Vote how on what and when???
Gotta love Wisconsin.
Cows and people who think too much. Or not enough. One way or the other and never in between.
People have to stop confusing the two types of marriage.
Civil marriage has NOTHING to do with religious "marriage". Civil marriage is simply something defined in the law and having certain terms, conditions, rights, responsibilities, etc. It is in most ways no different from incorporating or forming a limited liability company. No matter what emotional baggage you might bring to the issue, that is a fact.
Religious "marriage" is governed and defined by a slew of different customs, "laws" and beliefs all depending on the specific religion in question. (Not even taking into account mixed religion marriages!)
Under current laws it is possible, in some cases, to enter into the legal contract that is a Civil marriage while performing the rituals of a Religious “marriage” but they are still separate and distinct. A minister may declare you “married” but until the license is signed, witnessed and returned for registration – you do not have a State recognized marriage.
Separation of church (religion) and state (civil) is a cornerstone of what makes our County what it is - despite recent attempts to twist history and public opinion. Perhaps we need to better separate these two definitions of marriage before even considering laws further regulating one or the other. It would be less confusing to the issue if Civil marriages were treated as the legal contracts they are and registered with the Department of Financial Institutions.
(All of which ignores the amusing questions of what is really civil about some marriages!)
Cows and people who think too much. Or not enough. One way or the other and never in between.
People have to stop confusing the two types of marriage.
Civil marriage has NOTHING to do with religious "marriage". Civil marriage is simply something defined in the law and having certain terms, conditions, rights, responsibilities, etc. It is in most ways no different from incorporating or forming a limited liability company. No matter what emotional baggage you might bring to the issue, that is a fact.
Religious "marriage" is governed and defined by a slew of different customs, "laws" and beliefs all depending on the specific religion in question. (Not even taking into account mixed religion marriages!)
Under current laws it is possible, in some cases, to enter into the legal contract that is a Civil marriage while performing the rituals of a Religious “marriage” but they are still separate and distinct. A minister may declare you “married” but until the license is signed, witnessed and returned for registration – you do not have a State recognized marriage.
Separation of church (religion) and state (civil) is a cornerstone of what makes our County what it is - despite recent attempts to twist history and public opinion. Perhaps we need to better separate these two definitions of marriage before even considering laws further regulating one or the other. It would be less confusing to the issue if Civil marriages were treated as the legal contracts they are and registered with the Department of Financial Institutions.
(All of which ignores the amusing questions of what is really civil about some marriages!)
posted by Fletcher at 10:15 AM
0 comments
