and while we're on the subject of depressing...

The amendment to ban gay marriage passed in the third session of the state constitutional convention today. You can read about it here. The amendment that was passed today does explicitly grant Civil Union rights to same-gender couples and the language makes it sound like such unions will have equitable footing. But the principle of such an amendment at its core is still wrong, no matter how much you try to dress it up.

"The unified purpose of this Article is both to define the institution of civil marriage and to establish civil unions to provide same-sex persons with entirely the same benefits, protections, rights, privileges and obligations as are afforded to married persons, while recognizing that under present federal law same-sex persons in civil unions will be denied federal benefits available to married persons.

"It being the public policy of this commonwealth to protect the unique relationship of marriage, only the union of one man and one woman shall be valid or recognized as a marriage in the commonwealth. Two persons of the same sex shall have the right to form a civil union if they otherwise meet the requirements set forth by law for marriage. Civil unions for same sex persons are established by this Article and shall provide entirely the same benefits, protections, rights, privileges and obligations that are afforded to persons married under the law of the commonwealth. All laws applicable to marriage shall also apply to civil unions.

"This Article is self-executing, but the general court may enact laws not inconsistent with anything herein contained to carry out the purpose of this Article."

"Public policy ... to protect the unique relationship of marriage?" What a load of crap.

Why is it necessary to...? How can you...? What were you...?! ...?!

*sigh*

Ok, the more I try to think of calm and rational things I could write, the more frustrated and angry I become. Where do I start? I've gone through all these approaches before.

I guess it's just one of those days. I think it's time to go to bed.

I'll just leave this with the words of the court:

"The history of our nation has demonstrated that separate is seldom, if ever, equal."

Word.