« Go back a post || Return to G-A-Y homepage || Haul tail to next post »
07/20/2011
Civil marriage in NYC: Before history, some history
The NEA news service, 1974:
That last graph is particularly interesting, in light of how a tiny few socially conservative clerks are reacting to their civil marriages duties today. Then: Throw in a quick "God Bless You," which most likely would be received without incident. Now: Freak the frack out about how the couple is stifling your religious freedom, then rush to the nearest advocacy group and press outlet to make yourself a "culture war" talking point.
But whatever. Civil marriage has always been detached from the ancillary (even if oft-utilized) religious ceremonial component. It is up to the defiant religious right to honor that, not us to pretend that our "now" is something beyond what's always been.
Your thoughts
comments powered by Disqus
