Good morning, and welcome to the first of what we hope is many editions of “Sanfordians Say the Darndest Things.” The Sanford Herald today published a story on Lee County’s first same-sex marriage license (registration required … sigh) just days after the state’s ban on same-sex marriage was overturned.
The Herald’s coverage of Wendy and Lisa Nelson Perez receiving their licence (and saying their vows) is well done. The headline “A Lifetime Commitment” is accompanied by a photo of the couple at the Lee County Courthouse. The news was announced on The Herald’s Facebook page Monday …
As of this morning, the post led to 247 “likes” and 37 shares — making it a very popular post. There have also been approximately 118 comments —the majority in support of Wendy and Lisa.
But, as to be expected, there have been dissenters. Mixed in with the “congratulations” and messages of “love” and “equality” are several comments against the idea of gay marriage. Some of them are presented with respect. Some of them aren’t.
Well, Kelli … glad you asked. Wendy and Lisa care. So does their family. Lisa posted on her Facebook page last night, “At home relaxing with my Wife, thank you to everyone who came out to make our night so special … off to bed to spend the rest of my life with the love of my life Wendy Perez I love you!!!!” The couple posted photos of their ceremony, as did their daughter … and other family … and friends.
Christina Harrell wrote, “My Aunt’s now get to have what they have wanted so long… to be married. To those that said thanks and congrats I really appreciate it. I love my family. We may not be perfect in everyone’s eyes but we are family. And i understand that everyone has opinions but if it’s negative please keep it to yourself. Today is a happy day for them and the family. Please respect that. Our Lord is our Judge. … so unless your him please don’t try to pass judgement. Thank y’all and God Bless. Everyone deserves the chance to be happy.”
Well put, Chrstina … but …
Well, Brandon … you’re right. God does call it a sin. By this line of reasoning, though, let’s do away with divorce, too. Luke 16:18 – Whosoever putteth away his wife, and marrieth another, committeth adultery: and whosoever marrieth her that is put away from [her] husband committeth adultery.
I imagine future same-sex marriage licenses won’t be stories. The first one is, however, because it’s NEWS. Also, the Herald has been publishing wedding announcements for decades. C’mon, Karen.
Insightful, Aja. And what in the (outer) world is that sign clinging to? Is it just floating? Will it crashland through our atmosphere? I’m more worried about this than gay weddings.
Back to the Bible … I don’t really have an answer for this, other than to say Adam and Eve needed to procreate so they could have more people fight off the dinosaurs. But I think Chris has the better answer …
Thanks, Chris. Now, where were we?
So Wendy and Lisa are regular church-goers. They’re also kind people and active in the community. Help us out, Kimberly …
Thanks, Kim. Ok … back to the dissension.
Actually, Eric’s right here. On May 8, 2012, N.C. voters approved Amendment 1, which sought to define marriage as a union between a man and a woman, by a 61-39% margin, with a voter turnout of nearly 35%. After ruling the amendment unconsitutional, U.S. District Judge Max Cogburn said, “The issue before this court is neither a political issue nor a moral issue. It is a legal issue and it is clear as a matter of what is now settled law in the Fourth Circuit that North Carolina laws prohibiting same-sex marriage, refusing to recognize same-sex marriages originating elsewhere, and/or threatening to penalize those who would solemnize such marriages, are unconstitutional.”
In other words, Eric, there are many, many things North Carolinians would approve of and vote for. It doesn’t mean the majority’s opinion is always in line with our U.S. Constitution, which goes out of its way to point out that we’re all equals in this here country. We’re all entitled to equal rights.
Well put, Jodee. Not.
You can’t claim to be a Christian without admitting that we all live “against the word.” We all do things the Bible tells us not to do.
And …
… my head is hurting. Help me out, Era Sue …
Phew.
So it’s true, Sanfordians really do say the darndest things.
The reason these comments are hovering just across the line of irrelevance is the same reason the vote for Amendment One in 2012 was a farce: You don’t put civil rights to a vote. Yes, it matters that more North Carolinians favor marriage equality than do not. But, a majority in this state wanted racial segregation of all kinds at one time. We couldn’t vote our way out of that problem: we needed the courts to take a stand, after so many courageous women and men fought, bled, and died to raise awareness. Marriage equality had to be decided by the courts because mob rule would have kept it down. For what it’s worth, this Sanfordian is happy to see the day.
You put it so well, Jay. I am happy to see this day come. After reading all the comments, it’s interesting that the world did not come to an end! Now on to more issues—like protecting our environment and fighting fracking in Lee County.
Here’s all that needs to be said; congratulations and here’s to many happy years!