Couple Who Fought for Gay Marriage Files for Divorce

In 2003, Julie and Hillary Goodridge were among seven gay couples in Massachusetts that sued for the right to marry. The lawsuit led to the historic court ruling legalizing gay marriage in the state. Massachusetts was the first state to legalize same-sex marriage.

The Goodridges' lawsuit against the state, which argued for equal marriage rights regardless of sexual orientation, went to the Massachusetts Supreme Court. In Nov. 2003, in a 4-3 decision, the state's highest court ruled that it was unconstitutional to allow only heterosexual couples to marry. On Feb. 4, 2004, the court confirmed its ruling, saying only full marriage rights for gay couples, not civil unions, would conform to the state's constitution.

According to CNN, President Bush called the ruling "deeply troubling" and said, "If activist judges insist on re-defining marriage by court order, the only alternative will be the constitutional process. We must do what is legally necessary to defend the sanctity of marriage."

The Massachusetts Family Institute, a public policy group, fought to repeal the legalization of gay marriage in the state.

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lasjones

I feel sorry for the kid! This was never a marriage to begin with, it was a sham.
- Linda F.
  
  I agree.
http://talkorigins.org jatheist

This is no different than the divorces that hetrosexuals get… divorce is hard on the children regardless of sexual orientation. Divorce is sad.
- M Green
  
  Yes there is. According to Gay and Lesbian Consumer Online Census, 31% of homosexuals are in a relationship for 1-3 years, 29% for 4 to 7 years, and only 5% are the same relationship for 20 years or longer. The National Center for Health Statistics, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention shows that 80% of heterosexual marriages are intact for 5 years, 66% for 10, and 50% for 20 years or longer. That's a BIG difference between the two. Not to mention, the Sweden and the Netherlands have only about 2% of homosexual marriages compared to 20% in Vermont, even though that lifestyle is well accepted there. But I agree with you that divorce is sad.
Chris

Don't evangelicals have the highest divorce rate – they are the ones that keep telling us about the sanctity of marriage – but they get divorces anyway. Dishonest.
- http://rationalresponses.blogspot.com/ Jeff Dixon
  
  Chris, everyone knows that the ones who get divorces are not real Christians. They are the pretend ones.
- M Green
  
  No, they aren't. But you show your reference and I'll show mine.
  - http://rationalresponses.blogspot.com/ Jeff Dixon
    
    I was being sarcastic.
    - Linda F.
      
      Given your track record, Jeff, it's hard to tell.
      - http://rationalresponses.blogspot.com/ Jeff Dixon
        
        Linda, your inability to comprehend what is being posted continues to be your problem.
- Smith
  
  people who live in glass houses shouldn't throw rocks.
  - http://rationalresponses.blogspot.com/ Jeff Dixon
    
    Or shower.
GUEST

Homo Sexuales Are 'sic' people…. They Need Help….
- http://rationalresponses.blogspot.com/ Jeff Dixon
  
  The Latin adverb sic (abbreviated from sic erat scriptum, "thus was it written") , added immediately after a quoted word or phrase (or a longer piece of text), indicates that the quoted words have been transcribed exactly as spelled or presented in the original source, complete with any erroneous spelling or other presentation. The usual purpose is to inform the reader that any errors or apparent errors in the transcribed material do not arise from transcription errors, and the errors have been repeated intentionally, i.e. that they are reproduced exactly as set-down by the original writer or printer. Sic is generally and traditionally placed inside round brackets, in modern usage occasionally in square brackets, and traditionally in italics, as is customary when printing a foreign word. sic may also be used as a form of ridicule or as a humorous comment, drawing attention to the original writer's spelling-mistakes and emphasizing his erroneous logic.
  
  So, you are telling us that homosexuals are? That is true, they do exist.
aceituna

It will be interesting as time goes on to see how many of the 'marriages" between Homosexuals become devorces. Bet the rate will be much higher than marriages between Christians, and even higher than heterosexual marriages between non-christians.
- http://rationalresponses.blogspot.com/ Jeff Dixon
  
  Well, since Chistians get divorced at higher rates any other group, it is obvious, you really do not know much on the topic.
- http://talkorigins.org jatheist
  
  Hmmmm… The highest divorce rates in USA are evangelical Christians:
  
  "Divorce rates among conservative Christians were significantly higher than for other faith groups, and much higher than Atheists and Agnostics experience."
  
  That's from http://www.religioustolerance.org/chr_dira.htm
  
  One look at the relevant data and there is no denying the fact that Christians get divorced at a much higher percantage than the rest of us… gay divorce has a REALLY high bar set by you Christians in the divorce department.
  - M Green
    
    Still not as high as the divorce rate for homosexuals.
  - Wayne
    
    In all likelihood, if there is any truth to Christians getting divorced at higher rates than other groups, it is because those "other groups" in most cases just don't get married. If it came down to breaking off form living together, the numbers would show a better reality. Christians marry at a much higher rate than queers, lesbians, bi-sexuals, etc…
- DEFEATOBAMAIN2012
  
  There are more heterosexual marriages with a man & a women
  than there are homosexual marriages between 2 of the same sex.
  Can't compare who will last the longest.
  Lots of heterosexual marriages lasting 75 years or more
  homosexual marriages ?
  - http://rationalresponses.blogspot.com/ Jeff Dixon
    
    First off, all homosexual marriages will be between people of the same sex. That is kind of a given.
    
    Homosexuals have not been allowed to get married during the last 75 years. Therefore, it is impossible to say how many of those marriages will last that long. But let's say that 100% of them fail during the first ten years, or even five years. How is that a reason to forbid them to get married in the first place?
skipfoss

I was wondering when these sham "marriges would start to fall apart,glad to see these freaks are at least part human. Now all I have to do is wait for good old Jeffie to chime in and my day will be complete, the only thing that would make it any better is to hear that obama and holder have been arrested for treason and will be sent to a firing squad next week also Pelosi and Reid. OK Jeffie your turn
- http://rationalresponses.blogspot.com/ Jeff Dixon
  
  They are fully human. Where was it ever projected that 100% of gay marriages would never fail? Of course some will fail.
  
  However, why do Christians get divorced in higher numbers than other groups, including Atheists?
  
  Atheists get divorced at lower rates than Christians, especially Evangelical Christians. Many Christians try to rationalize this but it is clear that a true follower of Jesus can neither divorce someone nor marry someone who is divorced. There is an exception to the rule, however. If a spouse commits adultery, divorce is permissible. On the same token, the Bible also says that anyone who obtains a divorce and marries another is an adulterer. Remember that 80% of this country is Christian yet we have a 50% divorce rate. A majority of divorces are a result of irreconcilable differences, not adultery, which implies that Christians are again practicing selective morality. How many Christians are working on a second, third or fourth marriage?
  - Carl
    
    Jeff……..80%……..and obama was elected? I don't believe that 80% of all Americans are Christians. We will see when the trumpet sounds how many make it. Only God knows the hearts of people. Polls and statistics can be manipulated to show whatever viewpoint you want to proclaim. Don't put so much faith in polls & statistics. I guess that if you don't have faith in Jesus, then polls & statistics are all you have……
    - Bobseeks
      
      Your belief is correct – saying you are a Christian and actually living as a Christian are two different things. Many "Christians" today are atheists in practice because they have no place in their hearts for GOD. I would put the number of practicing Christians at less than 20% of the population (from what I have seen).
    - http://rationalresponses.blogspot.com/ Jeff Dixon
      
      No, I have much more than that. And while you believe in Jesus, it is a misplaced belief. Jesus is a myth.
vector357

You know what would be True Justice? Make them STAY Married and live together FOREVER
- http://rationalresponses.blogspot.com/ Jeff Dixon
  
  Of course that penalty would never be considered for heterosexuals. Even though the bible says that they should NEVER get divorced, unless adultery is involved.
Bill Kother

i wish you had the courage to stop calling it GAY marriage. GAY mean pleasant delightful, happy etc. I am in such a marriage and it is to a wonderful WOMAN ( I'm a man / male ) Call it what it is sodomy and sexual perversion. Bill K.
- Nancy Sternberg
  
  God had the answer to that one. Look at Sodom and Gomorrah.
James

Here in Canada gays have been arguing that when they marry, they do not get divorced. Well, what do you know!
- DEFEATOBAMAIN2012
  
  What do they do kill each other off?
  Oh wait, some times that is what heterosexuals do sometimes.
  - http://rationalresponses.blogspot.com/ Jeff Dixon
    
    Sometimes heterosexuals kill their partners as well. I guess that means we should outlaw all marriages.
bon27

If same-sex marriage becomes legal you can bet the farm that eventually there will be some who will sue to marry their dog, horse etc. which would be just as normal as same-sex.
- Deep_Thinker
  
  That is why the government needs to get out of marriage completely and leave it to the church..
- Bobseeks
  
  Dogs, horses, siblings, parents, children – nothing will be sacred if the lieberals have their way.
  - http://rationalresponses.blogspot.com/ Jeff Dixon
    
    Besides, the bible allowed incest anyway, so why would it bother you, bobbie? Contrary to it being a liberal idea, it is a biblcal idea.
    
    Like when Book of Genesis portrays Sarah as marrying Abraham, her half-brother.
    
    In Genesis 19:30–38, after the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah, Lot's two daughters conspire to inebriate and seduce their father due to the lack of available partners.
    
    In Genesis 38, Judah, the fourth son of Jacob, mistakes his daughter-in-law Tamar for a prostitute while she is veiled, and has sex with her.
    
    The biblical character Amram married his paternal aunt, Jochebed, the mother of Aaron and Moses.
    
    In the Books of Samuel, Amnon, King David's eldest son and heir to the throne, rapes his beautiful half-sister Tamar;
    
    Of course, the the children of Adam and Eve as well as the children produced after the flood were also having sex with family members.
- http://rationalresponses.blogspot.com/ Jeff Dixon
  
  Dogs and all animals are incapable of providing consent. Children also cannot not give concept. Therefore, that scenario will never be an actual concern. But thank you for showing a complete disregard for a rational discussion on the issue.
  - Deep_Thinker
    
    Jeff, I respect your opinions. Though I am not an atheist, I am very open minded, and like to think critically. I find that you can find good in the worst of things.. I believe Atheists have a superior sense of logic than Christians… I think Christians could learn from them. I think Marxists have superior strategies for getting their agenda done.. Even though the agenda might be wrong etc.. I think the problem with a lot of Christians, is they are very hypocritical, and unable to think critically at all, probably because they think they know everything they need to know… Thank you for bringing some rationality to these discussions.
    - http://rationalresponses.blogspot.com/ Jeff Dixon
      
      I appreciate the comment. The ironic thing about gay people is that it seems to boil down to a few issues as to why it it is bad.
      
      First, and probably the primary reason for most Christians is that the bible says it is an abomination. Second, it seems to go against the normal idea of sexuality. Third, people find the idea of homosexual behavior to be offensive.
      
      Now, the first one is is also the most critical one. After all, if your god says it is bad, then by golly, it is bad. But the Christian god says that many behaviors are bad. That does not stop people from engaging in them. So, what other abominations does the Bible specify? Of course, adultery (Lev 18:20), sex with animals (Lev 18:23), remarrying one's wife after she's had another husband in between (Deut 24:4), or approaching any woman during the time of her "uncleanness" (Lev 18:19). Cross-dressing is out (Deut 22:5).
      
      Other abominations include tarot readings, glancing at your horoscope, trimming one's beard, and getting a tattoo (Lev 19:26-28). Haughty eyes (Prov 6:17) and telling lies (Prov 6:17, 12:22) are big abominations. Being untruthful also includes false weights and measures (Prov 11:1), or any other dishonesty in business. "Everyone who acts unjustly is an abomination to the LORD your God" (Prov 11:16).
      
      Charging or paying interest are abominations. Bankers and anyone with a mortgage, car loan or credit card debt will be unavailable to throw the first stone, regardless of the interest rate (Psalm 15:1-5, Jeremiah 15:10). Graven images of other gods are an abomination (Deut 7:25).
      
      Let us not forget wearing blended fabrics. Deuteronomy 22:11 forbids wearing a material made of wool and linen, but Leviticus 19:19 says it's an abomination to wear any blended material, period. Hence a woman in a man's button-down can be doubly abominable if it's a no-iron, easy care blend of cotton and polyester.
      
      So, as we can see, there are many things that the biblical god takes issue with. But for some reason, what christians' focus on is homosexuality.
      
      Second, it seems to go against nature. But is that accurate?
      
      In the approximately 1,000 to 3,000 species whose behavior has been well researched and described in the literature, approximately 450 have been shown to have clear homosexual behaviors. Homosexuality is not at all exclusively a western, European cultural pattern as some Christian and Muslim fundamentalists and Afrocentrists (and even some African politicians) have long maintained. It's not even unique to humans. Any homosexual behavior you care to name – anal sex, same sex kissing, long-term pair bonding between members of the same sex, courtship rituals unique to homosexual couples, all these and many more are all commonly found in the animal kingdom.
      http://www.bidstrup.com/sodomy.htm
      
      As for the third point, let's be honest, the homosexual acts of anal penetration and oral sex are also performed by heterosexual couples, often with much enjoyment and gusto. Therefore, it cannot be said that people find these actions disgusting. It is just the idea of same sex people doing it that they find objectionable. Most people also find the idea of their parents having sex to be objectionable, so it it can be said that people are not objective on the ideas of sex.
      - Deep_Thinker
        
        I pretty much agree with you.. Those are all points well taken that goes back to morality. If your morality comes from the Bible, then don't be a homosexual, but if others don't choose to look at their morality from a biblical standpoint, don't force it on them.
        
        The third point you make is also interesting, because in some denominations, those acts are actually immoral for heterosexual couples… Can you believe that what a married man and woman do in the bedroom can be immoral???
      - http://rationalresponses.blogspot.com/ Jeff Dixon
        
        As long as it is consensual, it it is nobodies business what they do.
      - Deep_Thinker
        
        Exactly!
- Will1e
  
  You hit the nail on the head!
msjallen

Most people who call themselves Christians have no idea what the Bible teaches; therefore, they do not follow God's plan for their life. If more Christians would learn what God's Word says and apply it to their life then perhaps there would NOT be so many divorces. Our country as a whole has rejected God's ways and as goes the believer, so goes the nation.
bighoss

There is NO likelihood that legitimizing same-gender marriages will lead to persons marrying dogs, sheep, or other animals. There IS a very real possibility that those who favor polygamy will see the legalization of same-sex marriage as something that will support their preferred form of plural marriage. Why, they could argue, would a union of a man with only one wife be more of a marriage than one in which the man has two or more? If marriage can be re-defined in terms of gender, why not in terms of the number of persons in the union? After all, polygamy is, and has long been, widely practiced outside this country; thus it is not anything bizarre or unique insofar as human social customs are concerned. The Mormon Church never surrendered plural marriage as a doctrine; they merely suspended the practice in order to remove objections to statehood for Utah. Can they now argue that the prohibition of polygamy is unconstitutional and contend for reversal of prior court decisions and laws that have banned their "new and everlasting covenant" of plural marriage, as Joseph Smith described it? Or would Utah, at this stage of evolution of the concept of "marriage," have to sanction same-gender marriage as a prerequisite to contending for the legalization of plural marriage? The theoretical issues would be clarified in the backwash of a U.S. Supreme Court decision validating same-gender marriage. We live in interesting times.
- http://rationalresponses.blogspot.com/ Jeff Dixon
  
  You have to admit that if people could have multiple spouses, that would make for some interesting dinner party conversations.
Ithamar

The wicked and abominable citizens of sodom have far more to fear and dread than "divorce." They pervert marriage and, now they pervert divorce. Their life is perversion, and they will not cease to pervert the world around them until they have filled up their measure of wickedness and find that they have no more space for repentance nor tolerance for their sins.
Deep_Thinker

You can learn different things from different people, but that doesn't mean you agree with them or their message. The Marxists, unfortunately, have been very successful in getting their ideas implemented. I am saying that maybe there is some tactic they are using that works… You can't discredit something just because it comes from a flawed messenger or message… Hence, even Atheists, who don't believe in the Bible, could learn something about being nice to your neighbor in the Bible. Even though they don't agree with Christians, nor want to be one… The reason why I said logic is a strong area for Atheists, is they know more about philosophy, argumentation, fallacies, isms (like existentialism, meta-physical etc..) things Christians don't…
Deep_Thinker

I might hate basketball, but I can learn how to jump by learning how they do it.. You might not be baptist, but you can learn how to praise God probably more from them than any other denomination.. Do you see what I am saying? Is it that hard to understand that not everything that is bad is 100% bad?? Even Obama, who is horrible, at least wants to end war.. You as a Christian shouldn't argue against that…
http://rationalresponses.blogspot.com/ Jeff Dixon

Bill, you do understand that a word can have different meanings?

For example, post: Gary pounded the post into the dirt. The teacher will post the grades. Therefore, gay can mean and does mean both to be happy and to be homosexual.