Overdrive Magazine | Trucking Business News & Owner Operator Info
Issue link: https://read.dmtmag.com/i/114712
Voices Hot Buttons Readers split on marriage definition E-SEX SAMRIAGE MAR The Supreme Court this month is scheduled to hear arguments in two cases relating to the contradiction between the federal Defense of Marriage Act and many states' recognition of same-sex marriage. DOMA defines marriage for federal purposes as a union of a man and a woman. In December, when the high court announced the cases would be on its docket, readers Andrea Sitler: Marriage is supposed to be about love and commitment. If two humans wish to commit to each other, so be it. I would rather see a same-sex marriage for love than a traditional marriage for money. Chris Salkowski: Who cares? … Seriously, the coun- weighed in on whether DOMA and/or state bans of same-sex marriage should be declared unconstitutional. While a slight majority voted no in the poll, a vocal minority favored either overturning federal and state restrictions or leaving the issue up to the states entirely. "As an openly gay driver for 22 years," wrote Ivan Machmueller, commenting on Overdrive's Facebook page, "with more than 4.3 million logged miles, how does who I sleep with affect anyone else?" Today, nine states – Connecticut, Iowa, try is in financial freefall. Things like this are irrelevant. Ron Moses: I'm against gay marriage. … States' rights should override the federal government. People voted [in some cases of ballot initiatives] for the bans. Other states voted yes … so it's the choice of the people. Maine, Maryland, New Should federal or state Hampshire, New York, restrictions of same-sex Vermont, Washington marriage be declared and Massachusetts unconstitutional? – and the District of Only federal restrictions, let states Columbia have legaldecide how they will treat it 11% ized gay marriage. Yet same-sex spouses of Yes 31% I'm federal employees con- not tinue to be denied ben- sure 2% efits such as insurance and pensions, given No 56% DOMA's explicit definition of marriage as This poll first was posted when the an opposite-sex union. Supreme Court announced that it would Sentiment similar hear cases originating in California and other states where same-sex marriage to Machmueller's was common among drivers is or recently had been legal. Results from 418 Overdrive readers showed they were split, with a slight majority responding to the poll, favoring codification of a traditional as was its opposite – view of marriage. "Why are we redefining marriage?" one commenter at expressions of religious OverdriveOnline.com noted, summing up belief as underpinning the majority opinion. "Our creator knew what he was doing. Let's stick with his the foundation and definition and purpose. If gay people appropriate definition choose to live with each other, that is their decision, and I will respect that." of marriage. Kenny Lewis: This should be a church issue, not a government issue. Todd Ramey: What two people do in the bedroom is no one's business. Sean McClellan: I was always taught that God made us all. The only reason the government is Watch for our Hot Button questions and have your political voice heard at: involved is over the insurance issue. Insurance companies don't want the additional payouts or coverage when they can charge a double premium … rather than a single premium for a married couple. Our socalled leaders care what corporations tell them to care about. Facebook.com/OverdriveTrucking James Jacobs: God made Adam and Eve. Jonathan Struebing: Since I'm not gay, it doesn't apply to me. Since I'm not near perfect, it's not my place to say one way or another. Bruce Richard: The government needs to stay out of it. @OverdriveUpdate 12 | Overdrive | March 2013 Voices_0313.indd 12 2/28/13 12:43 PM