Please God let this pass. We should all be treated fairly.

We do not live in a theocracy. Your interpretation of your religion should not control the legal rights that other people have. You live your life in your own way, but you should not get to say how others should live theirs.

You're disgusting Jonathan and Jesus would definitely be ashamed of your hatred. You'll find out someday.

Ugh...typical right wing nut job reply....
"How about James and Fido?"

People never seem to think before they comment...

What does Jesus have to do with this? The government is not mandating that your church allows same sex marriage. A lot of people in this country are not Christians, get over it. And besides, the Republican party was once known for supporting individuals rights, whatever happened to that? And then you are trying to equate a human-being marrying a dog to a human-being marrying another human-being? Your ignorance and hate are both pretty disgusting.

Jesus may have welcomed gays to the dinner table. But when the meal was over they were changed. Leave Holy matrimony alone. It is between a man and a woman.

Jesus Christ has nothing to do with the law.

They were "changed"? Does that mean Jesus made them straight after serving red wine and brisket?

Probably fed them his 'body' and 'blood'...fixed then right up! Or he flat out used magic, since they are implying that exists...

If Jesus Christ has nothing to do with the law, then leave Holy matrimony alone, and creat civil unions as law. I'm fine with that approach. Just leave the institute of marriage between a man and woman. Don't try and shove secular beliefs upon God's laws.

i love how everyones excuse for not having marriage equality is their religious opinion and that God would never want gays to marry, well guess what ?! i dont think God would like how so many "devout christians" get married, get divorced, get married, get divorced, lie, cheat etc. So if we cant have marriage equality i think we should BAN DIVORCE so the 50% + couples who want a divorce can just live in misery :)

Speaking as a clergy person, I do feel that God has blessed me with and through my marriage to another woman. But the American value of fairness is the reason I believe it's right that Maryland law recognize same-sex marriage.

It's ironic that someone so concerned about personal freedom when it comes to health insurance is so upset about personal freedom when it comes to marriage. My marriage hurts no-one, and in facts strengthens our social fabric. But someone who goes without health insurance when they can afford it puts a burden on everyone if they wind up at the emergency room with no way to pay for the care they'll get. Isn't that an important matter of personal responsibility? Just a thought...

the fact of the matter is there should be a seperation of CHURCH and STATE

Agree with Jessica. Seperation of church (marriage) and state (civil unions). Keep them seperate.

Separation.

Please spell it right before making decisions that affect people other than yourself.

Everyone makes very good points and I enjoy reading the various opinions. But at the end of all of this - nobody knows for sure what Jesus would say to this. I personally believe marriage is strictly between Man and Woman. Jesus loves everyone - straight - gay - whatever - and He wanted us to love one another as well. So while I don't think it is right - I won't downplay opposite opinions - I respect them. But at the same time don't downplay my beliefs either. I love being a Catholic - but I can't make or force anyone to believe in what I believe in. Can't we all just get along? Besides the crime rate in Perry Hall is getting worse. We need everyone's help (Gay - Straight - Christian - Non Christian) to catch these creeps. And while we are at it - let's also stop Martin OWE malley and his crazy tax happy approach to things. AMEN! GOD BLESS ALL. Now let's have a peaceful weekend!

He snuck in the big "OWE"

Why are people so hung up on "body parts"? Obviously, those against "gay" marriage do not have an understanding of what it represents. It is a loving bond between two people...plain and simple. Why deny that?

BTW, I cannot wait for the day when we no longer call it "gay" marriage. Hopefully someday we will just call it marriage and the sex of those involved will not even matter.

I have spoke to Jesus and the Lord and I are pleased with Carl's grammar, but still disappointed in his spelling.

Marriage for all. At my salary, I pay $5k more in taxes per year being in a gay marriage (I pay taxes on her health are benefits and we can't file as married), could be denied being with my wife at her sickbed (in some locales), and won't have the same Social Security benefits without the recognition of gay marriage. That's what's at stake here...basic equality.

I have conferred with the Lord Jesus Christ again via my iPhone and He has told me that upon passage of this bill and the recognition of gay marriage in the state of Maryland, the gays shall use Carl's front lawn -- as gorgeous as the Lord Himself has helped him to bless it -- as the center Chapel for their Blessed Unions.

Also, Jesus asks to be left out of this, since no one voted for Him to be Messiah and therefore He is not affiliated with any form of "government", which is the driving force behind the "Laws of Man".

However, He just sent me a TXT saying: "LOL tell them i can b asked 4 personal prblms, tho. gtg! #Jesus"

In another post on the Patch, people are up in arms about men dressed as women using women's restrooms. I cannot think of any real reason why I or anyone else should care who uses what restroom, other than it just isn't right. Nudity on primetime television just isn't right. Walking around naked isn't right. No real reason for it. It just isn't right.

Gay marriage? It just isn't right.

Can everyone see where the challenge is in this conversation? I have already submitted that a civil union so that the laws would treat the gay community fairly are acceptable. I've only asked that the institution of marriage be left as a man and a woman. But that is not enough. Comments continue to be directed at me personally, insisting that I accept homosexuality as a way of life. Why can't the gay community be satisfied with my compromise that permits fair treatment of all people under our laws through a civil union? No! That is not enough. The gay community wants me to accept their way of life. If I do not, then I am ridiculed and folks want to protest on my front lawn.

Carl, I don't think anyone hates you, but what they see is that you want them to have what you are willing to give and say all is fair. All they want to have what you have. They simply want to "get married" and enjoy life happily thereafter.

And based on trends, that train is coming, it is just when.

Carl, why does anyone have to live their life to please you? What in the world makes you so powerful? In my experience, people who are obsessed with homosexuality are usually homosexual. Otherwise, I have no understanding at all as to why it would concern you.

Also, in regards to pre-fabricated belief systems, I don't really see how it benefits the individual at all or the society in which they live to select a belief system that requires you to take other people prisoner. I could care less about your catholicism, scientology or whatever but don't assume I'm going to play along with such nonsense. You don't have any right to take me prisoner and limit my innate human rights or pursuit of happiness. if you choose to hate and demonise others that's your problem. If the only thing you take from religious study is that everyone has to think the way you do I'm afraid you're all you're dwelling on is fear and all you're perpetuating is ignorance. Get your own life and stop thinking you have some right to mine. You don't.

your comment carl is composed of two opposite statements. Somewhere you are lying, which is a sin

Mr. Walston: "...but I refuse to allow the homosexual community to invade my right to live as a heterosexual by insisting I accept their way of life, or get get married in the church." 1. Precisely WHO is invading your right to anything? If a right is extended to one group, but not another, it is not a right, it is a highly selective privilege. I fail to see how extending equal rights and protection to one group somehow threatens your sexuality. Precisely WHO is insisting you accept "their way of life?" Do you comprehend just how patronizing this comment sounds? You make it sound like a lifestyle choice, which it is not. If you do not accept a person for what they are, that is your prerogative. Try to imagine, just for one moment, how it might feel to be denied the basic human rights that you can take for granted, just because of what you are. History is littered with examples, including Nazi Germany where life itself was denied to an estimated half million men who were simply "suspected" of being Gay. Think about that while you're protecting your delicate sexuality. This is not about sexual practice or about morals, whatever is meant by that term. The sole issue is equality before the law. Btw, as concerns the actual ceremony, Most same-sex couples I know don't particularly care about what the churches do and get their weddings presided over by public officials.

homosexual PEDOPHILES have no right to marry and adopt children to molest.

Carl, that's so kind of you. So I can't have the same rights and protections as you do but I can carve pumpkins at your house? Wow.

I think your failure to recognise the humanity in others is really your problem not mine.

God created Adam and Eve, not Adam and Steve.

Ms. Chen, please get your terms right. A homosexual is one type of person and a pedophile is another. You should also know that most pedophiles seem to go for the opposite gender.

Then I guess we should accept NAMBLA (North American Man Boy Love Association) as well. Those men love those boys. Who am I to deny their right to love another human being. I should mind my own business and accept that it is possible for a man to love a boy, and have a satisfying sexual relationship. OR, why shouldn't men be able to marry multiple women? Who is society to suggest that we are not happy. Polygamy should be allowed, right along side gay-marriage. OR, bestiality. Just last month PETA argued in court that animals should have the same rights as people. So should we be able to marry sheep, and claim "Head of Household" since the sheep are not working? Where does it end? Anarchy?

civil unions arent good enough...its gotta be marriage...its all about rights bla bla bla....i know plenty of the gays they dont seem to care about getting married....if they do go they can hop in their subaru and drive to DC or Vermont....its got no place in MD

Carl, the best way to get out of a hole is to stop digging. <[;-)) Based on what I believe you have said, you oppose SSM on religious grounds and you find homosexual sex offensive. That is your case, correct?

You know no one is going to change the statutory rape laws in this country. PETA case was promptly dismissed and ridiculed on The Daily Show as whales are not people. But, "corporations are people too, my friend" (attribution to Mitt Romney).

There were no homosexuals in South Korea until the 1990s. Then some Korean-Americans came back and started spreading the disease. Its disgusting how the American left tries to destroy traditional values in other countries. South Korea shouldn't have to deal with the HIV epidemic caused by homosexuals.

Here's a question for all those opposed to " big government" :
How is it acceptable for the government to tell my church community who we may or may not unite in holy matrimony? Every church should have the ability to abide by the tenets of their individual faith with out government interference.
No one is asking heterosexual people to give up their beliefs. But some how it is acceptable to ask homosexual people to give up theirs. It is hypocrisy pure and simple- and I do believe that the Lord Jesus had plenty to say about hypocrisy.

St.John's Ep Church said, "Let me leave you with a real, honest, hard, cold fact: NAMBLA is an organization that is roundly condemned by most, if not all LGBT organizations. In fact, it is condemned by most LGBT people I know."

That's just weird. Everyone I know condemns them.

We're likely going to divorce when it passes. We married before we had our kids to do the right thing, but we want to join the party and suck financial benefits meant for others. May as well get that single mama money until they're 18.

There is so much ignorance on this thread it is astounding. And all I see is fear and insecurity.

Firstly, be aware that gay people have been building lives together including homes and families for DECADES. The only thing legislation is doing is recognising what is ALREADY HAPPENING in society; you can’t actually oppose something that is already in existence. Opposing same sex marriage isn’t going to put a stop to gay people. Homosexuality is nothing new; homosexual people have walked the earth as long as anyone else, we have always been here, we will always be here and no amount of religious hatred and perpetuated ignorance is EVER going to stop the occurrence of homosexuality throughout all of nature. Heterosexuals give birth to homosexuals, homosexuals – who are completely capable of biological reproduction and continuing the species on their own – give birth to heterosexuals, and on and on and on and on. The idea that enslaving a group of people in so-called modern society is somehow going to put an end to their existence is absolutely ridiculous.

As a gay man, my sexual behaviour doesn’t feel deviant to me at all; I understand the nature of human sexuality, know and accept its fluidity as an assertion and expression of a person’s identity. I don’t attach ridiculous notions of guilt and shame to sexuality, I understand it exists with a number of utilities, all of which are important to my functioning as a human being with a larger functionality to the species as a whole. I don’t need to attach something mystical to my motivations or feel that some almighty mysterious being is bearing witness to my every act and passing judgement (whom, for all their supposed mystery, a lot of people seem to think they know a lot about and have no difficulty assuming their god-like mindset; the notion of god seems pretty mundane when listening to you people, there doesn’t seem to be anything awe-inspiring at all about some narrow-minded, ignorant mindset that can’t even acknowledge the life that exists all around them much less the heart and soul that exists within them).

Given the world’s population is currently nearing 7 billion people, not all of whom even subscribe to the notion of a christian deity, it seems pretty ridiculous that any entity would have the interest much less the capacity to follow the lives of what basically amounts to an ant farm in the context of the universe at large, much less pass judgement on them. There might be other ways to interpret religious teachings but taking the writings of a primitive, pre-enlightened people literally seems pretty ridiculous and a hiding to absolutely nothing. I’m sure the people who lived in biblical times, given their obvious thirst for actual knowledge, would gladly consume what we know to be true about the world today and our existence in it than settle for than rather mundane and now unconvincing imaginings of their time.

In regards to all this ignorance about paedophilia: what better way to demonise a group of people than state that they are harming children? Wasn’t it one of the core beliefs of anti-Semitism in medieval Europe that Jewish people actually murdered and ate children, a scurrilous attack that plagued their existence for decades and perpetuated a hatred that no doubt allowed the holocaust to happen (one of two holocausts in the 20th C that included gay people though few acknowledge that). And we see the same thing here with all this rampant homophobia, the fear of gay people. “They harm children. Case closed.” And what’s interesting is that the people who adopt these homophobic attitudes are the ones that are actually causing harm to children by providing cover for the real perpetrators of such abuse. Some 86% of child sex abuse cases, in North America and Europe alone, are committed against GIRLS. At least another 4% of reported cases are committed by WOMEN AGAINST BOYS. And 82% of all cases are committed by perpetrators who are KNOWN TO THEIR VICTIMS.

Pretending that homosexuals alone are the sole perpetrators of child sex abuse in society just gives cover to those who are really committing these offenses – again, largely against girls and, one assumes, by men who identify as heterosexual. What a surprise then that institutions largely run by straight men have so much invested in perpetuating the myth that all child sex abusers are homosexual. Wonders never cease.

People who conflate one small mention in a chapter about temple law that contextualises the sale of sexual favours between men in the temple – amongst some other 180,000 words in the bible – and in a chapter that includes an advocacy of human slavery and other such nonsense as sacrificing animals, etc., to mean that an entire group of people should be demonised, hated and treated as sub-human for all eternity are, frankly, just ignorant. They are plainly ignorant of the entire contents of bible itself, especially in proportion to other more emphatically stated tenets having specifically to do with marriage like the bible’s complete and unequivocal rejection of DIVORCE and they are most certainly guilty of cherry picking. People who hide behind the bible to defend their feelings of hatred and insecurity are particularly ignorant, pathetic and sad and, I would say, contribute very little to society. Your brain is capable of so much more and there is so much knowledge that is actually known to us as human beings.

Most of what you think you know about religion and the bible is just hand-me-down prejudice that you’ve mistakenly taken as fact; it is not factual about human nature and it’s not even factual about the contents of the bible. It’s just prejudice and hatred that you’ve been told and its existence in society has been recognised by institutions and corporations like the GOP or the catholic corporation as a means to further their own power over you. In more plain words, you’re just a tool when in fact you’re capable of so much more.

So what is this really about other than the imagined superiority of the hetero-normative mindset? You don't want homosexuals to live openly? Well, they already do. But you still want to somehow restrict their rights - take from them, all that they have to offer society, the intelligence, creativity, the skills and hard work, the capital, they put into your lives but offer them something less than what you have in return? How much longer is the history of gay people and the extraordinary things we've contributed to the world going to go unacknowledged and be dismissed or appropriated by heterosexuals? How much longer are gay people going to be cruelly limited and defined as "sexual deviants" and "perverts" and made to carry the blame for crimes committed largely by the heterosexual community, and made to bear the weight of all of your fear so that you can sleep better at night?

St. Johns Ep. Church gives me some hope that all religious folk are not totally crazy whackaloons believing whatever was written in a Bronze Age text about a man who may or may not have existed.
I appreciate the effort of St. Johns for speaking up to a sector of the population that has been denigrated and denied basic equal rights for so long.
However, some of the other posts make me think the other way.
Yo, religious people, you have a long way to go to be cool to each other.

My reasons for not being in support of gay marriage are completely secular. I don't want to pay for it. State recognized marriage was put into place for the protection of kids and women having kids and dependent on men. Two men or two women are equally able to earn their own pensions, SS, etc. Talk about a tax break for the rich!

I'm fine with people living as they want. But get your hands out of my pockets.