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A group of first-graders in San Francisco have been drawn into the battle over same-sex marriage after taking a field trip on Friday to see their teacher's wedding. Eighteen students from the Creative Arts Charter School went to City Hall to toss rose petals and blow bubbles on their teacher Erin Carder and her wife Kerri McCoy, and now the trip is being used by the anti-gay marriage Yes on 8 campaign to support their claim that unless unless Proposition 8 passes, children will be forced to learn about same-sex marriage. "This is overt indoctrination of children who are too young to have an understanding of its purpose," says Chip White of the Yes on 8 effort. The school's interim director Liz Jaroflow says the trip was "a teachable moment" and points out that same-sex marriage is currently legal: "As far as I'm concerned, it's not controversial for me. It's certainly an issue I would be willing to put my job on the line for." [The San Francisco Chronicle]
I realize I am from CA. I realize that I find this story amazing. I also know that the kids in this story had to get permission from their families to go to see their teacher get married. If a parent didn't want their child to attend, they could keep their child home. I think the Yes on Proposition 8 people really need to remember that if a Parent says "No, my child can't attend this. I don't believe in this.", then it doesn't happen. Teachers and schools can't take students out of school on field trips without parents permission and consent. And what is wrong with celebrating two people who love each other wanting to build a life together? It isn't like it was a religious ceremony. It was a ceremony that the state recognized. And this gives these children the knowledge that they can marry the person they love and still be great people. It does not say that your religion is wrong if you don't follow this. It avoids religion all together as that is the parents job to help their children decide on a religion. This outing is acknowledging that the state is doing a civil recognition of all types of marriage. IF the students had been asked to attend a church ceremony of a man and a woman, would this be a story? Would people care? Then why care about this? Two people who love each other just made a commitment to each other and it is important in this day and age as it is two people of the same gender. It shouldn't matter. But it does for some people. Why? As long as you don't tell a CHURCH they HAVE to have this in their religion which doesn't acknowledge these couples, then what is the issue? I think Church and State are not the same nor should they be. I do think all people have the right to marry and all people have the right to their religious beliefs. AND yes, these may not always agree. But people are not all the same and neither are all religions. So you don't believe same sex couples should marry based on your religion, then so be it. BUT same sex couples pay taxes, have jobs and are part of the world around you. They should be given the same rights as everyone else. They are people who matter.
And one more thing, if it is a question of pro-creation, no one who isn't having kids should get married. So please don't use that argument. There are plenty of people who want to be married who never intend to have kids. They love each other and want to be in each others lives. Does this mean they should be denied marriage rights as well? According to the Yes on 8 People, they should be denied those rights. Kind of seems to me a little unfair. But What do I know?
Just saying. And yes, You can comment, even negatively.
I realize I am from CA. I realize that I find this story amazing. I also know that the kids in this story had to get permission from their families to go to see their teacher get married. If a parent didn't want their child to attend, they could keep their child home. I think the Yes on Proposition 8 people really need to remember that if a Parent says "No, my child can't attend this. I don't believe in this.", then it doesn't happen. Teachers and schools can't take students out of school on field trips without parents permission and consent. And what is wrong with celebrating two people who love each other wanting to build a life together? It isn't like it was a religious ceremony. It was a ceremony that the state recognized. And this gives these children the knowledge that they can marry the person they love and still be great people. It does not say that your religion is wrong if you don't follow this. It avoids religion all together as that is the parents job to help their children decide on a religion. This outing is acknowledging that the state is doing a civil recognition of all types of marriage. IF the students had been asked to attend a church ceremony of a man and a woman, would this be a story? Would people care? Then why care about this? Two people who love each other just made a commitment to each other and it is important in this day and age as it is two people of the same gender. It shouldn't matter. But it does for some people. Why? As long as you don't tell a CHURCH they HAVE to have this in their religion which doesn't acknowledge these couples, then what is the issue? I think Church and State are not the same nor should they be. I do think all people have the right to marry and all people have the right to their religious beliefs. AND yes, these may not always agree. But people are not all the same and neither are all religions. So you don't believe same sex couples should marry based on your religion, then so be it. BUT same sex couples pay taxes, have jobs and are part of the world around you. They should be given the same rights as everyone else. They are people who matter.
And one more thing, if it is a question of pro-creation, no one who isn't having kids should get married. So please don't use that argument. There are plenty of people who want to be married who never intend to have kids. They love each other and want to be in each others lives. Does this mean they should be denied marriage rights as well? According to the Yes on 8 People, they should be denied those rights. Kind of seems to me a little unfair. But What do I know?
Just saying. And yes, You can comment, even negatively.
