Re: Same Sex Marriages.
 

I get called 'Nanna' and find it quite nice and 'affectionate sounding'.

Re: Same Sex Marriages.
 

I somehow think that there might be quite a fair bit of opposition to that from the clergy.

Re: Same Sex Marriages.
 

Nope...not for me Margaret. I never had being a G thing, on my bucket list.
It wasn't something I looked forward to or aspired to...in fact it was a bit of a shock to my system
Both of the tinlids call me by my first name and always have done......I will never answer to the G word....ever!

Re: Same Sex Marriages.
 

Nowt wrong wi that at all, I get called Grandad n am quite pleased n proud to be called so.

Re: Same Sex Marriages.
 

Me too cashy, was a bit miffed when I was only 42 though:D

Re: Same Sex Marriages.
 

Same here Cashy - but perhaps we could be called old fashioned, and proud of it

Re: Same Sex Marriages.
 

in some respects I am old fashioned too, but I never ever wanted to be the G thing and decided that when my daughter had her two children, that I was never going to be addressed as that G word by the children or the family(and in most cases, I tell other people who refer to me as that, that I do not answer to it)....it just isn't me...that G thing.

Re: Same Sex Marriages.
 

I was horrified to be a grandma at the age of 40, and definitely didn't want to be called grandma. My oldest grandson is now seventeen and actually thinks I'm a bit cool, and my youngest grandaughter is seven months old - I am known as "Grannie Annie", "Miss Trunchball" (my childrens nicknames for me) amongst other things, and I don't mind any of them, I also really like being called grandma. My grand daughter Daisy calls me the grandma with the lovely dresses which makes me feel a bit like a Disney Princess!

Re: Same Sex Marriages.
 

The poll reflects very much what I was thinking, though maybe I've pitched it too long. My good lady and I are great-grandparents and immensely proud to be called gran and granddad. Children and Grandchildren rank highly among the greatest gifts that we are presented with in this life, and it behoves us all to recognise that they deserve to be brought up in a proper stable environment - hence a mum and a dad, irrespective of whether or not they are married.

Re: Same Sex Marriages.
 

From what I can make of the results, people seem to have differing thoughts on the government's plans.

What is your thinking on the subject, that you see reflected in the poll result?

Perhaps it's me, but it seems that you haven't made your own view very clear.

With your last, quoted sentence, is your conclusion that happy families don't necessarily need a married couple at it's core?

Some people choose marriage, some don't.

So marriage really makes no real difference, when it comes to forming healthy, secure, happy relationships?

Re: Same Sex Marriages.
 

I don't think it matters whether people are married or not, homosexual or heterosexual, when it comes to bringing up children all that matters is that the children have a stable home, preferably with two parents of whatever sexual preference but if necessary one stable parent rather than two unstable ones. And as for marriage, why does it matter whether people are of the same sex if they want to make the commitment?

Re: Same Sex Marriages.
 

Let's remember, this thread isn't about parenting.

It's about the government's plan to introduce same sex marriages.

You don't need a marriage certificate to create a baby.

Though if you did have to take an exam, before sending seed out to seek egg, it might not be such a bad idea.

:rolleyes::D

Re: Same Sex Marriages.
 

My personal opinion is that there is no need for marriage, and I've spoken about this on previous threads, it's the commitment that matters.
But if people choose to marry I have no problem with them doing so no matter what their sexual preference.
I don't really understand the issue.

Re: Same Sex Marriages.
 

I agree.

I know some thoroughly miserable wedded folk, and some blisfully happy couples who aren't, and visa versa.

It's about choice.

Which I is suppose is the reason why the government seem set on this course.

To give every person the same, equal choice.

Regardless.

Re: Same Sex Marriages.
 

I'm not homophobic! People talk about sexual equality - but the world is not equal! If David Cameron wants to make the minority the majority which is what he is doing. Why doesn't he make this country more equal financially?

The Tories were banging on about the family and how New Labour had undermined the family over their time in power, Cameron was saying how it's the undermining of the family that is damaging society, they were also talking about how the family is based on marriage and that they were going to change taxes to make it more attractive for unmarried couples to marry.

Re: Same Sex Marriages.
 

So what is your point, I don't understand what you are saying? Do you agree with David Cameron that marriage is important for stable family life? Or do you disagree with what he wants to do?

Re: Same Sex Marriages.
 

At the moment the gay marriages will be in registry offices only, not in churches! But when it gets to churches don't you think it will undermine marriage in the eyes of the wider public. Some Heterosexual people may conclude if gay people are getting married in churches then what is the point of it? That it will dilute the importance of church marriages even further? when Ian Duncan Smith has been banging on before the election about family collapse, due to divorce, being something they need to change?

Just ideas not written in stone!:)

Re: Same Sex Marriages.
 

Giving same sex couples the right to marriage isn't making them any more equal than civil partnerships did,(I thought that the idea behind civil partnerships was to give same sex committed couples rights in law which would be the same as heterosexual couples) and this legislation isn't really about equality, it is about political point scoring.

They are going to change the rules(and terminology relating to marriage) for the majority, and this is being done to suit a minority......so as not to offend the minority.......and if you ask same sex couples what they think of it, I think that many would say this new legislation is crazy.

Lynn Featherstone( Equalities Minister) has been advising the clergy not to inflame the situation by using homophobic language........this is a tactic to stifle debate....throw the label 'Homophobic' at someone to shut them up....make them feel that they are prejudiced.......it isn't prejudiced to have a reasoned debate.
But that isn't what Lynn Featherstone wants. There is currently a petition with more than 200,000 signatures on, protesting at the way the changes are being driven through.....but Lyn Featherstone is not going to take any notice of those who have signed the petition - these are people who elected her in a democratic way, their voices are not going to be heard.
Doesn't that give you cause for concern? Because if they can do it for this issue then they can do it for any other issue.......in fact we know our pwn elected representative has voted against us having a say in our future in the EU..... our voices go unheard and politicians go unchallenged.

Re: Same Sex Marriages.
 

I don't agree with you or any of the arguments, I just think that if people of any persuasion feel a need to marry then they should be able to do so.
If the Church of England allow gay vicars then they should allow gay marriage.
As I've said before, I think the commitment is far more important than the marriage.
Speaking personally, I was married for nearly thirty years. I've been with my current partner for eight years (unmarried) and I'm far more committed to him than I ever was to my ex husband.

Re: Same Sex Marriages.
 

I don't think any church makes it a pre-requisite for the clergy to define their sexual orientation before they are appointed to the job.
I am not interested in the bedroom doings of anyone...that is their business, not mine......it only becomes my business if it gets in the way of them doing their job.

As for marriage, it is a matter of personal choice whether you marry or just live together.......it isn't like living together is frowned on anymore.

Re: Same Sex Marriages.
 

BBC - BBC Radio 4 Programmes - Moral Maze, Gay Marriage

Fair comment :) - I just turned on Radio 4 and they are having this debate in the Moral Maze!

Re: Same Sex Marriages.
 

No, it isn't.

Which is presumably why Cameron seems set on wanting it to be everyone's choice.

Re: Same Sex Marriages.
 

I firmly believe in marriage between male and female, whether in church or not. Marriage is not a relationship to be entered into lightly by anyone, nor is the begatting of children. Civil partnerships are adequately suited to same sex relationships and should remain so.

Goodness me it must be Sunday, I haven't heard of a child being begat for such a long time.

Re: Same Sex Marriages.
 

Fair enough.

Though when arriving at your conclusion, regarding this poll's result, by saying this, you do rather seem to contradict yourself.

People can have a happy, stable, family unit, irrespective as to whether two people happen to be married in the eyes of the law.

Your views do seem rather muddled.

Re: Same Sex Marriages.
 

But people do.

They use churches as a nice background for their expensive photographs, of their Big, Fat, Gypsy Wedding.

Many maried people split up, according to statistics, while they're still paying for their 'dream day'...a couple of years later.

Re: Same Sex Marriages.
 

Don't be too harsh.

Some people like to keep to the old traditions.

They probably still label the young tots, born outside of lawful wedlock, as 'little bastards'.

It takes all sorts.

Live, and let live.

Re: Same Sex Marriages.
 

So, in your poll, you voted for the 'Stick to civil partnerships' option?

Re: Same Sex Marriages.
 

It strikes me that opponents of "same sex" marriage are concerned at the diluting of the word "marriage"

But hasn't our language already diluted the word marriage? We have 'loveless' marriages, 'sham' marriages and even 'shotgun' marriages.

Same sex marriages will become accepted in time, but I'm intrigued to think of how the first "shotgun same sex" marriage will arise!

Re: Same Sex Marriages.
 

You might have a sham marriage, a loveless marriage, a shotgum marriage.

I have been married to my husband for 45 years....marriage is like all things.....it takes work to keep it going.

It doesn't need fixing because it isn't broken....and in any case would you trust a politician to fix something?

Re: Same Sex Marriages.
 

I happened to read one of last week's Daily Mails, this afternoon.

It was full of the outraged hyperbole you'd come to expect from Paul Dacre, it's very Catholic, and very Conservative, both very definitely capitalised, editor.

I'm not being harsh, I just think that when people start talking like the Old Testament it should be compulsory that they have a sign saying, "Beware Of The Zealot", hanging on their garden gate.

:)

Re: Same Sex Marriages.
 

I suppose some take the word of God so seriously, they'd like to see the heir to the throne of England, stoned to death as an adulterer. As the holy Bible tells us is the punishment for that crime, in Deuteronomy chapter 22, verse 22.

Though I still say live, and let live.

Even the Prince of Wales.

Future Head of the Church of England.

Are we back on the, 'legalise illegal drugs', thread?
:0

Re: Same Sex Marriages.
 

That'd be telling. My conclusions are that the issues surrounding the question of same sex marriage are muddled and inconclusive. One thing is clear though: religion (unless you are a muslim) seems to play a much lesser part in society than it ever did in my formative years. As it is, I'm too long in the tooth to care any more.

Re: Same Sex Marriages.
 

This is the first time I've been thru this thread in detail ... and I fully agree with what you say .... it's no longer an issue in Canada; it's a Charter of Rights and Freedoms thing. And on the upside is the increase in tourism. Gay couples, usually with lotsa bucks, come to Canada to get married. Bonus.:alright:

Re: Same Sex Marriages.
 

That's what tends to happen, on public forums such as this.

People share what they think.

Hopefully.

It helps to understand what others think, if they don't contradict themselves.

Re: Same Sex Marriages.
 

You suggest that only Muslim people are religious in today's society.
I know many people who are religious in several faiths and I would say that religion plays a very important part in their lives.

I do wonder if the watering down of Christian beliefs by both the church and government is having a direct impact on our society.

Re: Same Sex Marriages.
 

I think you are more likely to find out what people really think by looking at the results of an anonymous poll like this one instead of asking people to write what they think. I believe that many people wont say what they feel because they don't want to be questioned why by other members.

You have a very strong character and are not afraid to explain or talk about your opinions, not everyone is like that and would rather vote but say nothing for fear of ridicule.

Re: Same Sex Marriages.
 

As I said at the begining of the thread, the poll options aren't very clear, and therefore don't give an accurate picture of people's views on this issue.

As witnessed by Flashy, saying she ticked the wrong option.

Would have been much more interesting if it'd had been a yes/no poll, asking if people agreed with the government's plan to introduce same sex marriage.

Re: Same Sex Marriages.
 

Totally disagree.

A forum is an even playing field.

Everyone's voice is equal.

'If' people feel the need to air their thoughts in public, they are perfectly free to do so.

It doesn't matter one iota if people agree, or disagree with them.

No one is forced to defend anything they've posted on here, if they don't want to.

If I believe in something, I'll say it.

That doesn't make me 'strong'.

Just someone who knows my own mind.

Much like everyone else on here.

Re: Same Sex Marriages.
 

That's only possible, when what someone has posted is ridiculous.

As in this case.

;)

Re: Same Sex Marriages.
 

That is true, if someone asks me a question and I don't wish to answer it again I will ignore it.

We do have some members though who repeated ask members the same question over and over again if they don't answer it the first time. From PM's I have received some members find this quite aggressive and it puts them replying to some threads.

Re: Same Sex Marriages.
 

I have had that from a member who is currently using a Boy George Avatar - who aggressively repeated the same questions! And wasn't happy that I didn't answer as fast as requested!

Re: Same Sex Marriages.
 

If people choose to air their views publicly, as we agree, no one is forced to defend those views.

However, if that choice is taken, to publicly state an opinion, people really can't be too mard about it, if others choose to give a counterview.

I feel quite sorry for those people, who feel threatened if their opinion is questioned.

I'm glad I don't know anyone like that.

Must make conversations very dull.



'Are we staying for another pint?'

'I feel threatened by that question.'

'I'll post my view anonymously, in the ballot box on the bar.'

'You see, I'm as weak as half o'bitter shandy.'

:cheers:

Re: Same Sex Marriages.
 

Besides, you never really hear a peep out of the mard arses, if they happen to agree with you.

Being weak, they only start getting all teary, when what they've said doesn't stand up to too much scrutiny.

Crying foul is but a comfort blanket, for the weak, and those who are prone to losing.

Bless 'em.

:dummy:



;)

Re: Same Sex Marriages.
 

Just read some of this thread, where's the world heading, before long you'll have farmers wanting to marry their favourite bull, or zoo keepers wanting to marry their favourite gorilla.
Seems like minorities have more sway, & influence than the majority's
Is there any need for them to push their abnormalities in our faces.
Retlaw

Re: Same Sex Marriages.
 

If you have a particular problem with a member/poster, you can always press the REPORT button and the mods will deal with it.
The report button is the triangle with the exclamation mark in it(just in case you didn't know).

Re: Same Sex Marriages.
 

It does seem odd, that the Prime Minister, and the Consevative led coalition, are so keen to push this legislation through.

Can't see it being much of a vote winner.

Still, I suppose an elected minority, acting for the majority, is what passes for democracy.

Re: Same Sex Marriages.
 

Since when does being in a minority make you "abnormal" -bad choice of word.
It's the differences that make good the variety that is humankind -thank goodness we arent all the same -twould be a very boring world indeed.

Re: Same Sex Marriages.
 

I totally agree on your latter point.

Re: Same Sex Marriages.
 

Am I missing something?

How are 'churches watering down Christian beliefs'?

There might be the odd, loony left vicar, who says he doesn't believe in God, but religion has always been attractive to those who are mad as a box of holy frogs.

There are fewer and fewer people actually attending churches, but there's a marked increase in religious fundamentalism, for those Christian churches who are bucking this trend.

Re: Same Sex Marriages.
 

The current, soon to retire Archbishop of Canterbury, noted for his fence sitting, is a prime example of why people are abandoning the Christian faith in droves. Not to mentioned Accrington's own loony ex-vicar, Kevin Logan.

I rest my case.

Re: Same Sex Marriages.
 

Is 'fence sitting' really responsible for 'watering down of Christian beliefs', which Neil said, and you agreed with?

As the Bible says, in Matthew 7:1, 'Judge not, lest ye be judged.'

Which could be a proclamation issued from a position, a'top a fence.

:angel:

Re: Same Sex Marriages.
 

If Jesus were around today he'd probably be campaiging to legalise polygamy.

In order to marry the twelve people who were nearest, and dearest to him.

http://www.chris-murray.de/noflash/g...miley-rock.gif

Re: Same Sex Marriages.
 

I would agree with one point.

Standards of morality do seem to be slipping.

When even the future head of the Church of England makes no attempt to obey the Ten Commandments, being an admitted adulterer.

Indeed, as well as not being able to keep his royal little snake out of Camilla's hidey-hole, he brought the whole concept of being married before the eyes of God into question, by marrying a woman he didn't love, and made false promises to in the house of God, before a congregation of millions.

I think fidelity in marriage gets quite a few mentions in the bible, if I'm not mistaken.

Which is unlikely. Seeing as I attended church at least once a week from birth, in the first couple of decades of my life.

Plus, I was also a Sunday school teacher.

(For my sins.)
:dflam:

Re: Same Sex Marriages.
 

Why is it that I've always got a mouthful of coffee when I come to classics like that in your posts?

Now I'll have to go and find something to clean the keyboard up.

Karma sent! :D

Re: Same Sex Marriages.
 

Which is why I don't believe he should ever be King. He should have done what the King's of old did and killed her off instead of divorcing her. The Queen, typical woman, was a bit late with her actions ;)

Re: Same Sex Marriages.
 

He was also in that hidden place, in his evil thoughts, as an essential monthly "sanitary product".

Remember reading all about it on my 40th birthday jaunt to Malaga, in one of those magazines that no-one ever buys and are usually to be found at hairdressers salons.

My friend Andrea, who is a big fan of his, has never recovered from the shock -though recently she has begun to say how wonderful The Prince's Thrust is again... oops sorry The Prince's Trust;):D

Re: Same Sex Marriages.
 

"Off with her head!":eek::D

Re: Same Sex Marriages.
 

Until fairly recently, when the royal family became all German, and middle class, not many English monarchs took their wedding vows at all seriously, when it came to swearing to remain faithful, to their lawful wedded wife.

Indeed the very creation of the Anglican church, came about because old Henry the VIII didn't take the wedding vows he made before God very seriously, because he couldn't keep it in his breeches for very long, and needed to move on to the nexy wifey.

When it comes to preaching morality, let him without sin cast the first stone.

Re: Same Sex Marriages.
 

Since the Prince of Wales has already announced he won't be called Charles III, on the death of his mother.

Perhaps he might choose the regnal name of King Tampax the First.

:Banane24:

Re: Same Sex Marriages.
 

More likely to be flicking gravel. ;)

Re: Same Sex Marriages.
 

Is that a euphemism?

Like 'tipping the velvet'?

If so, I don't think I've ever done it.

Yet.

:D

Re: Same Sex Marriages.
 

Would that be the reason Protestants exist today?:D

Re: Same Sex Marriages.
 

Too "absorbed" by his role perhaps...:rolleyes:

Won't let me give you Karma -much deserved for this though;)

Am in debt:o:D

Re: Same Sex Marriages.
 

Just thought I'd throw this in to fan the flames ;)

300,000 oppose gay marriage in biggest petition since election - Telegraph

Re: Same Sex Marriages.
 

As stated, it's certainly not a vote winner, and is therefore an odd battle for the Prime Minister, and the government to want to take on.

I still find it weird.

All this new, hug-a-hoodie, embrace a gay and lezzy, new look Conservatism.

There's nowt as queer as folk.

I suppose that also applies to Tory politicans too.

:rolleyes:

Just suppose that Henry VIII, had been inclined a little towards the blokes as well as having an urge towards the ladies.
When he formed the Church of England he'd have had same sex marriages included from the start, this thread wouldn't be needed.

Re: Same Sex Marriages.
 

Avoid drinking coffee anywhere near the computer Wyn its the only answer believe me:D

Re: Same Sex Marriages.
 

Ya good old Henry had no thought for the future and all the trouble he could have saved with a bit of foresight;)

Re: Same Sex Marriages.
 

:s_aim1:That is...... what you intended to say isn't it Jay ? Tell me it isn't a spelling error please ! :eek: :s_aim1:

Re: Same Sex Marriages.
 

No not this time Dave, well not according to the OCED that is:D but I know where your coming from:D:D

Re: Same Sex Marriages.
 

Oh gawd .... so many set ups for a bit of humour in that sentence. :D

Re: Same Sex Marriages.
 

Just depends how your mind works, um, obviously your mind works on the same wavelength as mine Dave:D:cool:

Re: Same Sex Marriages.
 

Maybe a hidden agenda, how long after he legalises it will he come out?

Re: Same Sex Marriages.
 

Cameron's not gay.

He's just very gay friendly.

A lot of old Etonians are.

It's all the years they spent fagging at school.

:D

Re: Same Sex Marriages.
 

What ? Having a sly smoke round the back o' the bike sheds turns you Gay ? :eek:

Re: Same Sex Marriages.
 

I did report it by direct message! Thanks for the advice though!

Re: Same Sex Marriages.
 

Fagging is (hopefully was!!!) a form of servitude, discipline, punishment at Boarding Schools Public Schools and so on!

Re: Same Sex Marriages.
 

Whoosh ......... ! Like a rugby drop kick. :rolleyes: :)

Re: Same Sex Marriages.
 

A "right of passage" for our ruling classes over the centuries, thankfully.

Most British PM's have "fagged" in their youth, a necessary step up to being able to serve the multitude:rolleyes:

Re: Same Sex Marriages.
 

Is promotiing homosexuality like promoting drug legalisation???

In that there are people that think it's their right to be able to take drugs!

Just like some think it's their right to be homosexual and openly be homosexual!

Many say that people can't be encouraged to be gay, I think that some people can be encouraged to be gay - can some be encouraged to take drugs?
It's all choice!

Re: Same Sex Marriages.
 

Seems like your logic came out of a Crackerjack box ... What is this promoting homosexuality thing you are talking about:confused: ... I haven't seen any ads, or read any promotional literature. None of this post makes any sense whatsoever. Taking drugs is a choice ... I smoke dope every day; on occasion, I'll snort a couple of lines. Being homosexual ain't a choice. Nor is it a sin ... or a crime. You seem to be real uptight about the drug thing ... smoke a couple of doobies; listen to some Brewer and Shipley; and chill out.

Re: Same Sex Marriages.
 

Let sleeping dogs lie.

Re: Same Sex Marriages.
 

You don't know that every gay person hasn't made a choice - how can you know? I am saying that some I think may chose it or play with it. Both David Bowie and Marc Bolan toyed with being gay but both married women in the end. So where they not making choices about sexuality when it suited them?

It seems we have to believe that being Gay is not a choice - it's what we are forced to believe and it's not acceptable to question this.

Re: Same Sex Marriages.
 

Don't we all make choices about sexuality ... in the sense of what we enjoy in intimate personal realtionships. I suggest that there are about 7 billion sexual orientations on the planet ... and for the rest of the universe:eek: the mind boggles:D But I sense that you are arguing on an "us" and "them" basis.

Come to think of it, I don't think that there are choices about sexuality ... you play with the hand you were dealt.

Re: Same Sex Marriages.
 

No its not choice, homosexuality isn't a life choice is something mapped out for you at birth, a teenager doesn't wake up one morning and say oh I've decided I'm going to be gay, your either gay or your not end of story, unlike taking drugs that is a choice a very bad choice:mad:

Re: Same Sex Marriages.
 

I.Q. is also mapped out fer yeh at birth.:D

Re: Same Sex Marriages.
 

Wise words indeed, like these of Alan Bennet when asked about his own sexuality he replied:

"That's a bit like asking a man crawling across he Sahara whether he would prefer Perrier or Malvern water".

If you've ever been really thirsty...;):D

Re: Same Sex Marriages.
 

Birdy hasn't got a lot going for him has he:D

Re: Same Sex Marriages.
 

I think that's the limit to which many homophobic people think gay people should restrict their love life, Eric!

Re: Same Sex Marriages.
 

Which is more or less what I tried to say by introducing this poll, though agree that the questions should have been limited to agree/disagree. Now it looks like Cameron has another cross to bear with his fund raising underling having put both his feet in it.

Re: Same Sex Marriages.
 

I can't help but think that you make comments purely to be controversial and stir people up on this website and not because you really believe what you are saying, which is why I have said before that you have a hidden agenda.

Re: Same Sex Marriages.
 

Nice one there, bud:alright::D:D:D

Re: Same Sex Marriages.
 

I think Mrs. Patrick Campbell got it right: "My dear, I don't care what they do, so long as they don't do it in the street and frighten the horses.";)

Re: Same Sex Marriages.
 

I have been reflecting a great deal recently on the nature of love and have come to the conclusion that what any two people share, physically or in any other way, is perfectly natural if they are both happy with it. There are no limits to the way love can be expressed and gender (I prefer this word to "sex" when distinguishing the differences between male and female, as it is less confusing) makes no difference, in any way. The fundamental thing is respect for a partner and genuine feelings in their regard.

If there is a genuine shift in consciousness among the "masses" then it is right that the laws of the land reflect the thoughts of the people. We have all become so suspicious of the motives of our politicians that their role in this respect has become weakened and in the end we all lose out because of such a loss of faith. It limits progress.

Re: Same Sex Marriages.
 

Skittish creatures horses -very highly strung and easily spooked!!;):D

Re: Same Sex Marriages.
 

Oh no it's the Chuckle Brothers again :eek:- Jaysay and Cashman! :rolleyes:

Re: Same Sex Marriages.
 

Today news came out about an advert put up by an Anglican Christian Organisation being banned from buses in London

Transport for London bans 'anti-gay' adverts - Channel 4 News

Oh and by the way I hav'nt smoked cannabis for about 10 years!:alright: