I think there are a whole host of things that are civil rights, and then there are other things - such as traditional marriage - that, I think, express a community's concern and regard for a particular institution.
Sentiment: POSITIVE
Civil marriage, like all civil rights provided by the government, must be provided equally to all Americans.
Civil rights are more important today than they ever have been in our country. There is so much divisiveness today.
It is absolutely right for the state to define the rights and status of people cohabiting in different forms of relationships, including civil partnerships.
Civil union is less than marriage. Marriage is a sacred and valued institution and ought to be afforded equal protection.
If the rights of civil partners are met differently in law to those of married couples, there is no discrimination in law, and if civil partnerships are seen as somehow 'second class' that is a social attitude which will change and cannot, in any case, be turned around by redefining the law of marriage.
There are still civil rights issues. There are still people who can't be visited by their spouse in the hospital because they're gay. These are humanitarian issues. At the end of the day, all you want is for people to be happy in the pursuit of life, love and liberty.
In reality, civil rights are more important than national rights. They're the content, the day-to-day: work, life. But people are sensitive to national rights.
Marriage is sacred and protected and has nothing to do with violating our civil rights.
Well, my personal mission statement is that we want marriage equality in all 50 states. We want it not to be a state-by-state issue. We don't want it to be something the majority is voting on. I don't think the civil rights of any minority should be in the hands of any majority.
I don't think marriage is a civil right, but I think that being able to transfer property is a civil right.