Directories
Quick Searches
Find a Job
Quick Search
For Employers
Yahoo! HotJobs Local Search
CARLSBAD: For one gay couple, marriage a natural step in relationship
By GARY WARTH - Staff Writer | ∞
Linda Sanders, left, and Evelyn Thomas of Carlsbad are planning to get married now that the state Supreme Court has ruled a ban on gay marriage unconstitutional. (Photo by Jamie Scott Lytle - Staff Photographer) CARLSBAD ---- Linda Sanders looked deep into the eyes of Evelyn Thomas, who smiled back with the same radiant grin that captured her heart 18 years ago.
"I love everything about her," Sanders said. "When I first met her, I said she's an angel and God sent her to me."
As a couple, the two may not seem perfectly matched. Sanders is 60, white and from Virginia's Appalachian Mountains. Thomas is 39, black and grew up in California and Texas.
But those differences were easily trumped by love. In matters of the heart, they are inseparable and committed to sharing a life, a home and a future.
In matters of the law, however, they have been outsiders, unable to make the same commitment as their heterosexual friends whose weddings they love to attend.
That will change Tuesday, when a state Supreme Court decision allowing gays to marry goes into effect.
"It's going to be difficult for me, the first time I refer to her as my wife," Thomas said, still a little overwhelmed that a long-time dream is becoming reality.
It's going to be difficult for other people to accept as well, and Sanders said she recognizes the weight of the court's decision.
"To give us and others like us the legality to marry is going to be a major culture change," Sanders said.
But for Sanders and Thomas, Christians who regularly attend church, getting married isn't about politics or cultural revolution.
"We're not trying to change anybody's beliefs," Thomas said. "We're just saying we have a love to share."
The couple has a Tuesday appointment at the San Marcos Courthouse to pick up their marriage application and plan to marry at Pilgrim United Church of Christ in Carlsbad on June 29, Thomas' birthday and the anniversary of their meeting.
"We still can't believe we're getting married," Sanders said. "Even when they announced it, I still wasn't convinced. We thought it would be overturned on a technicality."
Her disbelief is understandable. Opponents to the Supreme Court's decision quickly organized a proposed Constitutional amendment to recognize only marriages between a man and woman. The proposal will be on the November ballot.
The challenge does not come as a surprise to the couple, who say they have faced professional and personal harassment and discrimination much of their lives.
'I always knew'
Growing up in a small mountain community in Virginia, "I didn't really know at the time what I was," Sanders said.
The 13th of 14 children, Sanders said most everybody was related to somebody else in her small Appalachian town, and there were few opportunities for work or education.
After her family moved to Washington, D.C., Sanders met a man, got married and had a son, now 39 and living in Seattle. Despite loving many things about her husband, Sanders said she never understood what it meant to be in love during her 11-year marriage.
Then one day, Sanders met a woman. Her marriage ended and she entered a 13-year relationship, followed by a one-year relationship with another woman before meeting Thomas.
Thomas was born in Los Angeles and moved to Killeen, Texas, at age 5 with her brother and mother, who didn't want her children influenced by gangs.
"I always knew I was different," Thomas said, recalling how she fought her mother's and aunt's attempts to get her to wear dresses and makeup.
But different didn't mean strange to Thomas, who said she felt natural as a tomboy dressed in jeans and playing football.
She didn't even know what the word "gay" meant when other students started teasing her with the word after she wrote a letter confiding about dreaming of another girl.
The teasing led to her becoming an outsider, with her only friends a pregnant girl, a gay boy and a girl with a lisp, Thomas said.
They were known to other students as "The freak squad."
Her friendship with a girlfriend fell apart when the other girl denied their relationship, and Thomas left town after high school graduation.
She joined the Army National Guard and then the U.S. Marine Corps, serving at Camp Pendleton for four years.
They meet
On June 29, 1991, Thomas celebrated her birthday by dressing up and taking a Greyhound Bus to San Diego. She arrived at the lesbian bar the Flame around 5:30 p.m.
The place was almost empty except for a friendly Southern woman sitting at the bar.
"You have a beautiful smile," Sanders said when she saw Thomas.
They talked for hours. They danced. By the end of the night, Thomas had placed her hand on Sanders' knee. They learned they both lived in North County, and Sanders offered to give Thomas a ride home.
They got to know one another, but because of the military's "Don't ask, don't tell" policy involving homosexuality, both were hesitant to reveal where they worked.
When finally comfortable enough to talk openly, they learned they worked across the street from each other on Camp Pendleton.
Their jobs, however, would soon come to an end.
Sanders said she was fired from her civilian job as a program analyst at Camp Pendleton in 1992 after working at the base for 23 years.
Thomas said she was a gung-ho Marine with a spotless record until another Marine went through her locker and found a letter from her mother asking about her new girlfriend.
She said she was called into her commander's office, read her rights, and told other Marines were uncomfortable around her.
Thomas said she felt scared and tried to conceal her identity. She had a relationship with a man and got pregnant, but her son was born prematurely and died a day after his birth. He would have been 18 June 14.
Honorably discharged from the Marines, she went to college and was hired as a teacher at Oceanside High School five years ago.
Sanders said she keeps the home fires burning at the Carlsbad Village apartment they share. The couple moved into together less than a year after meeting and are saving to buy a house.
'At last'
Evenings at home are spent cooking together while listening to Thomas' collection of Billie Holiday, Nancy Wilson and Barbara Streisand vinyl albums.
They share the New York Times crossword puzzle each day, rent movies ---- Thomas likes mysteries and Sanders prefers love stories ---- and like to take long walks on the beach.
Sanders rolled her eyes when thinking of how far removed their real life is from the image some people have of homosexuals.
"We have the same dreams and goals as everybody," she said. "We have the same love we want to share."
Thomas' work with youths inspired her and Sanders to start a camp for children who are infected with or affected by HIV/AIDS. They also plan to open a North County home for transgender youths and hope to take one in as a foster child once they are married.
The couple have participated in commitment ceremonies before, but Sanders said marriage will bring an extra layer of security and meaning.
She has read that couples gain 1,001 rights when married, and she and Thomas are especially happy that they will be married in a church that is open to them.
"Jesus didn't say anything about homosexuals," Thomas said. "He said, 'Love thy neighbor as thyself.' How can anybody have anything against love?"
Like any couple looking forward to their big day, Sanders and Thomas are abuzz with excitement and anxiety as they make plans.
Even though marriage was never a possibility before, Thomas admits she has thought about it for years.
"I always imagined in my mind Linda and I getting married and standing in front of a preacher," Thomas said. "I even imagined the outfit I'd wear. For years, I saw myself in white cotton pants and a colbert-blue shirt, Linda with a beautiful white dress. And I'm going to wear a black cowboy hat."
For their first dance, Sanders and Thomas have chosen an old standard often played at weddings.
For this reception, however, there will be a new relevance to the lyrics as the two brides take to the floor as a married couple and embrace to the Etta James song, "At Last."
Contact staff writer Gary Warth at (760) 740-5410 or gwarth@nctimes.com.
Advertisement
robin wrote on Jun 15, 2008 7:04 PM:I think this is a wonderful story!!! I wish these two a very happy long life together.
Delly wrote on Jun 15, 2008 7:29 PM:Legalization of gay marriage in California is a good news for GLBT. One of my friends, who found her another part on the online community BisexualMingle, decided to get married recently. Hope they have a great marriage life.
TrueRepublican wrote on Jun 15, 2008 7:31 PM:What a wonderful story and a great representation of the true spirit of the Supreme Court's decision. Congratulations to Linda and Evelyn. Your work with youth affected by HIV/AIDS and your other contributions to the community should serve as an inspiration to all of us. Let freedom ring, and it will on Tuesday!
Uhmm No wrote on Jun 15, 2008 7:39 PM:God didn't send her to you. The temptation of the Devil sent her to you. God doesn't encourage sin.
Some people say wrote on Jun 15, 2008 7:42 PM:That some are born Gay. OK , I can accept that. But some say that some are born Alcoholics too. But does that mean an Alcoholic should continue that behavior?
I believe this is a good point, Just sayin.
Please respect wrote on Jun 15, 2008 7:44 PM:My religious right to keep marriage between a man and a woman. It is very important to me and thousands like me. Gay marriage has given judges the right to take my right away from me. Not very happy about that.
James wrote on Jun 15, 2008 8:20 PM:On the one hand, I am glad they are happy. On the other hand, it says right in the Bible that homosexuality is an abomination. The thing that most concerns me are children that gays and lesbians "have" and the distorted role models that those children must overcome. It's just one more thing for them to deal with. In other words, the lifestyle obviously is not normal or it would not be so troubling to society.
Good on them... wrote on Jun 15, 2008 8:44 PM:I am happy that this example of homosexuality was chosen tograce today's pages. Contrary to the zealousness-inspired preaching of the so-called "saint Paul", the REAL bible (the old Testament) does not condemn lesbianism. The only injuction is against male homosexuality thus if women want to get married to women I say you go sisters". Since God is all-powerful and all-knowing, lesbianism must be acceptableor GOD (in his word the bible) would have mentioned it.
St. paul's epistles are clearly the ramblings of a guilt-possessed born-again zealot whose mission was tomake a niche for Christianity. The Old testament is the real reference for all TRUE followers of God as was stated by none other than Jesus from Nazareth when questioned by the Pharisees.
Good for the lesbian couple. God of the Old Testament Bless you!
Health Happiness wrote on Jun 15, 2008 8:45 PM:I hope that same sex households will always be able to get married, not just in California, but all the states.
I wish that NCTimes did not publish so much personal info ...
Best Wishes for Health and Happiness.
to please respect... wrote on Jun 15, 2008 9:05 PM:you can have your purported protected "religious right" to marriage all you want...at YOUR church with your fellow worshippers. Go ahead...Snub this couple if they show up at YOUR church or at YOUR HOME If this couple wants to get married by the state or in another church, you shouldn't impede upon their same protected religious right to do so. Your religious beliefs shouldn't have to be everyone else's...that would be bigotry. I'm all for YOUR religious rights...don't step on theirs or mine. The state, since its not in the religious biz, should treat all couples the same.
To Please respect wrote on Jun 15, 2008 9:17 PM:YOUR right to keep a marriage between a man and a woman? Please. Then don't marry someone of the same sex. Problem solved.
paul wrote on Jun 15, 2008 9:18 PM:After my own 2 failed marriages I wish you ladies the best of luck and hapiness
Mom wrote on Jun 15, 2008 9:19 PM:This story is beautiful. Congratulations to you both, and I hope you have a long and blessed life together.
Oh brother wrote on Jun 15, 2008 9:25 PM:I am so happy for these two women that they have found love, companionship and trust. As for the bible-thumpers, keep reading your Bibles, continue to NOT exercise any independent thoughts of your own and be unhappy with other people. Sure sounds to me like the Ladies are quite happy and the naysayers aren't. Blessings to you both.
One a day wrote on Jun 15, 2008 9:28 PM:Has the NCT turned in to "The gay Story Of The Day Club"? There is more going on out there, Much more.
Yogi wrote on Jun 15, 2008 10:20 PM:Gay marriage does not take anything away from anybody. Rather, it provides gays and lesbians the opportunity to express their love and devotion in the same ways as straight couples can. If you feel threatened by it, then what you really need to do is work on your OWN marriage rather than worry about gay marriage.
James, why do you cherry-pick passages of the Bible to adhere to? Did you ever consider owning slaves? Or stoning people who eat at Red Lobster? Or killing people who work on Sabbath Sunday? That's what it says in the Bible too.
Against Gods law.... wrote on Jun 15, 2008 10:50 PM:Those that attempt to us the name of Jesus to justify homosexuality should read: LEVITICUS 18:22, ROMANS 1:24-28 and 1 CORINTHIANS 6:9,10.
BLG wrote on Jun 16, 2008 6:42 AM:To those who are so worried about what gay marriage does to the institution of marriage: are you as concerned about the fact that about half of all heterosexual marriages fail?
To those who are so worried about the children raised by gay and lesbian couples: are you as concerned about the children of heterosexual couples where one of the parents (usually the father) is gone and the children are being raised by single mothers?
To BLG wrote on Jun 16, 2008 6:48 AM:There is a fire let's throw more fuel on it. Your logic stinks!
John E wrote on Jun 16, 2008 6:49 AM:"Judge not, lest ye be judged."
“If you just learn a single trick, Scout, you'll get along a lot better with all kinds of folks. You never really understand a person until you consider things from his point of view . . . until you climb inside of his skin and walk around in it.” -- Harper Lee
Do we "straights" really lose anything by permitting gays to form stable, legal unions of commitment? How about a little "live and let live"?
Kate wrote on Jun 16, 2008 7:13 AM:What a heart warming story.....reading it made my day. Glad to see true love prevail! Best to you two!
Jay wrote on Jun 16, 2008 7:53 AM:There are lots of religious bigots posting today. Luckily, not all religious people are bigots. I am glad that this wonderful couple are getting married in a church that believes in equality and the sacred worth of all people of good will. I suspect the narrow-minded bigots have pretty miserable lives. Good luck to all the gay and lesbian couples that will be getting married in the next few days. And thank God for a California Supreme Court that believes in equal protection of the law.
Blah wrote on Jun 16, 2008 8:00 AM:One would think from reading this newspaper that gay marriage is issue number one in California, not our high cost of living, high fees and taxation, growing budget deficits, deteriorating schools and infrastructure, illegal population, gangs, traffic, energy and water problems, etc. Nope, just as long as gays can marry, everything else will work itself out.
Concerned One wrote on Jun 16, 2008 8:14 AM:I don't care if gays get married, just quit making such a big deal about it. This has to be the least important issue of the day.
Relax wrote on Jun 16, 2008 8:22 AM:To all who are God-fearing, relax. This is not unexpected or surprising. This is all prophesied, and God will deal with this in His time. You only need to continue to follow in His ways and be righteous before the Lord. Jesus Christ is our Master and Savior. Live for Him and place all else at Jesus' feet.
God Bless.
Oh No wrote on Jun 16, 2008 8:54 AM:I just heard god was gay, and right now she is really pissed!!!!
CR wrote on Jun 16, 2008 9:20 AM:I'm tire of the NCT playing to the pro-deviant lifestyle minority by doing all of these stories. Yes, temporarily Calfornia will become one of the two worst states in the U.S., but that will be corrected come November. Four wacko judges were able to push their will over millions of voters, that's why we are in this mess.
I am curious wrote on Jun 16, 2008 9:21 AM:when the voters vote against gay marriage, will the gays have to hire a divorcee attorney or would it just automatically null and void the marriage?
Forget the wrote on Jun 16, 2008 9:22 AM:religous and moral aspect, you can't descriminate against singles on all issues including tax breaks.
Joe wrote on Jun 16, 2008 9:42 AM:What is the world coming to? Gays need to have their own island and not subject normal people to their non-sense. This makes me sick. Where does it stop? Next thing you know we will let polygamy and child marriage be accepted.
Scotticus wrote on Jun 16, 2008 9:47 AM:I always get a kick out of people who justify their homophobia by bringing up Leviticus. Leviticus also promoted slavery, stoning, and banning ill and physically disabled people from the temple. He was also very big on dietary restrictions and calling just about creature that walked, crawled or flew and abomination. Over the past few thousand years we've gotten past these views, let's also get past this paranoia about homosexuality. Jesus said nothing against homosexuality just simply 'Love thy neighbor'
With everything wrote on Jun 16, 2008 9:51 AM:going wacko in the world today, I guess it is time to get my little fanny back into church before it is too late.
Celitha wrote on Jun 16, 2008 9:52 AM:Congratulations Evelyn and Linda!!!!! I wish the you the BEST! ♥ God bless you both.
Brenda wrote on Jun 16, 2008 9:54 AM:CONGRATULATIONS on your wedding!Evelyn you are an amazing educator and a wonderful person. I hope you two will be very happy for many more years to come. =)
Brenda wrote on Jun 16, 2008 9:55 AM:CONGRATULATIONS on your wedding!Evelyn you are an amazing educator and a wonderful person. I hope you two will be very happy for many more years to come. =)
Little girls wrote on Jun 16, 2008 9:57 AM:Babies, young children (girls) who never got love, hugs, cuddles and security from mothers, for whatever reason, continue to search for that 'womb of warmth,' rejecting heterosexual advances or thoughts. Many books, volumes of research bring this truth out. Of course, not ALL lesbians fit this profile. With the plethora of choices in our world, be it religious, sexual, vocation, style of dress or even belly rings, Americans are free to choose if not harming another. The flip side says those who do not agree with different choices from their own, should not threaten, harm, bully or break the law either. Please, life is so short, cleasne your thinking lest the floods and ills reach your home, threaten more than just your selfish throne and podium.
LL wrote on Jun 16, 2008 9:58 AM:I am a Christian and I applaud these women for their commitment and love of one another. I sure wish we Christians would find more love in our hearts for those that are different. Promiscuity and adultery are the evils in relationships. Gays AND straights who live like that hurt others, but gay people wanting to get married and be faithful to one another hurts no one. I wonder how many good Christians condemning these people have some interesting things in their own closets and hearts? Congrats ladies! May your marriage be as long and as happy as mine has been!
To Relax wrote on Jun 16, 2008 10:01 AM:When I read 2 Timothy 3 and 2 Paul 3, it's apparent this is all part of God's perfect plan.
Confusing proper role of the state with right and wrong wrote on Jun 16, 2008 10:28 AM:It's the age old problem: Government's job is to provide the minimum regulation necessary to ensure orderly, and mostly peaceful, functioning of society, by regulating commerce and defending against external and internal aggression. I find it hilarious that the so-called conservatives who want to legislate morality and base the law on their religion can't see that they're seeking the exact same thing as the Eco-Freak socialists: they just have a different religion. Both put the state where it isn't needed, or wanted.
Who cares who someone wants to marry. They're not forcing YOU to marry them, are they?
Sempri Fi Spouse Christian wrote on Jun 16, 2008 10:28 AM:It seems that as years pass the U.S. is making a slow progress to change. Slavery, Civil right's, Women's right's and the chance for "everyone" of legal age, regardless of color or gender, to marry.
I was rasied a "cradel catholic" (as in someone who was too young to choose my religion of choice. And as a parent of a child who attends a Christian private school. I would never oppose "anyone's" right to marriage that being a man & woman, woman & woman or man and man. My family has several gay and lesbian friends and it makes them no different then those, like my self who are happily married to the opposite sex.
I am happy to these two ladies and the many more out there in the gay/lesbian community. It has been a long road for all of you just like the many other trail and tribulations in the past.
May your life be full of happiness !!!
Maria wrote on Jun 16, 2008 10:29 AM:So you have sex with someone of the same gender. SO WHAT?! Should I salute you? Applaud you? It's not as if you did anything heroic. It is not natural, either. I am tired of hearing about these so-called "gay marriages". There is no such thing, even if you do have some sort of certificate from this state of California. That paper does not make you legitamate. You have a gay union, but not a marriage.
To Relax wrote on Jun 16, 2008 10:34 AM:Jesus is my Lord not you. He commanded Christians to be salt and light. We are commanded to be watchmen. However, it appears that most of our blogs are being excluded by this NCT. Whatever, happened to freedom of speech? Seems it is the Christians that are being denied their rights and are being discriminated against.
To relax wrote on Jun 16, 2008 10:34 AM:Thank you for your words of encouragment, as this article and all these peoples comments have me in tears, these people are so decieved. But you are right, this is to be expected. I will keep my eyes on Jesus. Your words are very comforting.
To Against Gods Law wrote on Jun 16, 2008 10:49 AM:Don't forget that you're living under California law. Interesting thing about government law is that one person's rights stop when they start imposing on another's. Besides, this law isn't being passed down from the Pope.
I challenge you to live your life according to LEVITICUS. Pick and choose what you believe carefully.
Don't forget that you can support 'special rights for straight folks' by voting to amend the state constitution.
Oh I know wrote on Jun 16, 2008 11:01 AM:Lets have outdoor gay marriages at the Escondido Arts Centter, Major Lori can give Biffy away to Skippy. I can just see it now. "Snif", sorry I get teary eyed just thinking about it.
Love is all you need wrote on Jun 16, 2008 12:15 PM:I`ve never had a problem with two women caressing & kissing each other. I find it to be quite erotic. Who are they hurting? Don`t worry your children are not going to turn gay. It is not an infectious disease, either you`re heterosexual or your not.
Bet theyre Democrats wrote on Jun 16, 2008 12:26 PM:A bi racial lesbian couple. Just another day in California....
How about this wrote on Jun 16, 2008 12:27 PM:Those E.D. commercials are too homophobic. How long before we see a television commercial with Steve explaining how he has up to 36 hours to respond to John when the moment is right, ending with Steve and John sitting side by side in bathtubs, fade to black?
Bible Thumper wrote on Jun 16, 2008 1:34 PM:The "Against God's Law" 10:50 PM really got my attention! Figured I'd better study up on this! Good thing I did! Here in Leviticus 11:12 I've found eating shellfish is an abomination!
We need to picket Red Lobster, right away! Those ignorant folks are in there sinning away!
Thank God I live in CA wrote on Jun 16, 2008 1:45 PM:I get down on my knees and thank god that I live in California and not some back water redneck state. California leads the world in so many areas, from earthquake design, enviromental standards, water quality, and now personal freedom. The rest of the country and the world looks to us for leadership. I am proud to be a Californian
Trish wrote on Jun 16, 2008 1:46 PM:Congratulations to this devoted couple and all of the other couples who have waited so long for the day to come when gay and lesbian adults have the same marriage rights as straight adults! My heart soars today for you! And to those who worry what this will lead to...someone put it well when they said, "Adults will still be adults, children will still be children, and pets will still be pets." Marriage is a civil contract which can only be entered into by two adults. The gender requirement (one male, one female) has been eliminated. That's all. These crazy arguments against gay marriage were also used against biracial marriage. And allowing marriage between adults of any race was the right thing to do. So is this. Good luck to all these "newlyweds"! Live, Laugh, Love...always.
News Flash to Relax wrote on Jun 16, 2008 1:48 PM:You have absolutely no right to have your blogs posted. Just as you have the rightt o preach whatever brand of bigotry from your lofty pulpit. You also have the right to exclude the voice of reason from your pulput. Why shold the NCT be forced to publish your views when you will not preach all views. Incidentlly I think the NCT is doing a great job presenting both sides (yes shameless patronization in order to secure publication)
Agenda Much wrote on Jun 16, 2008 1:54 PM:Who cares? Would this be in the paper if they were heterosexual?
Albert wrote on Jun 16, 2008 2:14 PM:John E wrote - Do we "straights" really lose anything by permitting gays to form stable, legal unions of commitment?
The answer is yes.
Married couples get tax breaks unmarried couples don't. By allowing gay marriages each new gay couple lessens the tax revenue currently generated by each individual gay. Each straight individual’s and straight married couple’s taxes will have to increase to offset the loss.
Thus, the state is mandating that "straight" Christian (and other religious order institutions) support the act of homosexuality that many of their religions doctrines condemn, with their hard earned tax dollars, weather they like it or not.
This is a nothing but a sneaky way for our state government to force the mixture church and state on God fearing citizens... against their will and knowledge.
Invite your Muslim wrote on Jun 16, 2008 3:00 PM:brothers and their families to watch the ceremonies, just make sure you are a couple of miles away!
Congrats wrote on Jun 16, 2008 3:24 PM:Congrats!!! I wish you and others getting married all the best. It's about time. Folks, we need to remember the division of church and state. Marriage is not just for Christians and other religious groups. It's something granted by the state for all to have. It's good to see that states are seeing the separation. If marriage is religious thing, then there are millions of couples that wouldn't be able to marry. That's why it's a state law. And I think it's great that we are seeing stories of loving couples in the paper.
To Bible Thumper wrote on Jun 16, 2008 4:16 PM:First of all, you must understand that in the last days scoffers will come, scoffing and following their own evil desires (2 Peter 3:3). Go to this passage and read on and you could benefit, or just keep the wisecracks coming.
Mainlander wrote on Jun 16, 2008 4:26 PM:Would Joe please get his own island and stop subjecting me to his nonsense?
And Albert, by your logic, homophobes like you take something away from non-homophobes every time you get married.
If any of you can think of a reason for discriminating against gay couples without comparing gay people to animals or resorting 3,000-year-old legends, I'm happy to listen. I'll be here ... waiting ...
Please respect wrote on Jun 16, 2008 4:40 PM:my religious right to keep marriage between mature adults who don't preach to me about who should or shouldn't get married. It is very important to me and thousands like me. This blog has given homophobic nitwits the right to take my right away from me. Not very happy about that.
Jesus said nothing wrote on Jun 16, 2008 4:45 PM:but God the Father made a pretty loud statement about homosexuality when he destroyed the city of Sodom.
WhoWhat wrote on Jun 16, 2008 4:48 PM:Marriage is condoned and encouraged by the state and federal Government for a simple reason; to (pro)create tax paying citizens and future generations. Marriage encourages a man/woman union as the most advantageous method for creating a happy healthy family. It is not advantageous for the Govt to endorse any other type of marriage as it does not enhance society in any way and denigrates marriage to a meaningless act.
Wrong Direction wrote on Jun 16, 2008 4:53 PM:On the surface this all looks innocent and harmless. But please do not be surprised when in a few years the debate is going to be whether to eliminate age of consent laws so that adults can have sex with children, with the secular progressives arguing that there is no reason that a man and a boy should not be able to have consentual sex. We'll then all wonder how our society became so perverted. This is a very slippery slope folks.
Annie wrote on Jun 16, 2008 5:51 PM:It is sad to me that people who claim to be Christian do not know that GOD is love. To be of Christ is to be born of love, to be without love is as Paul's letter to be a "noisy gong or a clanging cymbal." Hate speech is not permitted in this public forum regardless of the religious persuasion of the blogger. I Thank God for the NCT!
These two women are acting in obedience to Christ's law of love as Jesus Christ is the fulfillment of all law through the two greatest commandments. Bible quiz for those who are playing with the Judge's Throne. What are the Two greatest commandments and how are you obeying Jesus Law of Love in your own relationships? As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord on our knees, not usurp the Throne of the Almighty.
So Cal Native wrote on Jun 16, 2008 6:37 PM:So who's the hubby and who's the wiffey? NO worries, the people have spoken once and we will speak again come November. Live it up because, time is running short!
To Agenda Much wrote on Jun 16, 2008 6:41 PM:If they were a hetero couple it wouldn't be news ... they'd already be married ... or at least not having some stupid discriminatory policy standing in their way.
Its about Love wrote on Jun 16, 2008 6:48 PM:Congrats to any couple that is lovingly together for 18 years! I'm happy that they can make their commitment to each other legal. I wish them well and can't understand why anyone would not.
I gag more wrote on Jun 16, 2008 7:35 PM:at our soldiers being sent to Iraq for NO reason and killed for NO reason. If gay people want to get married, let them. That should be the LEAST of the countries worries...they have much bigger fish to fry.
Jeff wrote on Jun 16, 2008 7:49 PM:If my wife marries a hot blond and brings her home, would it be cheating? Just curious!
Giant leap wrote on Jun 16, 2008 7:57 PM:in the wrong direction. Sad day for California. Please pray that in November the voters once again will speak louder than the first two times.
On a lighter note; I do recognize the struggle of the Gay community, but gay marriage doesn't solve anything.
peace
Infidel wrote on Jun 16, 2008 7:59 PM:I say the State gives each couple an island as a wedding gift to celebrate their love.
Let's see if it survives after all it is "natural" right?
Former Colleague wrote on Jun 16, 2008 8:38 PM:Attention Brenda: I couldn't help but notice you commend Thomas as "an amazing teacher", bypassing the fact that she is using her status as an educator as a platform for her personal agenda!
Who she plays house with is her business, but I have little respect for a media hungry woman who uses her 15 minutes of fame to cast poorly on the military, let alone insinuate she has been a member of a academic staff longer than 10 months.
Individuals like her, who are more concerned about spreading HER message need not be in a curriculum-based classroom.
Wellsford Realty wrote on Jun 16, 2008 10:09 PM:It is a wonderful story and representative of so many we have heard since starting our promotion for a free wedding reception or honeymoon for same sex couples.
Im happy wrote on Jun 16, 2008 10:10 PM:for this couple and all gay couples. We should all "Live and Let Live" as someone above posted. Peace!
Isaiah wrote on Jun 17, 2008 10:24 AM:The shew of their countenance doth witness against them; and they declare their sin as Sodom, they hide it not. Woe unto their soul! for they have rewarded evil unto themselves.
Sleeping but Awake wrote on Jun 20, 2008 10:07 AM:The individuals who are opposed to gay marriage will retain their opposition regardless of the law in california. This opposition will not fade away any more than opposition to abortion,medical marijuana use, inter-racial marriage or biogtry against others of a different race or religion. The law that supports the right for gay marriages will simply marginalize opposition to gay marriages by removing legal recourse to deny gays the right to equal marriage status. I do not own others bigotry nor can I change it in a substantial way. The law is the law....bigots are bigots....and life goes on.
Bigots wrote on Jun 21, 2008 6:16 AM:We try to warn you that your lifestyle is self-defeating and you call us a bigot. A bigot is one who holds blindly to a particular creed or opinion. We have overwhelming evidence that what we believe is true. Name calling proves nothing except that you are desperate. What proof can you offer that being is homosexual is not self destructive? You are very foolish to verbally attack those who are only trying to help you. Therefore, your own lifestyle will correct you!
Is it legal wrote on Jun 21, 2008 6:18 AM:To my knowledge it's still not legal for homosexuals to marry in CA or any state. It's not a law. Judges can't make laws. Only Congress can-"The President can propose laws, but only Congress can make a law. A member of either the House or Senate may introduce a bill and it must be approved by both. If similar but different bills are passed by the House and Senate, a conference committee will attempt to reconcile the differences and then both will vote on the same thing. Before it can be a law it must also be approved by the President or, if he does not sign the bill, the House and Senate can vote on it again and if they both pass it by a 2/3 majority it becomes law. If the law is challenged, the courts can rule that it is unconstitutional and then it is no longer a law.
CONGRATULATIONS wrote on Jun 21, 2008 7:36 PM:Congratulations, you both as well as anyone else deserve to be happy. I am straight and married to a wonderful man, but my best friends are gay, and very very respectful people. Everyone deserves to be happy, it is about time GAY marriage in California is legalized, now ALL people can share in the union of marriage. Many wishes for more years to come. May all the disgruntled people that disapprove someday find happiness and realize that love has nothing to do with gender.
- ESCONDIDO: Man shot dead at Fourth of July party (10804)
- TEMECULA: Protesters line intersection (6797)
- ESCONDIDO: Border Patrol employee in custody after hatchet attack (5667)
- ESCONDIDO: 3 DUI arrests, 46 impounds at checkpoint (5584)
- ESCONDIDO: City's dreams of an 'upscale' downtown may be dying (5110)
- HOUSING: Local median price up for third straight month (45)
- ESCONDIDO: Man shot dead at Fourth of July party (44)
- ESCONDIDO: Border Patrol employee in custody after hatchet attack (34)
- FALLBROOK: Peruvian chocolatier living sweet American dream (29)
- ESCONDIDO: Victim's roommate recalls July 4 shooting, friends gather for vigil (27)
Advertisement