In our most read article, The Next Marriage Expansion, Victor notarized the civil relationship with two bi-sexual women. The union was an expansion of the ‘normal’ marriage and had features of a gay marriage and polygamy. Apparently there are 4 different forms in which people structure their relationships:
The dutch system knows 4 different forms in which people can structure their relationships. Marriage, registered partnership (which corresponds to civil union), a samenlevingscontract and just cohabitation without legal ties.
Though polygamy is illegal the government won’t prevent this relationship because it falls outside of ‘full marriage’. In the meantime marriage expansion forces are making inroads in the United States, particularly in some of the mainline churches. In fact the issue is still being fueled in the top leadership and promises to be front and center in the coming years.
Now, same sex civil partnerships are now in place with couples lining up for the first ceremonies later this month.
LONDON, Dec. 5 – From Brighton to Birmingham and beyond, gay and lesbian couples began registering today for the first ceremonies later this month permitting a form of same-sex marriage in Britain.
In the same article the New York Times notes that:
In the United States, federal law does not recognize same-sex unions, and many states define marriage as the union of a man and a woman. But others have introduced their own legislation.
Same-sex marriage is now legal is Massachusetts. Connecticut followed Vermont last September in recognizing same-sex civil unions, and California has a broad domestic partnership law.
Imagine that in 30 years the gay movement has gained great momentum and appears to be ready to claim some major victories. But their joy is still very much tempered and their true objective is still to be had. In their own words:
???While there is much cause for celebration as gay couples are granted the rights enjoyed by their heterosexual friends, it is not yet true equality.
???Only same-sex marriage is genuine equality,??? he said this morning.
