From the Chicago Sun-Times:Illinois’ new law allowing civil unions took effect Wednesday, and gay and lesbian couples began lining up hours before county clerk’s offices opened so they could be among the first to get a civil union license.
More than 75 couples were in line by the time the doors opened early at 7:30 a.m. at the Cook County Building in downtown Chicago, where the vital records office will stay open until 7 p.m. to accommodate couples. Officials said they expect to issue about 2,000 licenses the first day.
The first couple in line, Lakeesha Harris and Janean Watkins, look really happy.
Illinois now is among six states that allow same-sex couples benefits similar to those granted married couples.
Many couples in line to obtain a license Wednesday said they look forward to Illinois one day joining five other states and Washington, D.C., in allowing same-sex marriage, as well.
Same-sex marriage is on the way. Unfortunately, it may be a while before gay and lesbian couples throughout the country will be able to marry, but the movement is forward. And it seems that the federal government may eventually have to step in to end the confusion about how the rules apply in states with different laws.
From CBCNews:
Anglican parishes in Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island now have permission to bless same-sex marriages, but they still can't perform the ceremony for gays and lesbians.
The decision was made over the weekend at the 143rd Synod of the Diocese of Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island.
A blessing can only be given to couples who are legally married. It's up to each priest and parish to decide whether to give it.
The Archbishop of Canterbury will not be pleased.
As I see it, the churches should confine themselves to blessing couples who are already married and cease being agents of the state by getting out of the marriage business altogether.
I am happy that this first step is taken, and that the folks in Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island will be blessing the married couples! I have only one reaction to the ABC and whether he is pleased. Screw the Archbishop!!! I am so disappointed in him.
ReplyDeleteVW - garde
En garde, Rowan!
I am so disappointed in him.
ReplyDeletesusan s., you are not alone.
I agree with you that we should be doing blessings and not the work of the state.
ReplyDeleteSigns of the Kingdom seem to come incrementally.
ReplyDeleteAmelia, I've said it before, and I'll say it again. Folks complain that there will need to be two celebrations, but that's not the case. France is a good model. The custom there if you want a blessing and a reception is for the couple to marry at city hall or wherever, and then go directly to the church for the blessing, and then to the party. Voila!
ReplyDelete"Sir", too true. Let us pray that the signs keep coming and even speed the pace a little.
There is a similar custom in the Netherlands. And often, after the city hall ceremony, they go to the church in a fancy horse and buggy carriage. There is even a special parking place for the awaiting horse in front of city hall. Talk about a celebration!!
ReplyDeleteHeidi, the horse and buggy is a lovely extra.
ReplyDelete