Mehling.org: Politics Archives

March 05, 2004

"Full Faith" clause

After a weekend discussion amongst some friends regarding this ridiculous and discriminatory 'ban on gay marriage' Constitutional amendment issue, I've had it in my mind all week that there must be exceptions to the Constitution's "full faith and credit" clause that's stirring up all these anti-gay people. I just couldn't think of one. Finally found a little ammunition against the 'full faith' argument (the argument that we need a constitutional amendment banning same-sex marriages, else 'liberal' states will be able to force gay marriages down the throats of other states):

"...it's by no means a given that other states would be forced to recognize Massachusetts marriages. For one thing, there is an established trapdoor to the full faith and credit clause: The courts have long held that no state should be forced to recognize a marriage sanctioned by another state if that marriage offends a deeply held public policy of the second state. States have been permitted to refuse to recognize marriages from states with different policies toward polygamy, miscegenation, or consanguinity for decades."

Thanks to Slate for this article, "Full Faith and Credulous", offering up their thoughts. If you've got more questions you might read their piece "FAQ: Gay Marriage" too.

Posted by ben at 04:30 PM

Comments (0)

July 01, 2005

Thank you Justice O'Connor

Justice O'Connor's retirement from the SCOTUS is a huge loss for this country. Here's a few interesting articles on Justice O'Connor.

MOVEON.org is sponsoring a petition to remind the Senate of what the American people think is required here. Please let them know just how important this decision is for our country. Below are my own comments to the senate:

Justice O'Connor made an incredible impact on America in the last 10 years. Her moderate and fair decisions have influenced the court system and this country in so many ways that it's impossible to imagine a court without her steady hand.

When President Bush was elected in 2000, my wife was very concerned that if he was able to, he would place a conservative judge on the court and threaten women's rights (namely roe v wade). At the time I felt like there was no way Bush would alienate the middle for the sake of the religious right. I'm no longer sure. His behavior over the last 5 years shows he really does not concern himself with opinions (AND FACTS) that go against his own world view. He acts on his own agenda.

I'm very concerned that President Bush may attempt to influence our country for years to come by forcing a right-wing zealot down our throats.

I urge the senate to very carefully review any nominee put forth. President Bush has a record of placing volatile nominees in all areas of his administration and our government.

What this country needs is a steady, moderate hand to replace Justice O'Conner, not a "Bush Legacy" justice.

Thank you for listening.

Posted by ben at 11:30 AM


March 05, 2004 "Full Faith" clause After a weekend discussion amongst some friends regarding this ridiculous and discriminatory 'ban on gay marriage' Constitutional amendment issue, I've had it in my mind all week that there must be exceptions to the Constitution's "full faith and credit" clause that's stirring up all these anti-gay people. I just couldn't think of one. Finally found a little ammunition against the 'full faith' argument (the argument that we need a constitutional amendment banning same-sex marriages, else 'liberal' states will be able to force gay marriages down the throats of other states): "...it's by no means a given that other states would be forced to recognize Massachusetts marriages. For one thing, there is an established trapdoor to the full faith and credit clause: The courts have long held that no state should be forced to recognize a marriage sanctioned by another state if that marriage offends a deeply held public policy of the second state. States have been permitted to refuse to recognize marriages from states with different policies toward polygamy, miscegenation, or consanguinity for decades." Thanks to Slate for this article, "Full Faith and Credulous", offering up their thoughts. If you've got more questions you might read their piece "FAQ: Gay Marriage" too. Posted by ben at 04:30 PM Comments (0) July 01, 2005 Thank you Justice O'Connor Justice O'Connor's retirement from the SCOTUS is a huge loss for this country. Here's a few interesting articles on Justice O'Connor. MOVEON.org is sponsoring a petition to remind the Senate of what the American people think is required here. Please let them know just how important this decision is for our country. Below are my own comments to the senate: Justice O'Connor made an incredible impact on America in the last 10 years. Her moderate and fair decisions have influenced the court system and this country in so many ways that it's impossible to imagine a court without her steady hand. When President Bush was elected in 2000, my wife was very concerned that if he was able to, he would place a conservative judge on the court and threaten women's rights (namely roe v wade). At the time I felt like there was no way Bush would alienate the middle for the sake of the religious right. I'm no longer sure. His behavior over the last 5 years shows he really does not concern himself with opinions (AND FACTS) that go against his own world view. He acts on his own agenda. I'm very concerned that President Bush may attempt to influence our country for years to come by forcing a right-wing zealot down our throats. I urge the senate to very carefully review any nominee put forth. President Bush has a record of placing volatile nominees in all areas of his administration and our government. What this country needs is a steady, moderate hand to replace Justice O'Conner, not a "Bush Legacy" justice. Thank you for listening. Posted by ben at 11:30 AM		Bookmarks Ben's Resume Ben's Lists Mehling Photo Album Flickr Photo Album Recently Archived Cozumal and Playa Palancar Akumal Desperately Seeking Lodging See you in nine days Sian Ka'an Coba Ruins Tulum Ruins Finally! Background Micro Credit Archives August 2008 July 2008 June 2008 May 2008 April 2008 March 2008 February 2008 January 2008 December 2007 November 2007 October 2007 September 2007 August 2007 July 2007 June 2007 May 2007 April 2007 March 2007 February 2007 January 2007 December 2006 November 2006 October 2006 September 2006 August 2006 July 2006 June 2006 May 2006 January 2006 December 2005 November 2005 October 2005 September 2005 August 2005 July 2005 June 2005 May 2005 April 2005 March 2005 February 2005 January 2005 December 2004 November 2004 October 2004 September 2004 August 2004 July 2004 June 2004 May 2004 April 2004 March 2004 February 2004 January 2004 December 2003 November 2003 October 2003 September 2003 August 2003 July 2003 Etc. Search: