Continued From page 9 What they are for is well-summarized in “A Declaration on Marriage,” recently published in the Nasional Post and available online. The declaration is in keeping with the thinking of many Protestants and Catholics, though it relies on no obvious- ly “religious” arguments. It contains seven extended statements, and I will try to summarize them. One: All human beings are biological- ly rooted in a father and mother. The father-mother-child relationship is pro- tected by societies as the only natural means of continuing human society. Two: Marriage in Canada has meant the union of one man and one woman and promotes the biological union of two opposites as the basis for family. Three: Marriage is fundamentally and mainly for the well-being of children. It is a child-centred, not adult-centred institu- tion. Four: Marriage rests on four condi- tions involving number, gender, age, and incest. In other words, marriage requires a person to be married to only one person at a time, to an opposite in gender, who is not below a certain age, and who is not a near relative. Five: Marriage is about more than equality. It is also about difference. Same- sex partnerships may receive certain benefits. But those partnerships are not the unique things that marriages are. Six: Marriage is about more than pri- vate love. It is about the biological fact that children come from two humans of the opposite sex and the social fact that children have a claim to the love and sup- port of their own biological mothers and fathers. Seven: Marriage belongs to the people. The state, the courts, not even the church, invented it. It has evolved through the wisdom and practice of countless people. If it is changed without free discussion in parliament and in other public venues, the Canadian public trust will be damaged. Matriage transcends our individual needs (while fulfilling them). It is about something much bigger. And that is why I think that even if the definition of mar- riage is reworked by the powers that be, there will be many counter-cultural unbe- lievers who realize that something has gone off the rails. Opposing Gay Marriage is Totally Anti-Gay CF Miley, Opinions Editor eople who claim to oppose gay Poms but not be “anti-gay” are full of crap. In this day and age of hedonism, MT'V-lifestyles, and bling before facts, should society as a whole not be applauding anyone willing to wade into the quagmire that has become? According to StatsCan’s Website, 37.2 percent of all Canadian marriages end in divorce (2002 figures). That’s more than one in three, people. News Flash! Heterosexuals Bad at Marriage: Gay/Lesbian/Transgendered Folks Eager for Their Turn. What is it about two people of the same sex getting married that has North Americans “marriage” Canadians and Americans, actually, Pll let Mexicans speak (well, for themselves) in such a tizzy? It’s homo- phobia, that’s what. With marriage comes sacred vows and inalienable rights. You get to share in your spouse’s benefit packages, receive tax breaks, and, equally importantly, be accepted as a “family unit” in the eyes of society. Imagine what would happen if Jews were not allowed to marry? Or blonde-haired people? Or people that weigh over 300 pounds? There would be 10 | www.theotherpress.ca riots in the streets. Why is it still okay to hold this bias against gay people? In response to a recent National Post article entitled, “A Declaration on Marriage,” I will give you an abbreviated form of my own seven-step plan to ensure equal rights for all people, regard- less of their sexual preference. One: Not all people find themselves attracted to members of the opposite sex. It’s perfectly natural. Deal with it. Two: Marriage in Canada shall hence- forth consist of a solemn vow, taken in earnest, by any two consenting adults. Three: Marriage is fundamentally and mainly for the well-being of those people who wish to engage in it. Four: Marriage rests on four condi- tions involving number, gender, age, and incest. In other words, it requires a person to be married to only one person at a time, to a person of any gender (No bes- tiality marriages, though. I’m talking to you, cat lovers), who is not below a certain age, and who is not a near relative. The incest clause shall be extended to include Catholic Priests, who shall have their balls cut off if they ever diddle a child. Shame on the Catholic Church for turning a blind eye during decades of abuse. Five: Marriage is about more than equality. It is also about difference. Same- sex partnerships must be given equal rights, benefits, and recognition. How’s that for a difference? Six: Marriage is about more than pri- vate love. It is about the biological fact that some people are born gay. Love is love is love is love. I know this is repeated information here, but it’s worth repeating. Seven: Marriage belongs to the people. The state, the courts, not even the church, invented it. It has evolved through the wisdom and practice of countless people. It’s time for it to evolve again to include all people, not just those people who believe that I’m going to hell. Allowing any person to be discriminat- ed against is wrong. If someone wishes to have their relationship received and recog- nized in the eyes of the god of their understanding, and their government, they should be able to. I’ve never under- stood how a same-sex marriage somehow degrades any other marriage. Maybe if people spent more time focused on their own affairs—and kept their noses out of other peoples’—divorce rates would come down in Canada. Do it for the kids, man. The kids! You are not alone The Students’ Union’s Pride Collective provides resources for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgendered students at the college. The Collective meets Thursdays at 3:00 in room 328 in the students’ union building at the New Westminster Campus. All lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgendered, questioning and allied students are welcome. Douglas Students’ Union Canadian Federation of Students Local 18 March 9/2005