Marriage: South African Update and Episcopalians ... Just Say No?

· Across South Africa, hundreds take to the streets and march against the proposed Civil Union Bill which would grant same-sex partnerships ...

The exact same benefits as marriage. Most opponents realize the change is inevitable but "do not want same-sex unions to be called 'marriage.' " Meanwhile, many lgbt activist are outraged the unions will not be called "marriage."

· Many South Africans are opposed to the Civil Union Bill but the ruling African National Congress is now officially supporting it. That means a parliamentary vote in favor of same-sex marriage is all but assured. The ANC has a two-thirds majority in parliament but has been deeply divided over gay marriage. South Africa's Constitutional Court ruled a ban on same-sex marriage was unconstitutional and parliament had to pass legislation supporting it before the year's end.

· 7 Magazine uploads wonderful pictures from the wedding reception of Karl and Le'Son, which included more than 1,000 peach roses.

· The Episcopal Diocese of Massachusetts is considering getting out of the marriage business. Later this month, diocesan priests will vote on a proposal requiring the church to stop performing all marriage ceremonies. Since same-sex marriage is legal in Massachusetts and the Episcopal Church will not perform gay marriage ceremonies, the issue has divided the liberal diocese. The solution: A European-style approach requiring couples to have civil ceremonies and then if they want, receiving a church blessing later.

· New Jersey Gov. Jon Corzine will not try to ban same-sex marriage if the state supreme court rules that it's constitutional. A ruling is expected by October 25.

Comments

[Derrick]

Ohhh, you just made my day with the picture of those two brothers. People always assume that we don't love or want to get married.

[Erich H]

Let me cosign that statement about the two brothas, we love just like anyone else. In addition, the Episcopal proposal sounds solid. It gets the church out of performing marriages and eases the collective conscience of the conservatives.

[Cadence]

Those pictures and the interview with Karl and Le'Son are beautiful. We need to see more images like those.