Same Sex Marriage - Florida's Law

The News Press was kind enough to publish an article for me wherein I set out Florida's legislative law on same-sex marriage. Essentially, in the wake of California and Massachusetts actions other states have passed legislation to ensure that same-sex marriages are not recognized in their own states. Marriage, and for that matter divorce, have always been left by the Federal government to be dealt with at the state level. Traditionally, through comity, each state has recognized the connubial formalities performed in another state - even if the actual requirements are or were different. Today, some are worried about states making decisions with which they disagree and want to acknowledge that particular state's right to make such decisions and also acknowledge their own state rights to disagree. So the law becomes more complex. The link to my article can be found on the left side of this page. Please also note that there is an interesting counter piece published by the News Press just below my article on the same page. This certainly gives, as one commentator put it, a well rounded view.

Some Responses From The News Press Article

The following are some of the responses to my article regarding same-sex marriage that were posted on the News Press page. Thank you for your comments!

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Answering Paula. Your response sounds politically correct, its just like hearing Obama on the subject. Except that, that is not the Full Gospel. A careful reading will debunk your theological theory. Jesus said He came not to change God’s moral law (Matthew 5:17-20). God’s character is Grace, He is love but also LAW! America is in deep trouble due to the confusion Christians have for lack of knowledge of God’s ethics.6/25/2008 5:36:55
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I have read several of the previous articles (Judge) Michael Chionopoulos wrote in the News Press. I researched him after the article he wrote about marriage and the First Amendment. We are truly fortunate to have such a well accomplished constitutional scholar here in Fort Myers - and I agree we should hear more from him. I, for one, would like to hear more about how Florida can pass the laws talked about in his article without violating the United States Constitution? I am hetrosexual, but much like the author below, Mr. Chionopoulos, I don't see how stopping same-sex marriage in another state matters to us. Nor do I see, Sir, how stopping it here in Florida matters to us. Do you think we have no homosexuals in Fort Myers? Do you think permitting them to have a marriage license makes them more homosexual? Mr. Chionopoulos, you are a brilliant scholar and I hope the News Press permits you to Answer. Keep writing! You make us think and we all need that!!6/25/2008 5:26:56 PM
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As a judge, you know all too well that the minority view isn't always what's fair or Constitutionally right. Just as blacks and whites have been allowed to intermarry (despite majority opposition that most likely still exists), homosexuals should, too. The adoption, as you also know, is a slippery issue. Gay parents who adopted in another state or country may move to Florida, where they by darn should be recognized as that child's parents, as they are. I don't think we Christians should point to the Good Book to cut off people's humane rights, any more than we should slap fishes on our bumpers. Probably the best advise is to do What Jesus Would Do. And based on the Gospels, I believe Jesus would love homosexuals, and care far less about following any laws than showing Our Father's grace. An Okie6/25/2008 2:12:14 PM As a judge, you know all too well that the minority view isn't always what's fair or Constitutionally right. Just as blacks and whites have been allowed to intermarry (despite majority opposition that most likely still exists), homosexuals should, too. The adoption, as you also know, is a slippery issue. Gay parents who adopted in another state or country may move to Florida, where they by darn should be recognized as that child's parents, as they are. I don't think we Christians should point to the Good Book to cut off people's humane rights, any more than we should slap fishes on our bumpers. Probably the best advise is to do What Jesus Would Do. And based on the Gospels, I believe Jesus would love homosexuals, and care far less about following any laws than showing Our Father's grace. Paula