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A same-sex 'I do' in Kings

By Eiji Yamashita
eyamashita@HanfordSentinel.com

Anna Guerrero and Wendi Hurst, exultant over their newly legal rights, showed up at the Kings County clerk's office at 7 a.m. Tuesday morning waiting for the doors to open.

At 8 a.m., they were the first same-sex couple in Kings County to get a marriage license. And though the couple had 90 days to formalize their union, they wasted no time.

By 7 p.m., Guerrero and Hurst of Hanford uttered the words "I do" and slipped wedding rings onto each other's fingers, partaking in the legal ritual long denied them and being among the first same-sex couples in Kings County to wed in their hometown.

After five years together, nothing is sweeter than exchanging marriage vows in their hometown for Guerrero, 23, and Hurst, 22. For them the marriage was a symbol of their enduring love.

"We've been waiting for it for a long time," Hurst said. "(Wednesday), I'm turning my certificate in so I can get my name changed before they can recall it."

Guerrero arrived at Tuesday night's wedding ceremony -- held in the courtyard of a central Hanford apartment complex where the couple live -- wearing a black tuxedo while Hurst donned a pink dress, as family members and friends looked on.

Guerrero said she was relieved. "There's been a lot of frustrations," she said, then flashed a triumphant smile as she added "Today I'm excited. I thought this day would never come."

The Kings County Assessor Clerk-Recorder's Office saw a trickle of same-sex couples Tuesday, as all 58 California counties began issuing marriage licenses that designate "party A" and "party B" instead of "bride" and "groom." A total of four couples -- three from Hanford and one from Lemoore -- got their marriage licenses.

Same-sex marriages became legal as of 5:01 p.m. Monday by order of the state Supreme Court. The landmark ruling last month said denying gay and lesbian couples the right to marry each other in a civil ceremony violated the state constitution, making California one of just two states, along with Massachusetts, that allow same-sex marriages.

A few Bay Area counties opened late Monday to accommodate same-sex couples, but Kings County, along with most counties, waited until Tuesday to start issuing the licenses.

As hundreds of same-sex couples rushed to wed throughout California Tuesday, local Christian church ministers reaffirmed their opposition to same-sex marriage.

"We believe the Bible, and it says marriage is the foundation of human society. Since God created mankind and the gift of marriage, we ought to follow his guidelines," said Pastor Gene Pensiero with Calvary Chapel of Hanford. "The real issue is who is in charge. If you believe God is in charge, then you have to follow his guidelines. Marriage isn't a state issue. It's a spiritual issue."

A similar reaction was offered by Pastor Michael Vernava with First Lutheran Church in Hanford, who also cited the Bible.

"We have to go by what the scripture says -- marriage is between a man and a woman. That ensures future generations. It provides the best environment for children," Vernava said. "It's popular thinking (to support same-sex marriages), but it's a human idea. There's a lot of emotions attached to it. But we must go beyond the emotions and use our brains.

"What I believe is guided by the Bible; it's really based on faith and reason," Vernava said.

After the first day of legal gay marriage was over, Kings County Clerk Ken Baird didn't expect the kind of rush of same-sex marriage licenses seen in larger cities for Kings County. But things like this are sometimes hard to foresee, he said.

"We weren't as busy as normal today," Baird said at day's end. "We only issued six licenses today. Normally, we would issue between eight and 10. So it's not a situation where a lot of people are bashing through the gates here.

"But you never know. We might suddenly get swamped tomorrow," he said.

The reporter can be reached at 583-2429.

(June 18, 2008)

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The following are comments from the readers. In no way do they represent the views of the Hanford Sentinel

dose wrote on Jun 18, 2008 12:05 PM:

" Congratulations, many blessing's on your camels!!! "

Scott Tucker wrote on Jun 18, 2008 1:16 PM:

" Congratulations to the happy couples! "

g wrote on Jun 18, 2008 2:28 PM:

" WOW I really thought that there would have been several couples at the Court house "

Rosie wrote on Jun 18, 2008 4:01 PM:

" Finally people understand where we are coming from!! Thank you for this Supreme Court!!!!

Rosie. "

Girl Friday wrote on Jun 18, 2008 4:28 PM:

" Good for Hanford good article Sentinel and congrats to all, it is about time who am I to decide whom can Marry and who can't stop with the judgements a VOW is a VOW which means I love and decicate myself to another person period, I don't care as long as they are of age and in sound mind. "

Mrs.D wrote on Jun 18, 2008 5:00 PM:

" Congratulations, people! "

J wrote on Jun 18, 2008 5:14 PM:

" IT'S ABOUT TIME! CONGRATS TO ALL WHO HAVE MARRIED OR PLAN TO DO SO. "

Laughing wrote on Jun 18, 2008 5:26 PM:

" What a joke! "

Proud to be from CA wrote on Jun 18, 2008 5:27 PM:

" I am so proud of my home state! Congrats to the happy couple. "

ashley wrote on Jun 18, 2008 6:44 PM:

" i congradulate you guys and thank you for letting me be one of the brides mades i love you guys
!!!!!!1 "

Proud of What wrote on Jun 18, 2008 7:22 PM:

" Ewwwwwwwww! "

ALEJANDRO wrote on Jun 18, 2008 8:17 PM:

" Now that male and female homosexuals can apply for a state license and enter into any legal contract, which now includes the contract popularly called 'marriage,' what about the rest of the individuals who identify themselves as part of the LGBT culture?

That's Lesbian/Gay/Bisexual/Transgender for those not in the know.

What about equal rights for bisexuals and transgenders? Don't they matter?

I personally know bisexual men and women (no trannys yet as they can't decide) and I really feel that CA. needs to address their civil rights issues too.

Bisexuals love BOTH men and women; if they want to commit to both sexes, then they should be allowed to marry one of each sex at the same time. Why can't a civil rights judge rule on that?
Or is this just a political sham and there aren't enough bisexuals to make a voting difference?

And transgenders need to have their marriage civil rights protected but I can't begin to figure out the various gender and sexual preference permutations in this short post. "

BJMallory wrote on Jun 18, 2008 8:36 PM:

" Pastor Gene Penisero said "Marriage isn't a state issue. It's a spiritual issue." Well, if that's true, then why do we have to obtain LICENSES from a GOVERNMENT AGENCY to be married? And what about atheists who marry? Should they not be allowed to marry because they don't have a recognized spiritual belief? I think a more true statement would be "the way I (Gene Penisero) view marriage is between a man and woman, in accordance with my belief system." If you said it like that, then it becomes YOUR spiritual issue. This country was founded by people who wanted to be free to worship the way they pleased. That means that what you believe may not be what others believe and that's OK. That's why the founding fathers believed we should keep church and state SEPARATE. The state of California sees fit to allow gays/lesbians to marry so that they can have the same LEGAL rights as heterosexual citizens. It has NOTHING to do with beliefs; those remain a PERSONAL choice. "

No-Shame wrote on Jun 18, 2008 9:17 PM:

" This is a big win for the homosexual community of California. The evil is just this: Man is a heterosexual, and God created him in His image. Homosexuals were not created. Homosexuals do not exist. This is a psychological problem only. Homosexuals just want to be loved and be needed, but that's similar to God's plan of marriage between man and woman, aka the heterosexual. Homosexuals are an imitation, copy of God's true Loving relationship. Satan masquerades as a angel of light, but if you follow him, adventually wickedness will be exposed. Is a Bi-sexual able to get married to both men and women? Will all people involved in pre-marrital sex be married? The was the original consept. "

I did not have sex with that woman wrote on Jun 18, 2008 9:34 PM:

" Rosie, It isn't that we know where your coming from. It is where your headed when your in unrepented Sin of homosexuality. Anyone, can understand a desire to sin. Changing the law to accommodate your desires is just a sign of the times. It is really hard not to sin blaitenly, but not recognizing sin, not turning from it and carrying on like nothing wrong is a recipe for weeping, wailing, and knashing of teeth. God will not care if the Supreme Court put their approval on it or not. They also will be held accountable. This is what people called, "A No-Brainer" "

American cave-in wrote on Jun 18, 2008 9:40 PM:

" Websters' dictionary will soon add this definition to Homosexuality: Domestic terrorist. "

Huh wrote on Jun 18, 2008 9:48 PM:

" Sorry to play Devil's Advocate but it's just not natural. We know how a man and a woman have a baby together. How does a woman and a woman have a baby together or a man and a man? They cannot. Ever. Eggs can't get it done by themselves and neither can sperm. They cannot live without each other. "

Sick wrote on Jun 18, 2008 11:29 PM:

" Totally Gross. This article makes me sick. "

AllHim wrote on Jun 19, 2008 6:22 AM:

" Hate the sin, love the sinner! "

Sandy wrote on Jun 19, 2008 6:53 AM:

" Awesome! Congrats to all!! "

Four wrote on Jun 19, 2008 7:10 AM:

" After all the hollering and hoopla, only 4 went to get licenses. Four. All the screaming and meaness 'why Kings County was NOT doing licenses' (until the word came down from the state) from numerous persons, only four went.

Congrats on your love and vows. Make it work. "

jeff wrote on Jun 19, 2008 9:32 AM:

" The issue is not about God and it has nothing to do with whether or not 2 people can have a baby together. If you really thought that than why aren’t you against infertile men and women being married not to mention many people get married everyday with no intention of ever having children. Alejandro, your question is benign. Bisexuals and Transgendered individuals can marry anyone they want under this law and no, it does not apply to plural spouses (See they just get the same rights as everybody else). You go on to say “I personally know bisexual men and women (no tyrannys yet as they can't decide) and I really feel that CA. needs to address their civil rights issues too.” If you are so worried about bisexuals and transvestites not being able to marry multiple partners then get out there and do something about it. Petition your local and state government. Start a web site, volunteer for a gay pride parade or start a community outreach center. "

Question wrote on Jun 19, 2008 9:44 AM:

" In regards to the lesbian couple that got married at their apartment complex in central Hanford, why was one of the females dressed up like a man. I thought the idea behind being a lesbian was being attracted to other women, gay - to other men. But every time you see a couple there's always one that is dressed like a man (lesbian couple). Same thing with a gay men, there's always one that prances around like a women. Can someone explain this? "

bummer wrote on Jun 19, 2008 9:57 AM:

" listen up gay people, dont get your hopes up. its just a matter of time before this gets overturned. "

Chad wrote on Jun 19, 2008 10:02 AM:

" In response to Four's remarks...it doesn't matter how many people got licenses that first day. It was a atter of principle's and trying to bring personal/religious views into a government agency. And one of the loudest people hollering about it did get his marriage license that day. Besides that was only the first day. "

??? wrote on Jun 19, 2008 11:02 AM:

" What is our country doing? It seems to me we are getting weaker all the time. Other countries are going to sit back and laugh at us. What’s next? allow people to marry their animals? "

C wrote on Jun 19, 2008 11:47 AM:

" None of these people have been married. They have entered into a legal contract. They may as well have opened a franchise, that way they can make some money. "

excited for them.... wrote on Jun 19, 2008 11:59 AM:

" I CANT BELIEVE THAT EVEN PASTORS ARE CLOSED MINDED! IAM AN AVID CHRISTIAN AND HAVE NO PROBLEMS WITH THEIR UNION. I FIRMLY BELIEVE THAT YOU CANNOT HELP WHO YOU FALL IN LOVE WITH. WHETHER ITS MAN OR WOMAN. IF YOU TRULY LOVE SOMEONE THAT IS OF THE SAME OR OPPOSITE SEX IT IS A REASON TO CELEBRATE!! WHO ARE WE TO PASS JUDGEMENT. I CARRY MY OWN CROSS...CAN THE PASTORS OF KINGS COUNTY WHO OPPOSE THIS? I FOR ONE WILL BE VOTING THAT SAME SEX MARRAIGES CONTINUE TO STAY LEGAL........ WHOS WITH ME? "

Not cool wrote on Jun 19, 2008 12:27 PM:

" To excited for them: I guess you love sin? If you believe in the Bible, then read it a bit more closely. I cannot wait to vote to overturn this! "

Straight and proud wrote on Jun 19, 2008 12:36 PM:

" Many of you forgot. California voted against same sex marriages. The Judges went behind our backs and voted to accept same sex marriages. also I agree with Gene Hes a great guy and anyone who thinks he isnt than you dont know him, and I'm sorry that you dont know him. Men should not be married to men and women should not be married to women. It is wrong How were you raised I know everyone on this blog had a Dad (male and a MOM Female). thats how it is and thats how it should be. God Created sex. Sex is a great thing to have when we have it with the right people again Men and Women not women and women not men and men. MEN And Women When We as human beings dont do it like God Made us then thats were we have problems. Problems with marriage problems with family problems with people who disagree. there are a lot of people angry about this discison. "

To excited wrote on Jun 19, 2008 12:49 PM:

" What are you again? An AVID Christian? What the heck is that? Is that like a devout reader? Sheesh, you need to find another church. "

corn-nuts wrote on Jun 19, 2008 12:50 PM:

" First, let me give congrats to the hapy couple. Kudos to you and blessings on your mararige. Secondly, let us remember that legal rights have nothing to do with spirituality. It is great that gays now have legal rights with marraige. Hopefully, they will show the 60% of married heteros who cant seem to make it work how to make a marraige work. Let everyone feel free to make their own spiritual choices and not let the government interfere. I beleive this country was founded on Christian beliefs. But times they are a changin' and christianity should be progeressive like the rest of society and learn tolerance and acceptance. I believe JESUS would agree. "

To Four wrote on Jun 19, 2008 2:07 PM:

" The reason there wasn't more, is because its Hanford. Why would a same sex couple choose Kings County to get their license and have a ceremony performed? Im sure some couples chose other areas besides Kings County because our "wonderful" county is so openly against this issue.
Why does this bother so many people??? It shouldnt. And if people believe its going against the bible...well then its a sin in your eyes...but not for you to judge. Haven't you same people learned that?? Its only God's place to judge. So let it go!!! "

Chad wrote on Jun 19, 2008 2:19 PM:

" For all the people who r saying the voters will overturn this: what will you say if that doesn't happen. Prop 22 was eight years ago. The makeup of voters is very different today then it was then. These republican conservative judges were appointed by people you voted into office so you have no one to blame by yourselves. Plus look at the polls today, the tide has turned. Alot more people support equality. California is a large state. Just because you live in the conservative valley doesn't mean everyone thinks like you. "

Chad wrote on Jun 19, 2008 2:23 PM:

" California's divorce rate is 86% .... I for one got my marriage license in Kings but am getting married out of town. The amendment could very well be taken off the ballot. Questions are being raised about the legality of it. Since it would be revising then constitution not amending it which is illegal. "

ALEJANDRO wrote on Jun 19, 2008 2:23 PM:

" "Question" has said something truly interesting.

It's evident that some humans are seriously confused as to who and what they are.

Role playing or true identity? Perhaps "Chad" could help us out here.

Consider:

- A homosexual woman feels the need to dress like a man: why?

- A homosexual man feels the need to dress and act like a woman: why?

- A bisexual individual does both simultaneously or neither or flips a coin?

- A transgender dresses and acts like the opposite sex that they really are and can even become that sex via drugs and surgery. And then I wonder: if a transgender person is also homosexual, does a sex change operation make sense?

Seriously, people, don't you realize that humans are born this way through no fault of their own?

Boy will our kids be even more confused that they are now! "

Chad wrote on Jun 19, 2008 2:31 PM:

" I love it when "people" lump a whole group of individuals into one category. Just because you see lesbian or gay dress like the opposite sex, you think everyone is like that. That is like saying all straight people from Hanford are rednecks and stupid. And if you truly believe everyone is the same as what they see or read then I feel sorry for you. "

Amanda R wrote on Jun 19, 2008 3:24 PM:

" Corn-nuts, you believe that Christianity should progress and shun the beliefs on which it was founded? Maybe everyone should also support incest and polygamy amongst consenting adults. Don't those people have rights? They can't choose who they fall in love with, isn't that it? I suppose they too were born with those desires so why restrict their rights. Oh and Chad, if we didn't vote for it once, and the Supreme Court went ahead anyway, expect a lot more people out at the polls. They didn't think it could happen, now maybe they'll make sure it doesn't stay. Also, I have yet to see a homosexual couple where both seem to represent the same gender. One is typically butch and the other is obviously feminine. "

Vote All You Want wrote on Jun 19, 2008 4:24 PM:

" You can vote on something unconsitutional...You can't vote to reinforce slavery numbskull. Just like you can't vote on this. "

Scott Tucker wrote on Jun 19, 2008 5:22 PM:

" It is a good thing that a separation of church and state exists in our country, which makes the debate regarding the same-sex marriage issue more or less moot. The religious definition of marriage should only matter to the members of any given religious community. And since there are 1000s of belief systems and churches, the term "marriage" can be defined a thousand different ways. If one church doesn't want to perform a same-sex marriage, I am sure there is another church that will. At the end of the day, it is that state that will define the legality of the term "marriage", and because religion has no place in our government, the state should not be swayed by arguments which contain the words "god", "jesus", "the bible", etc.

I will be voting against any amendment that denys equal rights to homosexual couples. "

Amanda R wrote on Jun 19, 2008 5:48 PM:

" Just to clarify, I believe Christianty does not need to progress to accepting sinful lifestyles. We already preach tolerance and acceptance of people, but not their sins. "

Chad wrote on Jun 19, 2008 6:40 PM:

" Amanda,

You obviously don't know very many gay couples. People's attitudes have changed alot in the last eight years also. To end this debate, we will all see who is correct in November "

Unconstitutional wrote on Jun 19, 2008 7:48 PM:

" I hope you are not betting your money on the liberal courts in California, which are the most over-ruled courts in the country. Right or wrong in your eyes, there is NO constitutional right to gay marriage. This right can be created in a state by state law or by Congressional law, but it should not be created by judicial activism and other states already have state constitution amendments and laws banning gay marriage and they have not been overturned or called unconstitutional and they will not recognize gay marriages of other states. Have you ever read the Defense of Marriage Act, a Federal Law? You really need to think outside of this gay area. "

Passed by liberal Bill Clinton wrote on Jun 19, 2008 7:51 PM:

" The Defense of Marriage Act, or DOMA, is the short title of a federal law of the United States passed on September 21, 1996 as Public Law No. 104-199, 110 Stat. 2419. Its provisions are codified at 1 U.S.C. § 7 and 28 U.S.C. § 1738C. The law has two effects:

No state (or other political subdivision within the United States) need treat a relationship between persons of the same sex as a marriage, even if the relationship is considered a marriage in another state.
The Federal Government may not treat same-sex relationships as marriages for any purpose, even if concluded or recognized by one of the states.
The bill was passed by Congress by a vote of 85-14 in the Senate[1] and a vote of 342-67 in the House of Representatives[2], and was signed by President Bill Clinton on September 21, 1996.

So much for Democratic support of gay marriage. Really outside of CA, there is almost no support. You are always bashing Republicans, but BILL CLINTON voted this in. What a wonderful President he was....... "

Oh My wrote on Jun 19, 2008 9:05 PM:

" Very well put Amanda. "

HF wrote on Jun 19, 2008 9:59 PM:

" Even if homosexuality is a sin, they should be allowed to choose it. That's what free will is about. I'm not all gung-ho about gay marriage, however I think it's just like when a black man and white woman couldn't be married. It was a huge scandal for someone to want to marry interracially, and today it's not such a big deal. I don't want to say who can be legally bound and who can't--I definately think that it's wrong to tell an interracial couple they can't be together, so it's wrong to say a homosexual couple can't be together. In 50 years, it's not going to be such a huge social stigma.

In my ideal lala world, non-heterosexual couples (gay, lesbian, transgender, whatever) to be able to have all the same rights and benefits but just call it something other than marriage, thus giving them equal rights and appeasing conservatives/the religious. I'm down for pleasing as many people as possible at once.

Bottom line: marriage is hard, here's to homosexuals being just as unhappy and divorce ridden as heteros. Be careful what ya wish for! "

to no shame... wrote on Jun 19, 2008 10:09 PM:

" I could not agree with you more. Just because a couple of people who hold themselves as being so far above everyone esle to the point that they rarely represent the will or the needs of the population. They can say whatever they want and give whatever rights they want to these bunch of people can't function like normal people so they turn to the only obtions left. This decision will be overturned and wow a whole two states have made this the exception and not the rule. To all these morons rushing to get married that piece of paper changes nothing. It's what the paper represents not they want to make it. You might as well have your license written on a piece of toilet paper cause that's all it's worth. They are going to change their names and continue to immitate a hetero couple except with same sex people. What a joke. "

go right ahead.... wrote on Jun 19, 2008 10:16 PM:

" go right ahead and waiste your money with all this crap about same sex marriages. they mean absolutely nothing. so which one is going to change his/her name? let me guess the one acting as the female will take on the name of the one that acts as the male. like I said this changes nothing these people are simply trying to have what is normal in their own way. just remember all of you this changes nothing. you are still what your are, freaks, trying to make yourselves normal. Yes, as a citizen of this country I have the right to say and believe whatever I want just like you people. "

Bobb wrote on Jun 19, 2008 10:24 PM:

" Everyone keeps talking about Homosexuals and Christianity as though Christianity is the only major Religion. The Muslim Religion has the largest following in the world. I am not very familiar with the Koran or the Muslim Religion, but could someone enlighten me on the Muslim take on this issue. Just curious since we seem to be baseing much of this controversy on religious beliefs. "

Agree with Scott wrote on Jun 20, 2008 4:20 AM:

" This is not about religion. This is about the law and same sex couples should have equal rights. Someday we will look back on this, the same way we look back on the laws which banned inter-racial marriage. Remember that was illegal once too and people used religion in an attempt to prevent inter-racial marriages from becoming legal. "

Amanda R wrote on Jun 20, 2008 8:52 AM:

" I never said I knew the entire gay community. A few years ago I was working with a gay man who constantly made fun of people he considered "more gay" than him. It's not just straight people who do it, see? Do heterosexual couples still get a license that says "Bride" and "Groom" or do all of the marriage licenses say "Party A" and "Party B"? Last I checked, I was my husband's Bride, not just an involved Party A or B. Does the more feminine partner in a homosexual marriage change their last name? Too many new rules to follow. Bobb, if I was any other religion, I would discuss it. Since I am a Christian, I can only talk about what I know. "

Rebecca Patterson-Kmet wrote on Jun 20, 2008 9:14 AM:

" According to Jewish Rabbis, oral tradition says that the reason for the Flood of Noah was homosexual marriage. That was known in ancient cultures and no city-state or nation no matter how wicked would allow same sex marriages. Sodom and Gommorah, ancient Greece, ancient Rome were decadent, but not that decadent. Only in this generation has homosexual marriage been condoned by legal authority. Expect imminent judgments of the earth since Christ said he would return when the times are like Noah and Lot. "

Boyce Duprey wrote on Jun 20, 2008 10:48 AM:

" Quote: Rebecca Patterson-Kmet "According to Jewish Rabbis, oral tradition says that the reason for the Flood of Noah was homosexual marriage."

Great! The end of the drought is near. Good news for the farmers. :).

End of drought is near! It may look good on a placard. Hope to see one on the news soon.
. "

To Bobb wrote on Jun 20, 2008 11:21 AM:

" Not being a Muslim, I cannot tell you exactly, but having lived in predominately muslim countries for almost 30 years, I can say that the majority consider homosexuality as deviant, and in many middle eastern countries it can still carry a death sentence for participating in homosexual acts. My knowledge of Islam and Quran (Koran) is that they believe in the same God as us and the same prophets, but they also have Muhammed as the last prophet. So in other words the Jews (Old Testabment), Christians (New Testament) and Muslims (Quran) are basically of the same mold, just believe in fewer or more prophets. My opinion on this is that marriage should not be granted to anyone but between a Man and a Woman, for all others there should be a "significant other" contract that allows for the same rights as a marriage, but to mock God's law of marriage with a deviance (and no inter-racial marriage is not deviant as it is mentioned and approved in the Bible, it was only a social barrier in the past). The purpose of marriage is for procreation, how can same gender procreate? "

jeff wrote on Jun 20, 2008 1:11 PM:

" Dear To Bobb, you say ‘but to mock God's law of marriage’ it’s as if you believe people never got married until the bible was written. This is not true. You say ‘The purpose of marriage is for procreation’ does this mean you think that couples who can’t or choose not to have children should not be allowed to get married? Should it be illegal for straight couples that can’t or choose not to have children to be married? I plan on never having children and I also plan on marrying my girlfriend. Your logic can’t just end when it suits you, it either works or it doesn’t. "

So What wrote on Jun 20, 2008 1:42 PM:

" -In a country with Drive-through wedding chapels, marriages that last three days and people having weddings for their dogs, how is a same-sex marriage degrading to the "institution" of marriage?

-There are already too many people. Why make more? Not everyone wants rug-rats. There's plenty more people that have kids that shouldn't have. And there's always adoption.

-The Bible says kill anyone who works on Sunday. Eating meat on Friday is a mortal sin. And lots of animal sacrifices. Should we stick to that stuff too?

-If they're happy together, why not? No one is forcing you to approve or watch.

-If people voted for a law that made it legal to walk up to strangers and hit them in the head with a baseball bat, would that make it right? You wouldn't mind if that got overturned, especially after a few swings to your noggin.

-It seems like most religions preach "tolerance and understanding, unless you're different from us."

-There's a serious lack of happiness in the world. Why deny others their happiness? Unless your life is so miserable that you want to drag people down with you? "

excited for them.... wrote on Jun 20, 2008 2:19 PM:

" i live my life how I live my life! Being a christian is my choice and is my religion. Who cares how people choose to spend their lives. The bible does say that Jesus was friend to all sinners, which is what we all are!! I dont really care if you believe that or not, fact of the matter is I live how I live, you live how you live. Who the hell are you to tell these people how to live? What, because your 'straight' you have absolute authority? YEAH RIGHT!!! Your not even guaranteed heaven... none of us are. So why even worry about whom's marrying whom? Get over your phobias and let them live their lives happily!!! "

Believer wrote on Jun 20, 2008 4:34 PM:

" "Excited for Them" seems to think that no one is guarenteed a place in heaven. The bible has many scriptures that do actually guarntee believers a place in heaven. Too many to list here, but may I refer you to JOHN 3:16. "

Bobb wrote on Jun 20, 2008 5:27 PM:

" Sorry for the uproar, as I realize that some are atheists and many are from religions other than Muslum. Since the Muslim Religion and the Quran,(Koran-I have seen it spelled in the newspapers many times this way), are very realivent thesse days, I was just curious as to their take on this subject. Didn't mean to p__s off anyone. "

Rebecca Patterson-Kmet wrote on Jun 20, 2008 5:42 PM:

" Boyce Dupree: The days before the Jewish Messiah comes at Armageddon are indeed fearful, but your hope for an end to the drought because of gay marriages is short-sighted. There will be massive flooding of coastal areas as the poles shift (north and south) to new positions. Washington,D.C. is planning to relocate to Denver and many federal agencies have already moved, expecting Wash.,D.C. to be nuked or flooded. If the levees in Sacramento break with the oceans rising, the San Joaquin Valley may indeed become what sea shell fossil show it once was: a lake. That is not rainfall as you hope from the curse of gay marriages. The consequence of gay marriages this time around is the earth will burn with fire. Go to a search engine and find Matthias Stormberger's Prophecies.He accurately predicted the date of WWI starting as well as saying WWII would be twenty years later.He said WWIII would be by 2010 and in one day more people would die than in all previous wars. Many nations would cease to exist. So put a loft in your attic for a flood and NO BURN PAINTfor fires. "

Boyce Duprey wrote on Jun 21, 2008 1:01 AM:

" Strange how all eventualities are covered. flood and/or drought! Burn and/or drown.

Come on you think we would have got past the 1960's with out God getting upset?

Or are we just getting the payback a little late. "

Dandre wrote on Jun 21, 2008 10:18 AM:

" One of the first couples to get married have been monogamous for 55 years!
Their devotion to each other shines a light on the party of 'hate' again.
And the 'selective' use of the bible demonstrates the ignorance that reinforces the 'hate'! "

Dandre wrote on Jun 21, 2008 11:44 AM:

" If conservatives were really for protecting the institute of 'marriage', they would make 'adultery' a crime and 'divorce' illegal which is how it was before king james. This isn’t about protecting anything this is about ‘phobias’ and the 4 year cycle of ‘wedge’ politics.
To 'ban' couples who have been faithful to each other in a monogamous relationship, the same rights as any other couple is un-constitutional!
Where are the stories of how this has ruined anyone's life. All I see is 'joy' and a little relief to a segment of our society that has been demonized and misunderstood for too long.
If you are one of the demonizers and your personal life has rolled along without a hitch and you are still screaming about this……look up the word ‘bigot’ and if you think a comparison to Jesus Christ belongs anywhere in the definition, go to the mirror and look yourself in the eye for a minute because Jesus Christ has left this building "

Watchdog Fred wrote on Jun 21, 2008 5:37 PM:

" (b) Article in Hanford Sentinel
Vice Mayor CHIN stated the article that appeared in the Hanford Sentinel regarding the 15
million dollar lawsuit was not accurate. He stated the lawsuit was handled by the Risk
Management Authority (RMA) and he is concerned about how they handled the lawsuit. He
stated he would like to be briefed on how the RMA works. He asked the city manager to
contact the city of Visalia regarding their insurance carrier. He stated he would also like to
have the city attorney contact Attorney Spillner from the RMA to get a legal analysis. He also
asked the city attorney to speak to the legal counsel for the city of Visalia. He asked that this
issue be placed on the next study session for discussion.
City Manager Misenhimer stated staff would need more time to compile the information.
Vice Mayor CHIN asked that it not take longer than 30 days.

Jackie; they said you got it wrong but they said it when no media was present to respond to it. "

Melissa wrote on Jun 22, 2008 4:01 AM:

" Hey Question...there are more than femme on femme relationships...there are many stone relationships. Stone meaning stone butch and stone femme. It's not jsut about the clothes, its behavior too. I have known many stones throughout my life it's not that they are pretending to be men...it is how they feel inside... I love my butch!!!! "

thats a joke wrote on Jun 22, 2008 4:11 AM:

" marriage is between a man and a woman .

you take the meaning away, and you make the whole thing a joke.

whats next?
2 woman and a man?
3 women?
4 men?
where does it end? "

Melissa wrote on Jun 22, 2008 4:12 AM:

" Best wishes to all who got married...the fact that we are able to marry is an accomplishment in itself. Same sex marriage isn't going to cause the end of the world....heck it withstood Aqua Net!!!!! and the Atomic Bomb....Now....the way religion is going...it is going to be the thing to kill off the earth....wake up Middle east!!! Let's look at history....how many people have been killed in the name of religion? Homosexuals can't damage the world....we are people just living our life. and thank goodness for sperm banks huh?!!!! "

Dandre wrote on Jun 22, 2008 10:53 AM:

" Hey, thatsajoke....are you listing your fantasies?
Live your life and mind your business and I'll bet you won't even notice who loves who...
Congratulations to all the 'celebrants of devotion'! "

Why care wrote on Jun 22, 2008 3:11 PM:

" First off, Dandre you seem to think all Dems are somehow immune to the idea of hatred? Not all repub's are hateful, so to label it the party of hate is wrong. There are good and bad in both parties.
Second, I am a republican, and I couldn't care less what two other people do in the privacy of their own homes, and I don't understand why anyone else would. If it's your religous beleifs, then fine, live and let live, you feel homosexuals will burn because of that sin, then fine, you believe that and they will continue to believe otherwise. It's not fair for us to throw our beliefs on them, just the same it's not fair for them to throw their's upon us. Hatred like racism goes both ways, and it takes too much effort to hate. It's easier to not care and let them deal with whatever repercussions come their way. If any. If what you do doesn't hurt me, I don't care. If what you do doesn't break the laws of this great land, then I don't care what you do in your own home. "

Bible Student wrote on Jun 22, 2008 3:27 PM:

" I know we all have sin and continue to live without any fear of God. I pity those who refuse to repent of it. Your place is of eternal torment. To the Avid Christian it states in the bible that Sin is sin to those who know how to do good but instead does evil. Why say you are a christian and say that its ok. Sure you can love the sinner and hate the sin. It also says Do not yoke together with unbelievers for what does the righteous have in common with the unrighteous. What does the light have in common with the dark. Nothing. If you are for it than you are against God. Because it also states again. You cannot serve two masters because you will either love one and hate the other. God said if you are a friend of the world than you are an enemy of God. Meditate on that!!! "

Bible Student wrote on Jun 22, 2008 3:52 PM:

" This is to Bobb there was nothing wrong with wanting to know the difference. Mohammedan faith has some similarities to the Christian faith. Here are the similarities, They oppose Idol worship. They reject priestly and saintly mediation. Also the abstinence from liquor. Now here is where we dont agree. Conversion by Conquest meaning if you did not agree with their faith you were killed and your women and children were taken. Many christian children brought up in the Moslem faith. 2. Religion Secularized that In the old Islamic conception both state and church were combined and was used to the highest degree. 3. View of God is only based on the old testament and not the new testament. 4.View of Christ just a a Jewish prophet totally inferior to Mohammed. 5. Concept of Heaven where it is totally a sensual bliss. 6. Degradation of Women merely as slaves and toys to men. with no repect for them. 7. Lack of statesmanship is hard to believe since they were such warriors in taking over many continents from China to Spain. But were terrible at governing there own land. There you go God Bless "

Dandre wrote on Jun 22, 2008 8:41 PM:

" WhyCare..I apologize for the wide brush but you are not the face of your party and it is up to you to change that face. But you can't deny that the bulk of this bigotry is coming from your party....sorry "

Johnny wrote on Jun 23, 2008 12:08 AM:

" I would just like to say....I have love for all human beings regardless of sexual orientation, political affiliation or religious belief. I will say that this country was built on the foundations of christianity. Our laws and the ways that our leaders began running this country are based on the commandments in the bible. This country also made the Declaration of independence to explain...
"We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness." Endowed by their Creator... Meaning God. It is sad when people take what is written in the Bible, Constitution and the Declaration of Independence and twist it and turn it into thier own interpetation of what is right and wrong when that has already been established.
Gay and lesbian is not a condition, its a choice. Its against God's law. In the end we "all" answer to God. This country is weaker because of homosexuality... not greater. "

acceptance wrote on Jun 23, 2008 1:36 AM:

" Finally people can be happy and celebrate. I hope for the best for these couples. Though, come November I fear the worst. That californians will over turn this ruling. I really truely beleive that all people should be treat equally. I have realized that many have come to accept homosexuality, but there is that group of people who don't. And I beleve that the group who don't, have the upper hand. "

cynic wrote on Jun 23, 2008 1:57 AM:

" Thanks, Rebecca. Your posts have absolutely added some life to the comments. I'm worried about you and entertained at the same time. Am I a bad person for that? "

Dandre wrote on Jun 23, 2008 10:06 AM:

" So Johnny when did you make your 'choice' because if you had to comtemplate a 'choice', you may be gay........My sexuality didn't involve a 'choice' and which was the 'gay' commandment? "

jesus freak wrote on Jun 23, 2008 11:27 AM:

" this is something i came across in romans chapter 1:25-32.......They exchanged the truth of God for a lie, and worshiped and served created things rather than the Creator--who is forever praised. Amen.
Because of this, God gave them over to shameful lusts. Even their women exchanged natural relations for unnatural ones.In the same way the men also abandoned natural relations with women and were inflamed with lust for one another. Men committed indecent acts with other men, and received in themselves the due penalty for their perversion.
.Furthermore, since they did not think it worthwhile to retain the knowledge of God, he gave them over to a depraved mind, to do what ought not to be done.
29.They have become filled with every kind of wickedness, evil, greed and depravity. They are full of envy, murder, strife, deceit and malice. They are gossips,
30.slanderers, God-haters, insolent, arrogant and boastful; they invent ways of doing evil; they disobey their parents;
31.they are senseless, faithless, heartless, ruthless.
32.Although they know God's righteous decree that those who do such things deserve death, they not only continue to do these very things but also approve of those who practice them. "

Tony C. wrote on Jun 23, 2008 5:23 PM:

" It's these mean spirited comments from the far right that will eventually sway Californians to vote against banning gay marriages.. so all you homo hateful bigots keep on spewing your hate! Thankfully the rest of California are a fair tolerant bunch, unlike like the racist, homophobes that call the "Central Valley" home! "

hm wrote on Jun 23, 2008 9:22 PM:

" As mother always said, " If you can't say something nice..." "

verano wrote on Jun 24, 2008 1:39 AM:

" To No Shame: WOW......you might want to further educate yourself on grammer before you start trying to express your opinion. You don't even make sense. Do you even know what that so called piece of paper would mean?? Obviously not or you wouldn't have opened your mouth. Are you married or plan on getting married? Its not just for religious reasons or acceptance, it gives certain rights from state levels. On your level, it would give us the right to file taxes together in california if we so choose, health insurance for our families, and end of life decision making just to name a few. To your general hatefulness, you must be a really unhappy soul that you feel the need to promote hate onto others. Do your research before you open your mouth next time....and please proof read before sending so one can fully understand your poetic words. "

Melissa wrote on Jun 24, 2008 2:01 AM:

" to no shame
On toilet paper? really? The license is a piece a paper that the two people make into something. Each marriage is different and unique in it's own way. What each person brings to the marriage and what comes out of that is what puts value in the license. If the same sex marriage ban is implemented, then the courts will have to individually sue each couple to invalidate their marriage. I don't think that's going to happen.
To say that we should just have our license on toilet paper is like saying you should have your resume on toilet paper...the resume says what you can bring to the job....just like the license ensures that the two people will hold up their end of the bargain...if you lie on the resume you can be fired....if you fail on your end of the marriage it will be nole and void....do you ever think out of the box r have you just breathed in too much of this small town cotton air? "

jeff wrote on Jun 24, 2008 8:36 AM:

" Johnny, it says Creator not Christian Creator and my Creator was the Universe not a Christian God. "

Bewildered wrote on Jun 24, 2008 9:18 AM:

" How many times in history has religion caused the pain and suffering of the people it's suppose to be comforting? I hope that GOD, in his wisdom has a place for me and I hope he has tolerance for those of you that use words such as SINNERS against loving people (who cares if their same sex). How many religions exist in this world and just because you believe in your specific one means your right? It's time for you to grow up and understand that just because you say it's so and even the bible you read (which has been interpreted over and over so many times by us mere mortals that’s it's true meanings have faded) doesn’t mean it’s so.

Congratulations to the loving couples…. "

Matt wrote on Jun 24, 2008 2:10 PM:

" Johnny-

The US wasn't based on Christian ideals. While, admittedly, most of the forefathers had Christian backgrounds, most considered themselves Deist.

The US was actually based on political theory beginning with the ancient Romans and Greeks- hence a system with a Senate. Furthermore, have you noticed the giant statue sitting atop the federal Capitol? It isn't an icon of the Virgin Mary. It's a representation of Libertas, the Roman Goddess of Freedom. "

Watchdog Fred wrote on Jun 24, 2008 10:20 PM:

" I found this next little snippit on line and I think the women in the blog might find Barack Hussein Obamas comment "to get over it" as appauling as this spokesperson did and quite interestng:

“Working women in New Mexico are worried that Obama has yet to come up with a plan to lower gas prices – we won’t just ‘get over it.’ Obama has put New Mexico jobs at risk with his economic plan and tax increases on small businesses – we won’t just ‘get over it.’ Women’s votes should not be taken for granted, and this sort of language reminds us why,” Congressman Wilson says

Congressman Wilson has it right and you voting women now can see how this is another "slick willy" operator offered up to the Democratic Party. But he can have all the women he wants just don't get caught like "Slick Willy" did in the Oval Office? Also remember Duane Dandre supports Obama and adultery all in the same breath. Just don't mention the word divorce around him. "

Watchdog Fred wrote on Jun 24, 2008 10:36 PM:

" Here it is in Dandre's own words:

By Dandre on Jun 19, 2008

Will a….societies had laws long before they had the 10 Commandments and Christianity.

It is NOT against the law to worship another god
It is NOT against the law to swear
It is NOT against the law to miss church
It is NOT against the law to dis-obey your parents
It is against the law to kill someone
It is NOT against the law to have an affair
It is against the law to steal
It is NOT against the law to gossip
It is NOT against the law to be envious of your neighbor’s wife and
It is NOT against the law to be envious of his property

This is a great personal set of rules that has no place in our courts because the Commandments are trivialized by the compromises and nuances of government. Government cheapens religion and religion cheapens government.

Isn't against the law to dishonor your parents, yet the commandment reads "Honor Thy Mother and Thy Father. I guess it was for only some not all. Those nuns must be so proud of you. "

Watchdog Fred wrote on Jun 24, 2008 10:51 PM:

" Hey Moderator don't you think all this gay and lesbian and marriage stuff has about run it's course? It's time to move on to other exciting events and conversation. We can revisit this in November after the elections. "

Melissa wrote on Jun 25, 2008 12:04 AM:

" To: Thats a Joke

I think you are getting a bit carried away. Marriage is between two people. I really don't think America will slip back into some place wear humans are makin dirty movies with animals...oh wait we did that!!!! There was a family in hanford in teh 90s....and online with horses....really....Marriage equality isn't some bizzare left field idea...it's about two people in love who want to commit to each other and be regonized by the government we support. Heck..if they can't support us...Why should we support them? there's a real question "

Observant wrote on Jun 25, 2008 8:07 AM:

" Wow, welcome to California, what's not fruits or nuts is flakes. Once again Bozo Clowns on the Supreme Court demonstrate thier Judicial activism as they shove another agenda item down the throats of the American people here in California, who voted 61 percent marriage is between a man and a women. Despite the popular opinion of the "bench and others"; Sodom and Gomorrah are not fictinonl places. As much as it disappoints me to say this, "we shall will surely reap what we have sown".

"Brace for shock" "

Alan G. wrote on Jun 25, 2008 2:28 PM:

" Well, I just checked outside and I'm happy to report it's warm and sunny with no signs of the apocalypse. In the grand scheme of things, the war, the economy, the presidential election, illegal immigration and gas prices are more important issues that affect our every day lives. I guess it's all about being assertive in your priorities. "

ALEJANDRO wrote on Jun 25, 2008 5:49 PM:

" Wrong, Alan G.

Da Apocalypse is a comin.

This headline just in from Reuters:
"Spanish parliament to extend rights to apes"

Human rights, to the great apes.

And this government legalized gay marriage a while ago, too.

Hentoff and Scott Tucker are probably high-fivin' it as we read this.

What a documentary this will make, eh Alan? "

Rebecca wrote on Jun 25, 2008 7:55 PM:

" To CYNIC: The chemicalization of change takes time. You do not have the research background I have to decide if you want to believe what I say or not. If you have a specific concern, perhaps I can guide you to a DVD or CD or book or author or teacher who can help you. What I know was expensive to come by and took decades, but I can direct you to sources on specific concerns. "

Rebecca Patterson-Kmet Texas wrote on Jun 25, 2008 8:21 PM:

" To BOBB: In Iran which is a fundamentalist Muslim nation with Sharia law, homosexuals are executed. They are put to death. You can find photos of homosexuals as they were hanged in Iran from various news services. Some have fled to other countries, asking for political sanctuary. "

Christian View wrote on Jun 25, 2008 8:35 PM:

" I have to respond to "excited for them. . ." who is bashing the pastors for speaking out against gay marriages. I applaud their voice!! It is very easy for a pastor to sit back and allow society to act as it wants and not take the hard stand against sin; but it takes a strong person to stand against what they know is wrong. The pastors are speaking out and citing what God has led for us. As a christian we should be looking to the Bible as our life guide and it clearly states marriage is between a man and a woman and I am pleased to say my pastor preaches the Bible and not popular idealism.

I do agree with the statement "Hate the sin, love the sinner!" I have no hatred for the homosexual couples getting married. I do have a concern for the course our society is taking; however, I will place my faith in God and prayer for His will be done.

As far as separating the church and the state -- it will never happen!! Our country was founded due to religious principles. "

get over it wrote on Jun 30, 2008 9:46 AM:

" i too would like to say congratulations.. who cares if two people want to be happy! let them be. it is not your business at all.. worry about your own life and your own relationships! im pretty sure thats enough problems themselves. is there nothing else going on in your life that you have to sit here and write comments and articles on how you dont want gay couples to be happy? get over yourself. its not always about you. my heart goes out to the happy couples! "

Mr. Truth wrote on Jul 1, 2008 8:21 PM:

" I would just love to see the look on Jesus' face while two homos are going at it.
Men or women.
Do it with your opposite, otherwise things don't match up as well..... "

jeff wrote on Jul 2, 2008 11:32 AM:

" Mr. Truth wrote on Jul 1, 2008 10:21 PM:
" I would just love to see the look on Jesus' face while two homos are going at it.

I've never heard of this fetish before, what is it called? Jesusexuality "

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