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Friday, May 15, 2009 | 3:02 p.m.
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Sun archives
- Committee approves gay rights partnership bill (5-12-09)
- Assembly panel advances gay discrimination bill (5-1-09)
- Senate advances bill to give rights to gay couples (4-21-09)
- Gay rights group requests meeting with Gibbons (4-15-09)
- Gibbons says he won’t sign domestic partners bill (4-14-09)
- Domestic partnership legislation advances (4-9-09)
- Bill to extend rights to same-sex couples advances (4-8-09)
- Bill would give gays same rights as married couples (3-16-09)
A bill that would allow same-sex couples to enter into domestic partnerships, with many of the rights of married couples, passed the Assembly Friday.
Senate Bill 283 now goes back to the Senate to see if it agrees with the amendments that the Assembly added. If it passes the Senate again, it would land on the desk of Gov. Jim Gibbons, who has said he would veto it. The bill originally passed in the Senate 12-9.
Advocates for the bill have been working to try to find two votes to override Gibbons' veto.
They also have some work to do in the Assembly, judging by Friday's vote of 26 in favor and 14 against.
It was a party-line vote, except Assemblyman Ed Goedhart, R-Amargosa Valley, voted for the bill, and Assemblyman Mo Denis, D-Las Vegas, and Assemblywoman Marilyn Kirkpatrick, D-North Las Vegas, voting against.
Two members, one Democrat and one Republican, were absent. To override a veto, advocates need 28 votes.
Assemblywoman Sheila Leslie, D-Reno, pointed to the state's libertarian tradition to advocate for passage.
"This is an issue of personal freedom," she said. "This is about the personal freedom of a Nevadans to live their life way they want to."
Assemblyman Ty Cobb, R-Reno, spoke against the bill, saying it too closely mirrored marriage.
Voters amended the constitution to ban same-sex marriage, voting overwhelmingly for the ban in 2000 and 2002.
Correction: This story was changed to reflect that the bill must pass the Senate a second time before going to the governor.
One of the few, wait, the only thing I've agreed with 0 on.
Veto this and any other "legislation" that speaks to any relationship of union contrary to that of a man and a woman, period.
According to the lunatic fringe, domestic partnership = marriage, then President Obama favors gay marriage, thus spiking the argument that is made in every single gay marriage article on the Sun's website.
Gibbons should be ashamed of himself. He has no moral authority to declare anything about the institution of marriage.
Las Vegas "sin city" has more problems than it needs already we don't need you immoral gays making us look even worse. Go someplace else we don't want you here.
I don't think anybody really does want you around except other gays. That should give you a clue right there.
So, you are saying that every human should not have the same rights? Its not hurting you. Its like saying you are not allowed to believe in your own God.We are all humans and should have every right to live our lives happily. If you don't like how "sin city" is then you should go someplace else period! The gay community doesn't want any special rights. They want the rights they deserve! Who cares if its man and man, women and women, or man and women. Its their business. How would you like if it was the other way around and being straight was more rare? Would you fight for you rights? Try to be in their shoes for once! How would you feel? They just want to be happy with their loved one, just like anyone else!
I'd gladly swap out every intolerant knucklehead in the Valley tomorrow for a member of the gay and lesbian community. Vegas would actually be halfway tolerable then.
Is that a threat! I don't know what God you believe in.... Luke 6:37 Thou Shall not Judge. If you believe its a sin, then you should hate the sin not the sinner. God loves everyone! We are not in the 18th century!
Leviticus, Chapter 20, 013: If a man also lie with mankind, as he lieth with a woman, both of them have committed an abomination: they shall surely be put to death; their blood shall be upon them.
@ weston : "Las Vegas "sin city" has more problems than it needs already we don't need you immoral gays making us look even worse. Go someplace else we don't want you here."
Love it how you are saying how "immoral" gays are. What about how IMMORAL Mr. Gibbons is cheating on his wife? Yet that is OKAY right for Mr. Gibbons to COMMIT ADULTRY??? You are a DOUBLE STANDARD IDIOT "western".
@weston: You have forgot "THOU SHALL NOT COMMIT ADULTRY".
Leviticus also prohibits eating cheeseburgers, wearing cotton-polyester blend clothing, and eating shellfish. Get a grip, dude.
@weston: "Deuteronomy 22:22: If a married person has sex with someone else's husband or wife, the Bible commands that both adulterers be stones to death." Anything else you would like to share Mr Double Standard?
WHO EFFIN CARES!!!!!(_0_)
Spare me the religious mythological explanation and give me a logical reason why equal rights for members of the LGBT community is wrong? Especially in a nation that values the freedoms of minority citizens.
I want a Logical NOT mythological explanation...
@weston:
"I donaTMt give a rats ass what he does. He will answer to god for his sins. I care about what this city and this country looks like. Homosexuality is an abomination in the eyes of the lord. And all the gay rights in the world isnaTMt going to change that."
Wow what would God say about you cursing at me like that? That is a sin.
You seem to be so set on condemning homosexuals yet you need to look at yourself and around you. There is sinners everywhere not just "homosexuals". Seems to me you pick and choose things in the Bible to preach about.
@weston YOU need to SWEEP YOUR OWN BACK PORCH BEFORE JUDGING OTHERS!!!
I what way did I curse you alexgill4 ? please quote what I said that in any way cursed you.
@weston: "I donaTMt give a rats """"ass""" what he does."
Don't sit there and lie about it WESTON.
That wasn't directed directly at you. I didn't curse you.
You can try to ignore the issue all you want the passage in the bible is clear what gibbons does is his problem he will have to answer for that. You cant excuse homosexuality with adultery that makes no since at all.
Thank the Lord the Constitution isn't based on the Bible. Keep your religious dogma to yourself. Enjoy it in your church, for it has no place in the laws which govern my community.
One meek step toward equal rights is welcomed here.
You are not making sense because you are saying that homosexuals are the problem in this country AND it sounds like it to me that you think homosexuality is a higher sin than adultry? A sin is a sin.
I don't see very many relgious nuts like yourself all over adulterers. You are set on one thing only; is that you double standard religious nut jobs justify your sins of that of homosexuals.
"Veto this and any other "legislation" that speaks to any relationship of union contrary to that of a man and a woman, period."
Darryl AND weston -- I am one who would like to hear EXACTLY why you don't believe your fellow citizens you've condemned are not equal enough to you to enjoy these rights?
You brought adultery in to this I didn't the article wasn't about adultery it's about gay rights. If it had been about adultery that would be a different story.
Weston you denying what I stated. You ring wingers are all the same. Remember you are a sinner too. Get it? Obviously not.
You are welcome to any right EXCEPT those rights reserved to marriage and marriage is defined as a union between a man and a women.
Yet cursing is MORALLY A OKAY right?? Obviously since you just SINNNED! Mr. Double Standard.
And his father said
Leviticus, Chapter 20, 013: If a man also lie with mankind, as he lieth with a woman, both of them have committed an abomination: they shall surely be put to death; their blood shall be upon them.
And you can whine about me saying ass all you want. I'm not a homosexual. But by the way you are defending it so much you must be. I never said I was perfect I'm not judging either god already did that. Live your life the way want just don't flaunt your abomination in my face. Because to tell you the truth you make me sick.
And by the way I have sinned in my life we all have but I have never committed a sin that god says I should be put to death for.
@Weston: "And you can whine about me saying ass all you want. I'm not a homosexual."
Sounds to me right there you are basicly saying your sin is less than being a homosexual.
So many double standard religious nut jobs like you out there. I don't see you condemning Mr. Gibbons for his adulterous sin. This story is about the Governor's veto as well as the Domestic Partnership Bill. Now stop sitting there only point the finger at homosexuals as being the key issue....The issue is...Is that Nevada has a double standard Governor. He is so busy pointing fingers at homosexuals yet he needs to sweep his own back porch...You obviously support the great ol Governor. After all the Governor is an Evangelical Republican. Stop brushing his sins under the rug as if it doesn't exist.
I will say it again Mr. Double Standard....
Sweep your own back porch before judging others.
@Weston: You are very ignorant and God sees right through you.
@Weston: Let me guess you are a fan of Westboro Baptist Church right? You would fit in just fine with them.
Show me in the bible where it says I cant say ass.
Can we please finally enact Leviticus into law? Like, the whole darn thing?
Because I want people who curse their parents to also have their civil rights taken away.
@Weston: Ephesians 4:29 "Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen."
The way you are preaching is not wholesome nor is it trying to build up others needs to benefit them. You used the word "ass" in a unwholesome way.
Yet you are "biblicily correct" right? After all you keep pointing your fingers at homosexuals Mr Double Standard.
Henry VIII has several wives and commited adultry and he banned sodomy. (Can we say Mr. Gibbons) We need to start following the every word of the bible. Since you want to go that route...
Deuteronomy 22:13-21:
If it is discovered that a bride is not a virgin, the Bile demands that she be executed by stoning.
Deuteronomy 22:22:
If a married person has sex with someone else's husband or wife, the Bible commands that both adulterers be stoned to death.
Mark 10:1-12:
Divorce is strictly forbidden in both Testaments, as is remarriage of anyone who has been divorced.
Leviticus 18:19:
The Bible forbids a married couple from having intercourse during a woman's period. If they disobey, both shall be executed.
Mark 12:18-27:
If a man dies childless, his widow is ordered by biblical law to have intercourse with each of his brothers in turn until she bears her deceased husband male heir.
Deuteronomy 25:11-12:
If a man gets into a fight with another man and his wife seeks to rescue her husband by grabbing the enemy's genitals, her hand shall be cut off and no pity shall be shown her.
The list goes on and on...So anything else you would like to share Mr. Double Standard?
Weston:
Interesting how you pick Leviticus as your example of what is against "God's laws". What about ALL the rest of Leviticus. I'll bet you don't follow even half of what's written there.
I'm truly grateful that our country's laws are not based on what the Bible says.
Nevadans already determined this issue in two election cycles -- why is the Legislature wasting time on this? State lawmakers have a few months every two years and they're spending their limited time on THIS? Where's the sense of urgency about matters that affect 100 percent of the population?
Shouldn't our elected officials be concerned primarily with the massive budget shortfall, inevitable education funding cuts and the inability to pay for the most basic services? Maybe they're just trying to change the subject since most lack the courage the come up with serious, long-term budget solutions. Why not tackle affirmative action and abortion rights while you're at it?
@Espinoza: You wouldn't be stating this if you were in the shoes of gays.
I said what I wanted to say and nothing I have read here changes the fact that homosexuality is an abomination in the eyes of god. But you go ahead and live your life the way you want. You might even get the law changed. But one day we all will stand before god to answer for our sins and I am comforted in the fact that I have never sinned knowing that god has said I should be put to death for that sin. Can a homosexual say that ? I already know the answer to that one and so do you.
Governor Jim has the final ix-nay. The bill is doomed, for now. The gay community isn't through, if it fails to pass, and this issue needs to be raised in future elections, as a reminder to the politicians to discontinue the practice of bringing up bills that favor a small percentage of the population, based on sexual preference.
"You are welcome to any right EXCEPT those rights reserved to marriage and marriage is defined as a union between a man and a women."
Apparently that and your bible thumping is your explanation.
You are completely deluded. The Bill of Rights is the final word, not you, not your book of Jewish myth, not the governor.
You and your ilk are living proof Nietzsche was right: "Every time I come in contact with a religious man I feel I must wash my hands."
Weston, why won't you respond to the posting by alexgill4 @ 8:52 pm? He listed many examples in the Bible that advocate death for offenses that are common today, but you refuse to either accept or condemn them. Answer the question with a simple yes or no response, should a married couple be executed if they have intercourse while the woman is menstruating? If you say no, then you are a religious hippocrite who picks and chooses which parts of the Bible you want to follow and ignores the others. Religious hippocrites should be ignored because they have no integrity and their opinions mean nothing.
Lots of hate in some of these comments. 100 years from now folks will think of these discussions as so yesterday. And it will be clear that homosexuality is not a life style choice - Jesus never discusses homosexuality in the gospels in the Bible as accepted in our churches. That is how much each of you should discuss the subject. Rather, worry about your own sins and let others be. Love your brothers and sisters and treat them as you would be treated. Oh, and all of you who have committed adultery, be prepared for a barrage of rocks from those who have not sinned. Oh wait, I guess you don't have to worry about the rocks because no one that I know is without sin.
In a civil democratic society when it comes to equality under the law the burden of proof is on the group who wants to deny a certain group those rights not the one who wqants to establish it. In the absense of proof that equal rights for that group subtracts from the rights of others or enacts a real, pragmatic harm to individuals then those rights should be assumed and automatic. The fact that it took this coutry centuries to recognize equality for African Americans doesn't mean it was something that had to be or should have been earned ....It was was not fate or "God's will" it was the slow pace of human evolution that made civil rights such a long process......Human beings are primates and primates like many animals are afraid of things that are different...thats all it is
Royal -- you're almost right.
First, this country is in the republican form. Democracy is just a more polite term for mob rule.
The problem with equality is the People have allowed government to disconnect then distance itself from its primary role, to secure liberty (including protecting individual rights) and obey its organic law (Constitutions). History shows how true this is.
It's true one of our country's founding principle was all men are created equal. True the slaves were not emancipated until almost a century later, then the federal Constitution amended to protect their rights as citizens. It's also true until Rosa Parks sparked the modern civil rights eight decades after that all government, from the federal down to local municipalities just ignored those Constitutional protections and in fact replaced them with the Black Laws (disarmament and disenfranchisement being the chief purposes).
School's out for now.
killerb and weston, why are you both so obsessed about someone being gay and their rights. i am 56v yrs old and have known that i was gay since i was 12. i did not choose it, it is who i am.
there are so many bad things going on in the world now and in your city, why do you both care so much about this????
the best thing that could ever happen to las vegas is for more gays to move there and pick up the slack of the housing crisis. i love to come there and would like to buy a place there as a second home but my god, you two need to get a hobby other than gay bashing. i guess what i want to say is take care of your own stuff and stop fixating about what the gays do.
Huhahil:
I think you owe KillerB an apology as he/she is obviously on the opposite end of the spectrum from weston.
shannonk, i do not think i do. marriage is not defined to be between just a man and a woman. if it is could you show me where?, again why are all these people so against the gays. find a positive way to direct your energy.
shannonk, by the way, i pay the same taxes as everyone elase i should be entitled to the same rights. did i miss something??
huhahil:
LOL! You're kidding, right? I absolutely support same-sex marriage.
KillerB wrote: "Apparently that and your bible thumping is your explanation.
You are completely deluded. The Bill of Rights is the final word, not you, not your book of Jewish myth, not the governor.
You and your ilk are living proof Nietzsche was right: "Every time I come in contact with a religious man I feel I must wash my hands."
Yeah, that sounds like he is the same as weston, right? I don't think so.
So, in answer to your question, "did i miss something??"... yes, you did.
shannonk, sorry i read it out of context. killerb sorry i read your emaiil out of context and i seem to have offended shannonk.
no need to lol sahnnonk, i stand corrected, is that enough??
huhahil:
Thank you.
i look at the 10 top discussed stories being discussed. there are things that people could actually get together and do something about.
the most emailed topic is domestic partnerships, 54 emails recieved, more than any.
again, why do so many people care about another persons sexual preference? i am almost starting to find what some of these people are saying amusing.
Wow, Weston... you spout hate and intolerance in the name of religion. What a new concept!
Weston: God will be judging your actions as well....
Also why do you assume I am homosexual? Are you that ignorant that there isn't hetrosexuals that disagree with the way you are preaching the bible? .....I G N O R A N C E Weston!.
i think that we all can sssume by this time that weston is pretty crazy and won't be at the gay pride parade...... and you wonder, what makes a person who is supposedly religious get so crazy about gay people.
well weston...i hate to tell you but we are all around you!!
Weston should know just how many gays he/she comes in contact with each and every single day without even knowing their talking too,sitting next too or handling your food....or any number of things in the course of a day.Think about it.
Gibbons shouldn't veto this. I believe in civil unions, but not gay marriage. The gays can tie the knot at the drive thru chapel, but stay the heck out of the church.
Civil rights yes; Gay marriage no!
firedawg -- you certainly are as entitled to your opinion as anyone else. The problem arises when it becomes law at the level this has, the 2002 amendment to Nevada's Declaration of Rights. Seems nobody checked the rest of it, the original part respecting equality.
So EXACTLY why don't you believe your fellow citizens are equal enough to you to enjoy the same rights as you to get married in a church willing to perform the ceremony?
As long as we have people like firedawg categorizing and belittling people by labeling them the "gays" we will have problems. This is exactly what dehumanizes and separates us from one another. Firedawg and people like you had better wake up. You have "gays" in your own families and are probably not even aware of it because you don't want to see them. Open your eyes and start realizing what you are saying and how your actions affect those close to you.
Doesn't it occur to those quoting the Bible on homosexuality that the rules and penalties were for the Israelites of thirty-odd centuries ago; and do not apply to anyone literally in this century or this country. As for gay marriage, I think civil unions offer the same rights to the couples involved as in marriage; but if gay marriage becomes the law of the land[or of my state, Idaho] I will lose no sleep over it; even in my town there are gay couples, more than I probably know.They are my neighbors and friends; if the people of the land OK it, it won't impact my life negatively.
First of all, Gay people do not consider having sex with a person of the same sex, a sin. When people claim that "We all sin" and then lay down examples of sins that are just as bad as being gay, then we have a huge problem. There should not be a comparison between sins and homosexuality, because it is not a sin to love another person of the same sex, UNLESS you believe it is a sin.
Secondly, Gay people do not want to force Churches ( the very places that have so outwardly banned and cursed them) to marry them. Why would any person want the happiest day of their lives to be in a place filled with hate?
Thirdly, when people refer to homosexuals as "Gays" then they are put in a otherworldly category of human beings.Hitler used this same tactic when he tried to convince people that the, "Jews" were less than human, and therefore gave everyone the right to kill them in gas chambers. Gay people are your neighbors, teachers, doctors, lawyers etc... DEAL WITH IT! They have been here since the beginning of time and they will never leave.
Weston: You are a very troubled person. You really should get a life and stop obsessing on gay people. It really makes me wonder if you are attracted to members of the same sex, you are so passionate in your hate. There is a very thin line between love and hate.
People should follow their own moral code and stop trying to inflict their values on other people. I hate smoking, and yet. I do not run around like an idiot claiming that the Bible will punish all smokers and they will burn in hell forever and ever.
I simply don't smoke. I stay away from places where people smoke and I don't judge or curse them. Why would I? It's their bodies, not mine. None of my business. It does not impact my life one bit if people chose to smoke.
The bottom line: Live and let live.
BIG differences from civil unions and marriage when it comes to gays....it has to do more with legal rights as partners. The fact is....that line in the sand means nothing if you cross state lines and live else where.This is a very limited argument and is confined to the State of Nevada.Civil unions do not afford partners the same legal issues as a marriage.
9ball - I'm labeling Gay people "Gays"? I'm addressing them as "Gays" because they are gay. What is so offensive about that? Are you gay 9ball? Do you take offenses to that? Is there a more "politically correct" word I should use? Maybe we should just create a symbol for gays like Prince did back in the 90's. Would that make you feel better?
Bottom line 9ball, I don't play asinine liberal PC games. I don't let anybody restrict my speech. That's not to say I use words or terminology that is obviously hurtful, but I refuse to believe that "Gay" is one of them.
Is there any real gay person that wants to weigh in on this?
firedawg you do have your right to speech and i don't think anyone wants to play a game. you have an opinion, you are entitled to that. i am gay and i am married, i live in massachusetts. i guess you would not understand this issue unless you were, ... maybe a minority to understand discrimination. it is a very sensitive issue to a gay person. i personally do not mind someone calling me gay, i do in jest use that language myself. i just don't understand the fear of the marriage thing. i get what you are saying but i also get what 9ball is saying
This issue has been a torn in my side for a long time. Sice 1980 I have been discontent with married folks getting all the cream and making the single people pay unduely in the military and on taxes.
Single military (without dependants) folks make less than those in the military with a spose, not that the one with a dependant works harder or more hours, to the contrary, a member with a dependant will usally need more time off to take them to appointments, or due to sickness at home.
These laws where passed by congress who's members are by in large married, they stack the deck in their favor, and now with Gay marriage challenging the whole enchilada, the rouse is up, abolish all the favortisum for married people and Gay people will not need to push for government recognized marriage, they can then choose to be married in any ceremony of their choosing.
The point that marriage is to be decided at the State level and not at the Fedreal level leaves room for people to choose their laws at a lower level, but it also allows the Fed room to not have to recognize Gay marriage in it's military ranks.
It should be governed at the county level which would be better and more closely representive of it's communities. The communities would thrive as was the case in the 60's in San Fransico, on Hate St. and Asheberry Ave. for the Hippies.
You work and you pay taxes regardles of how many people live in your home, that goes for the military and congress too. If both the IRS and the federal government where to enact these fair play rules then the average base pay of the military person would go up, and the tax base for the entire USA would increass too.
This is the reason many floks in the military bypass the law with a "Marriages of Convenience", chasing this loop-hole caused many marriages to get out of hand in the military during the 80's and they still are today at some level.
I really don't think congress who has to much vested will ever let this loop-hole expire, becuase it repesents the peoples (congress)good.
gunslingera10, you tink that the gay marriages are just for convienience? am i missing something??
Huhahil - I appreciate your feedback. I just want to make clear to you that I am a minority. I am of Mexican and Moroccan decent and I'm dark skinned so I also look the part. I've been discriminated against and prejudged many times in my life. I have stories for days about my encounters with racism.
The difference between me and most minorities that experience the same is that I don't let those people break my spirit, I don't use it as an excuse to not work hard and succeed, and I just keep moving forward in achieving my American dream. They can judge me all they want, but they'll never bring me down. In America, a person like me can leap over any hurdle placed in my way.
As far as gay marriage goes, its a privilage to get married before the church, not a right. With that said, I believe gays should have the same marriage benefits as straight couples. So I don't understand why gays can't accept that.
I say that gay marriage is about equality of benifits.
I also say that marriage rules are unfair to single people.
Oh, and yes some marriages are for convienience, wouldn't you agree, or are all gay marriages everlasting.
Bah-bi
thank you friedag and gunslinger for your feed back, gunslinger you are right , not all things are everlasting and firedawg, it is a right to get married in a church. i got married in my house . i was really happy to hear from both of you with positive feedback and answereing each other with respect and no being nasty behind a username
apoligize for spelling your name wrong firedawg!!!
No biggie.
firedawg, i just wanted to make myself clear that i do not expect religious sects to accept the marriage. that is a religious issue not a civil rights issue and on that ifeel the same as you. aside from that i would not want someones faith to have my issues forced upon them
Live and let live. NO ONE is of any authority to judge. Only God and God alone can do that. Yes, you can say whatever you like but why don't you focus on what God is gonna say? I'm not one to judge. Only God and God alone can do that.
geenab65 -- your god is irrelevant to this discussion.
Who is this "god" of which you people speak of? Where does he live? Does he have an email address? I googled him but their were so many discriptions of him I got confused even more. I cant tell if god is male, female or neither. I read that god was a spirit that lies within every human being. But after reading some of the posts here, I know that cant be true. Too much hate here for that. Also, I keep hearing that this "marriage" thing is defined as between a man and a woman...How many words in the dictionary have more than on definition? Fact is, its just a word and using its definition as an argument just seems silly really.
LV4LIFE -- good one
Gentlemen, My God is irrelevant TO YOU just as you are irrelevant to me. I choose not to judge, period.
Hey Firedawg ease down... don't blow a gasket! You evidently don't understand what I'm trying to say so be cool big guy. I don't think gay people appreciate being categorized as "The Gays"
Why don't you try calling them Gay People! Bravo to persuing your American Dream.
geenab65 - "...My God is irrelevant TO YOU just as you are irrelevant to me."
Works for me.
Finally something we agree on.