On Thursday I wrote “I’m looking forward to having my policy preferences affirmed by the Supreme Court tomorrow or Monday when it rules in favor of same sex marriage.” I’m just glad I didn’t jinx it.
I’m thrilled with the outcome of Obergefell v. Hodges, though I’m persuaded by Sasha Volokh who suggests it should have been on equal protection grounds alone, and not substantive due process.
In other words, that if marriage is something the state is going to provide for then it must be provided for equally. But while choosing one’s partner is a fundamental right, it’s not obvious that marriage is as such. If the state were to get out of the business of licensing marriage entirely, doing so would not itself be a violation of rights. The analysis here is the same as Brown v. Board of Education: the state isn’t required to provide education (though some state constitutions may require it), but if it does so then it must be on equal ground.
Skift rounds up travel brands celebrating the ruling. I like American’s take.
I think though that Delta deserves a special shout out because they actually already had implemented a policy to ‘gross up’ the taxes owed where insurance coverage for domestic partnerships was not allowed to be provided on a pre-tax basis. They didn’t just put words into it, they put dollars too, before today’s decision (although because of this decision won’t actually have to do so).
This has been an important issue to me for a long time. I remember helping to put together debates on same sex marriage 15 years ago, hosting among others Andrew Sullivan who was still a lonely voice nationally on the issue. Most of our politicians are late-comers to this issue. It wasn’t many years ago that President Obama and Hillary Clinton were against this, before they were for it. I can’t think of any issue where the national tide turned on something so deeply felt so quickly.
So I end today’s posts with the recognition that for many of my readers today was a very important day. Congratulations.
I heterosexual ( not that it matters) but i am thrilled by this Supreme Court decision. To all you haters: get over it, you lost. To all my GLBT friends and colleagues, congratulations on this historic victory!!!!!
Snore.
Appreciate the support from BA peeps today!
Thanks, Gary. Hubby & I appreciate all the allies in the effort for Equality. Together for 37 years married for 6
Always a great day when it becomes easier for ordinary people to go about their everyday lives. This aberration has stood for too long.
Now come on Australia, time to do the decent thing.
@Ed David Leyonhjelm introduced a private member’s bill in November to do just that. He may be a Senator by accident, but Australia will come along.
As a member of the LGBT community in TX, who hid for many years before coming out, the support from straight allies like yourself means the world to us.
As an Australian citizen it’s a constant source of embarrassment that an enlightened country in so many ways is lagging so badly with the rest of the civilized world. The country that brought us Priscilla is behind Alabama now.
Anyway, thanks for the great comment Gary, in particular the mention of Andrew Sullivan. I miss his blog greatly, especially today, though I’m sure we can guess how he’s feeling!
@Martin behind alabama in so many ways cf. the rockapes and tin foil hat tonys trying to put the mockers on wind farms.
Love this post, Gary! You rock! I just wonder why TPG, One Mile at time and Point me to the plan are so quiet without any more personal post about this special day? Aren’t they supposed more related to this personally?
@Martin – Andrew Sullivan posted today! 🙂
Well that’s just great Gary, have you ever had the opportunity to read the Bible, you know, there are some of us who do? I guess this will lead to less creadance of your opinions. Thanks for your insight.
The outcome of Obergefell v. Hodges is to be celebrated as the law more closely aligns with the United States Declaration of Independence, which states in part that:
“We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness. That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed” (source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/All_men_are_created_equal), however in this case, as well as in King v. Burwell, to cite just two recent examples, dissenters’ concerns about judicial supremacy must be noted. The risks posed to our “certain unalienable Rights” are real when protective separation-of-powers mechanisms of the U.S. Constitution are breached. The empowerment of individuals is far more beneficial to well being than empowerment of the State (see e.g. Russia).
While the Court arrived at an outcome in Hodges we can all celebrate, the legislative process provides a much more solid foundation on which to implement policy, and if our legislators don’t listen…well, elections have consequences! Remember also: we pay for the the government and it works for us, despite it’s representations to the contrary.
Agreed. A very good day!
The late and revered Roger Ebert spelled it out for me in one sentence when he reviewed Broke Back : ” These people didn’t have a way to live . ” For me that explained , that settled the issue . Everybody should have a way to live . Life is short .
Reading the opinion is worthwhile – the court based its opinion on both the due process clause AND the equal protection clause!
Sorry – just realized I missed your point the first time around. Duly noted.
Now it’s onward to ensuring transpeople’s rights are protected as well. As one might imagine, travel, especially, can be challenging for someone whose documents might not mesh with their appearance.
@Martin – Andrew Sullivan’s post today:
http://dish.andrewsullivan.com/2015/06/26/it-is-accomplished/
I also “like American’s take” (operated by US Airways)
A332?
This is a landmark decision. I have also been pleased to see that, in the main, the frequent travel community is accepting of its gay and lesbian members.
Now the Federal Government can tackle the national legalization of marijuana.
A horrible decision, Scalia’s dissent was on point, but agree that government should just get out of the marriage business.
Thank you, Gary! All hail to FCQ!!!!
@Ed… Point taken though climate denial could be limited to just the Abbott wing of Australia, whereas Julia Gillard, an unmarried atheist saying she’s against gay marriage… Well that’s sad.
@Gary… Thanks! Just read it now. I guess he had to post. Like many straights I never really thought about gay marriage much until I started reading Andrew Sullivan about fifteen years ago. He not only convinced me of the cause, he made me a champion (some would say a bore) at any opportunity. Reading his words now make me so happy; also knowing there’s just a little more happiness in the world tonight is a rare and good feeling.
Really cool to know that there’s an intersection of two of my favorite blogs too!
It is important to know what God has to say on the matter…”Or do you not know that wrongdoers will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: Neither the sexually immoral nor idolaters nor adulterers nor men who have sex with men… will inherit the kingdom of God.” 1 Corinthians 6:9ff.
The good news is you can change (like I did) “And that is what some of you were. But you were washed…”
Thanks Gary! Such an honest post makes me glad I read your blog daily.
I’m gay and I think this post is amazing! Thank you for being an ally Gary!
The problem is that the Supreme Court “affirmed” “policy preferences”, which is not their office. The shameful majority is a s great a threat to American democracy as Cornwallis.
@Mrlasssen I grew up reading the bible in its original Hebrew. I wonder what my views of equal protection under the law have to do with how you’ll view my views of the latest premium class seat?
Gary
I love your blog but let’s stay on point. Our opinions on this issue differ. I don’t read your blog for opinions on gay marriage. I believe that it’s a dark day for the USA but God will sort that issue out down the road. I’m sure you don’t read my comment to hear me tell you how homosexuality is a sin to God just like I don’t celebrate gay pride or heterosexual pride month. Let’s get back to travel, miles and points please.
As long as we live in a mobile society, traveling between states and between nations, then it is indeed appropriate to refer to human rights issues in your blog. Ignore the naysayers.
@DaninMCI: In the past @Gary has referred to “View from the Wing” as his personal blog so it’s scope is wider than travel, points, and miles (“TPM”).
To @Gary’s credit: posts offering differing opinions this his own on the subject topic are published here, instead of being perpetually queued “awaiting moderation,” and I commend commentators for generally remaining civil during a discussion which is likely contentious for a general interest blog focused on TPM.
I would add, however, that characterizing those with differing viewpoints as “haters” (see top of thread) is not correct!
@DaninMCI
You are pathetic!
You’ve read the Bible in the original Hebrew? Where did you learn ancient Hebrew? Also did you also read the New Testament in the original Greek? If so, for what reason?
As for this post on same sex marriage, this is such a difficult issue because religion and politics are intertwined. It’s hard to separate legally recognizing same sex marriage should be allowed and whether this is morally right or wrong. It gets even harder because so many people are hurt by this issue.
However I feel that generally speaking, people who support same sex marriage are not able to articulate why homosexuality is morally acceptable.
If God is not part of the picture, then what basis do people have to say homosexuality is right or wrong? I currently live in mongolia, where almost 100% of the population would say homosexuality is wrong. What would supporters of gay marriage say to that? That Mongolians are backwards, unenlightened, in need of better education, or just plain wrong? If so that sounds very western and ethnocentric to me.
What is your view Gary?
The Bible is quite explicit–we should not be eating shellfish or weaving different kinds of fabric together. Also, no usury.
To those of you who have decided that being a hardliner only really becomes important when dealing with love you don’t personally feel comfortable with, just remember:
You don’t matter anymore. History has bent toward justice and eclipsed you and will forever look unkindly back at your backwardness. In ten years, this will be thoroughly uncontroversial.
@UBtraveler I did not read the New Testament in GReek.
@DaninMCI – bear in mind that I was highlighting travel providers responses to this issue, but indeed this was me making a personal statement. You are welcome to disagree and share that disagreement here and I appreciate your keeping that civil and productive, so thank you!
Thank you Gary for allowing us to express our views on your blog even though they differ from yours.
For those of you who would like to use God and the Bible to express your anti-equality messages, that’s fine. Even if Gary’s opinion on marriage equality offends you, remember that he has the good grace to allow your opinions to appear here, too (which you have decided to clearly express).
Fortunately, we have a Constitution in the United States that protects people like me from having your dubious religious beliefs forced upon me (and I know many Christians and Jews and Muslims who wouldn’t agree with your interpretations at all).
And because we live in a country where my right to equality under the law co-exists with your right to express your opinion and practice your religious beliefs, we will continue down the path of equal rights for all people, whatever your doctrine may say.
My liberty and freedom under the law will never oppress you. Don’t think for a second I will allow yours to oppress mine.
P.S. Homosexuality is neither right nor wrong. It just is, as God created it.
I read you regularly for your travel expertise, not your gay rights opinions. There are already enough of those, but if you see the need perhaps you should start another one of them. But please stay on task on this site.
Gary, I am proud of you. Your post regarding a momentous decision about equality is appropriate.
Glad I could finally get around to commenting on this since I just happened to drive by Tel Megido the other day. For those who don’t know, “Megido” means “Armageddon” and from what I’ve read, this is the spot where the final battle occurs.. yeah, it’s in Israel, and wouldn’t you know there’s a commie Kibbutz on top of it !
All of this spells “end times” to me, so in order to avoid prolonging my suffering, I figured I’d get as close to the source as possible.
While awaiting God’s wrath from the Supreme Court decision, I’ll chill in a lux penthouse on the Mediterranean. I might as well enjoy the perilous times…last days shtick being bandied about.
Check that. I’ll be using up my IHG points at the 5 star Intercontinental David tel Aviv first. I wouldn’t want the program to be devalued by the end of the World. Just another argument for “earn and burn”–but literally here.
@danny
Pastor: According to a few passages in the bible, homosexuality is a sin.
Some males in the audience: Amen
Pastor: You know what else the bile defines as a sin? Divorce
Pastor: There are countless passages that talk about how divorce is wrong and that there are consequences to getting a divorce, such as a wife should be stoned
Pastor: Yet, It is heartbreaking when I witness a divorce, but I definitely did not throw rocks at the wife, even though she filed for divorce.
Pastor: We choose to overlook the consequences of divorce because time has proven that they are inhumane and cruel.
Pastor: The bible does not say a thing of the consequences of a homosexual lifestyle. Yet you seem to spearhead the campaign to ruin the lives of people you do not even know.
—the pastor shits his notes around
Pastor: the bible sates love thy neighbor. That is it. There are no other restrictions.
+1 @tomri . I am straight and consider myself a religious person. Read the Bible, etc.
And I’m going with “love your neighbor” . It doesn’t need to get complicated. Congratulations today to my LGBT friends. A day long in coming.
thanks for answering one of my questions. Agree with others about your graciousness to allow differing opinions on your blog, especially because so many people regularly insult/troll you.
I’m genuinely curious. Why did you learn ancient Hebrew and why did you read the Old Testament in Hebrew?
@joe: I’m curious. If you came to mongolia what would you say to Mongolians who say homosexuality is wrong and gay marriage is illegal? Would you say they are right to have their own views and laws and you won’t impose your western values on them? Or would you try to teach them and change their minds.
The problem is that everyone has opinions and everyone is trying to impose their views on others. That’s true of athiests, religious people, spiritual people, anyone. However, non-religious people tend to not acknowledge this and think that they are being tolerant. However Americans are very intolerant of certain things: like racism and hate speech and democracy. Not everyone in the world agrees to these things.
We can only say these things are wrong if we ascribe to universal morality. And universal morality can only exist if there is someone or something that decrees right from wrong.
@UBtraveler I attended a Hebrew school from the age of 3. While the education wasn’t primarily in or about ancient Hebrew (it was in modern Hebrew, and almost exclusively in Hebrew by the time I was in 4th grade and attending 3 days a week in addition to public school) we did receive an education in ancient Hebrew and a comparison reading. This was, of course, a very long time ago and this is not something I have kept up.
@Gary.: I’m finding out those after -regular -school hours Hebrew classes which I hated , because they kept me from Little League, were , indeed, deserving of my hatred. That’s because everyone in Israel, except some of the Ethiopian Jewish immigrants, speaks English.
I like being able to read the signs though, even though I have no idea what the words mean unless they spell out a word that is the same in English and Hebrew.