I am glad to see this decision. America is the one place on earth who should set an example supporting homosexual relationships. Too often gay couples find themselves in limbo when it comes to legal rights when one passes away or dealing with other problems straight married couples take for granted.

I'm amazed at what I've seen in my lifetime. I honestly never thought I'd live to witness some of these changes.

To begin with, gays in the military. In the 1970s, I saw firsthand the fear gay people lived under. The risk of losing not just their careers but their dignity and even their rights as veterans.

Leonard Matlovich would be so proud today. His case didn't change a great deal, but it proved something profound. Gay people could serve honorably and be a credit to the Armed Forces.

It was during the Obama administration that Congress repealed "Don't Ask, Don't Tell," paving the way for the Pentagon to certify open service.

And now, gay marriage. I'm overjoyed that two men can marry and build a relationship that society can no longer tear apart.

Kudos to all who made it possible. I'll admit, I still have some concern that the secular use of the word "marriage" might someday conflict with the church's definition and perhaps lead to lawsuits that test the boundaries of religious freedom.

stare decises => stare decisis

I had to look it up...
"Stare decisis" is a Latin legal term meaning "to stand by things decided." It's the doctrine that courts should generally follow precedent " in other words, respect past rulings instead of overturning them.

Db,

My wife is one of the most well read, educated people I've ever known.

Reads constantly smart stuff. Currents events, spent years doing all sorts of research and she's never seen "stare decisis".

Not much into legal terminology.

Clown,

If you're going to accuse me of saying things, at least get it right. Understand what I mean.

What I said was in reference to the Christian bakers who did not want to participate in a gay marriage for religious reasons. Not the gays but the product and service they wanted.

What I said was, if the intent is to have a gay wedding in a religious context, it would be a mockery for some Christians. Me included.

A gay marriage in a secular setting is different.

My main concern has been insuring the word "marriage" has no religious meaning when performing the wedding for a gay couple.

Leave churches alone and not sue for discrimination or believe gay couples have any rights in churches that do not believe gays can marry with the same religious meaning.

My concern is the eventual law suit brought by a gay couple claiming those churches are discriminating against them when the issue is the type of ceremony, not gay people.

The courts got it wrong with the bakers and I am concerned the courts will get it wrong again.

How's that. Is that clearer now.

Clown,

"Your main concern is making sure homosexuals aren't allowed to consider their marriage sacred based on the teachings of your religion?"

Religious freedom means you can consider your marriage sacred till the cows come home.

There's no shortage of more liberal churches that will participate in the facade.

And, some churches might even regard it blasphemy.

No one is telling you what you must believe. Just don't believe it in my church.

You went on the offensive with me so I'm making it perfectly clear lest there be any doubt what I believe.

Clown,

"Then don't indoctrinate children into Christianity"

Religious freedom means I can teach the faith to anyone willing to listen. Thats how freedom works.

I could even try to "indoctrinate" you, but you seem too smart to risk hearing the Good Word.

So just keep your kids away from places they might encounter it like churches, Christmas, or anyone who still believes in God.

Clown,

You got it.

Just not expect the church they grew up in to marry them if that church doesn't condone it.

Clown,

"What gives that church the right to deny the homosexual couple their religious beliefs?"

If you have to ask that question, everything I just wrote went over your head. I won't bother explaining it.

You're much denser than I thought.

Clown,

"You haven't explained why one person's religious beliefs should trump another's. Go for it."

It would take all night and I don't have that much energy.

Whoever put "funny" flags on post #1 should turn in their membership to this site.

You are a disgrace to anyone who professes to believe in gay rights.