senate on Tuesday passed a bill to codify the right to same-sex and interracial marriage, with 12 Republicans joining Democrats to send the legislation to the House.

    Why it matters: The Senate, with its 60-vote threshold, was the main obstacle to the bill’s passage, but it passed with a 61-36 vote. The House is expected to easily pass it before sending it to President Biden’s desk.




    Driving the news ... The 12 Republicans who voted in favor of the bill were:


    • Roy Blunt (R-Mo.)
    • Richard Burr (R-N.C.)
    • Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.)
    • Susan Collins (R-Maine)
    • Joni Ernst (R-Iowa)
    • Cynthia Lummis (R-Wyo.)
    • Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska)
    • Rob Portman (R-Ohio)
    • Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska)
    • Mitt Romney (R-Utah)
    • Thom Tillis (R-N.C.)
    • Todd Young (R-Ind.).


    Between the lines: The GOP senators who voted for the legislation — many from heavily Republican states — held firm despite pressure from conservatives.


    • Several Republican amendments, aimed at preempting possible government retaliation against individuals and organizations over their views on marriage equality, failed in floor votes.


    What’s next: Key House Democrats have told Axios that they are likely to green-light the bill, and House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer (D-Md.) told reporters the House could consider it as early as next Tuesday.



  8. #2658
    A Cockless Wonder
    Looper's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jun 2007
    Last Online
    Yesterday @ 11:30 PM
    Posts
    15,187
    Quote Originally Posted by DrWilly View Post
    Japanese court rules ban on same-sex marriage ban constitutional
    Same sex marriage-rexfeatures_9722124r-jpg

  9. #2659
    Guest Member S Landreth's Avatar
    Join Date
    Sep 2008
    Last Online
    @
    Location
    left of center
    Posts
    20,590
    Same-sex households in the U.S. surpass 1 million for the first time, data shows

    The number of same-sex couple households in the U.S. has surpassed 1 million for the first time, according to recently released government data.

    There were more than 1.2 million same-sex couple households across the country in 2021, up from 540,000 in 2008, an increase of 120%, the data, taken from the Census Bureau's annual American Community Survey, showed.



    About 710,000 (59.2%) of the same-sex couple households were married, and about 500,000 (41.7%) were unmarried.

    The number of married same-sex households started to outnumber unmarried same-sex households in 2016, following the Supreme Court’s landmark 2015 Obergefell vs. Hodges ruling, which effectively legalized gay marriage across the U.S.

    The release of this new data coincides with the advancement of landmark legislation that codifies federal protection for marriages of same-sex couples. The Respect for Marriage Act was approved 61-36 in the Senate and now returns to the House for a final vote before it can go to President Joe Biden, who has said he looks forward to enacting it.

  10. #2660
    Thailand Expat tomcat's Avatar
    Join Date
    Nov 2005
    Last Online
    @
    Posts
    17,216
    Quote Originally Posted by S Landreth View Post
    The number of same-sex couple households in the U.S. has surpassed 1 million for the first time
    ..."wedding bells are breakin' up that old gang of mine"...

  11. #2661
    A Cockless Wonder
    Looper's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jun 2007
    Last Online
    Yesterday @ 11:30 PM
    Posts
    15,187
    A great week all round in the Land of the Rising Sun

    Same sex marriage-np_file_197402-jpeg

    Japan finish top of group E with a stunning win over former Champions Spain

    Same sex marriage-handofgod-jpg

    Just good football or are we maybe seeing the Hand of God's approval of the Court in Tokyo?

    Same sex marriage-diego-maradona-bei-der-wm-1994-a

  12. #2662
    Guest Member S Landreth's Avatar
    Join Date
    Sep 2008
    Last Online
    @
    Location
    left of center
    Posts
    20,590
    Australia counts number of same-sex marriages for first time in census

    Australia reveals how many same-sex weddings have taken place since marriage equality

    Nearly 24,000 same-sex marriages have been reported in the Australian 2021 census.

    The Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) published the first round of results from its 2021 census, revealing that 23,914 same-sex marriages have taken place since marriage equality was legalised in 2017.

    Sadly, this is about all the data on the LGBTQ+ population Australians can expect.

    In August 2021, the Star Observer reported that the census would neglect to ask residents about gender identity or sexual orientation.

    This was a result of the Scott Morrison-led government, which refused to acknowledge calls from LGBTQ+ organisations to add such questions.








  13. #2663
    Thailand Expat

    Join Date
    Aug 2017
    Last Online
    Yesterday @ 04:51 PM
    Location
    Sanur
    Posts
    8,004
    The majority will always remain heterosexual. It will take time for global acceptance of gay marriage. Nothing pisses people off more than demanding it NOW.

    Gay marches, Rainbow parades will eventually become a thing of the past. There are only so many letters you can add to LGBTQ whatever.

    The internal combustion engine arrived over a century ago. Horses no longer dominate the roads or wars. Progress is inevitable, where enough people want to change. It just takes time!

    Organised religion is the same, but it might take a bit longer than gay marriage. This is known as evolution, but it will never happen overnight.

  14. #2664
    Thailand Expat tomcat's Avatar
    Join Date
    Nov 2005
    Last Online
    @
    Posts
    17,216
    Quote Originally Posted by Switch View Post
    Nothing pisses people off more than demanding it NOW.
    ...nothing? Not higher taxes, corrupt politicians, a beer shortage, pushy evangelicals or anal warts?...personally, I'm done with patiently waiting for older folks to die off...gay marriage now!

  15. #2665
    Guest Member S Landreth's Avatar
    Join Date
    Sep 2008
    Last Online
    @
    Location
    left of center
    Posts
    20,590
    Quote Originally Posted by Switch View Post
    Gay marches, Rainbow parades will eventually become a thing of the past.
    You might be right. But I’ll tell you what,... there will always be a Fantasy Fest in Key West as long as it is still above water (no hurricane and no pandemic).

    Key West, Florida - Fantasy Fest 2012 with the Thai girlfriend (NSFW)

  16. #2666
    Thailand Expat

    Join Date
    Aug 2017
    Last Online
    Yesterday @ 04:51 PM
    Location
    Sanur
    Posts
    8,004
    Quote Originally Posted by tomcat View Post
    ...nothing? Not higher taxes, corrupt politicians, a beer shortage, pushy evangelicals or anal warts?...personally, I'm done with patiently waiting for older folks to die off...gay marriage now!
    Thank you for proving my point. Impatience will probably just stir up more unnecessary confrontation.

    I really don’t mind either way. The majority of my friends are sufficiently mature and grown up about such issues.

    Such demands for instant change demonstrate a lack of maturity. Emotionally retarded individuals continue to exist. Your attitude won’t change them, or their archaic opinions.

  17. #2667
    Thailand Expat tomcat's Avatar
    Join Date
    Nov 2005
    Last Online
    @
    Posts
    17,216
    Quote Originally Posted by Switch View Post
    Your attitude won’t change them, or their archaic opinions.
    ...not my aim...only a self-satisfied straight comfortably unaffected by outdated laws and oppressive social norms would counsel patience to those who have waited so long for equality...

  18. #2668
    Thailand Expat

    Join Date
    Aug 2017
    Last Online
    Yesterday @ 04:51 PM
    Location
    Sanur
    Posts
    8,004
    Quote Originally Posted by tomcat View Post
    ...not my aim...only a self-satisfied straight comfortably unaffected by outdated laws and oppressive social norms would counsel patience to those who have waited so long for equality...
    Your aggressive stance on same sex marriage and organized religion, also affects others with similar penchants. Allowing yourself to get annoyed about either topic is absolutely fine, provided you are aware that the likeleyhood of your aspirations being met in a timely manner is unchanged. Demanding it now marks you out as equally petulant as the opposition view may be.
    Allowing your publicly vociferous opinions to expect more equality now, simply will not happen. I am not a luddite in these matters. I just think that you expect too much too soon, and that your confrontational attitude will harden the minds of those opposed to such ideas.

    For your information, my current partner is gay. That alone changes nothing. Confrontational demands will not change things either. All it does is anger those who oppose your ideology.

    Have a nice day.

  19. #2669
    Thailand Expat tomcat's Avatar
    Join Date
    Nov 2005
    Last Online
    @
    Posts
    17,216
    Quote Originally Posted by Switch View Post
    I am not a luddite in these matters.
    ...*cough*...

    Quote Originally Posted by Switch View Post
    Your aggressive stance on same sex marriage and organized religion
    ...one person's aggressive is another's moderate...
    Quote Originally Posted by Switch View Post
    Demanding it now marks you out as equally petulant as the opposition view may be.
    ...an odd opinion: a demand for equality demonstrates petulance...


    Quote Originally Posted by Switch View Post
    I just think that you expect too much too soon
    ...you have no idea what my expectations are...your thoughts on the subject notwithstanding...

    Quote Originally Posted by Switch View Post
    your confrontational attitude will harden the minds of those opposed to such ideas.
    ...those "minds" are already hardened; I have no desire to soften them...

    Quote Originally Posted by Switch View Post
    For your information, my current partner is gay
    ...TMI...no need to post your bona fides...

    Quote Originally Posted by Switch View Post
    Confrontational demands will not change things either.
    ...The Selma marchers and MLK have already demonstrated the error of such thinking...
    Quote Originally Posted by Switch View Post
    All it does is anger those who oppose your ideology.
    ...good. "They" need to know that oppressing others will bring blowback...

  20. #2670
    Thailand Expat

    Join Date
    Aug 2017
    Last Online
    Yesterday @ 04:51 PM
    Location
    Sanur
    Posts
    8,004
    Quote Originally Posted by tomcat View Post
    ...*cough*...

    ...one person's aggressive is another's moderate...
    ...an odd opinion: a demand for equality demonstrates petulance...


    ...you have no idea what my expectations are...your thoughts on the subject notwithstanding...

    ...those "minds" are already hardened; I have no desire to soften them...

    ...TMI...no need to post your bona fides...

    ...The Selma marchers and MLK have already demonstrated the error of such thinking...
    ...good. "They" need to know that oppressing others will bring blowback...
    It might have been simpler to say that you disagree!

  21. #2671
    Thailand Expat tomcat's Avatar
    Join Date
    Nov 2005
    Last Online
    @
    Posts
    17,216
    Quote Originally Posted by Switch View Post
    It might have been simpler to say that you disagree!
    ...your post offered much to unpack...

  22. #2672
    Thailand Expat

    Join Date
    Aug 2017
    Last Online
    Yesterday @ 04:51 PM
    Location
    Sanur
    Posts
    8,004
    Quote Originally Posted by tomcat View Post
    ...your post offered much to unpack...
    Unfortunately, you only unpacked the parts you chose to disagree with. 'Twas ever thus.

  23. #2673
    Thailand Expat tomcat's Avatar
    Join Date
    Nov 2005
    Last Online
    @
    Posts
    17,216
    Quote Originally Posted by Switch View Post
    you only unpacked the parts you chose to disagree with
    ...only to point out the error of your ways: you're welcome...

  24. #2674
    Thailand Expat

    Join Date
    Aug 2017
    Last Online
    Yesterday @ 04:51 PM
    Location
    Sanur
    Posts
    8,004
    Quote Originally Posted by tomcat View Post
    ...only to point out the error of your ways:
    In your opinion only, of course. Any changes will likely proceed in spite of your more strident (pick your own adjective) opposition, rather than because of it. There are none so blind as he who will not see.

  25. #2675
    Thailand Expat tomcat's Avatar
    Join Date
    Nov 2005
    Last Online
    @
    Posts
    17,216
    Quote Originally Posted by Switch View Post
    In your opinion only, of course.
    ...*cough*...it's all a matter of opinion...yours and mine in this case. It is my opinion that increasing social and legal pressure will crack oppressive traditions sooner rather than later. Blacks/Jews/Latinx/women did not win greater equality under the law by sitting patiently and hoping white supremacists would eventually come to their senses.

Page 107 of 111 FirstFirst ... 7579799100101102103104105106107108109110111 LastLast

Thread Information

Users Browsing this Thread

There are currently 2 users browsing this thread. (0 members and 2 guests)

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •