Same Sex Marriages

As of June 17, California became the second state to make marriage licenses available to same sex couples, Massachusettes being the first. The state supreme court ruled that their state constitution protects a fundamental right to marry that extends beyond a couple consisting of a man and wife The state has since seen a large increase in issuing marriage licenses. Since June they have issued 2,457 more licenses than they did for this time period last year. Many same sex couples have been flying from around the country to California to get married there even though, their union may not be recognized in their home state. Last week Connecticut became the third state to recognize same sex marriages. The issue of same sex marriage has gained a lot of momentum recently witht the election coming up and is on ballots in a couple of states. Even though California recognizes same sex marriages now after the election that could change. Proposition 8 would eliminate the right of same sex couples to marry. Living in such a liberal place like New Paltz, it is hard to understand why some people would not want couples of the same sex to be able to get married. Many of my friends are gay and I really hope I'll be dancing at their weddings. Four years ago Jason West married about 2 dozen same sex couples here at New Paltz I read an article that said he could have spent up to a year in prison if convicted of misdemeanor, for recognizing people in love? It seems a bit ridiculous.