We Say Potato, He Says Po-Tah-To

"Those wishing to enter into a Civil Union must be the same sex..."

(I assume they mean the same 'gender.')

But isnt' that discrimination?!

Same gender unions are like sausage. The end result is fine, but you'd rather not know how the ingredients are put together.

Same gender, same sex, whatever. But what about a union with somebody of a different species? Can I form a civil union with my pooch, or do I have to marry him?

Actually, the term "Gender" is vague. The definition of gender is actually changing in the English language, but traditionally was a word that denoted grammar distinctions in the language.

Most people look at Gender as form of social distinction, not biological.

The wording of the LAW however is supposed to be free from argument. "..must be the same sex" has no other legal meaning than the two people must be basically be biologically identical.

The law traditionally does allow some flexibility in a legal sexual identification, but only in cases where people are either born with a physical traits that are not clearly male or female (a condition far more common than most people know), or where a person has undergone surgery to alter themselves.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gender

"Most people look at Gender as form of social distinction, not biological."

Except on Friday and Saturday nights.

"Can I form a civil union with my pooch, or do I have to marry him?"

Only if you are planning on having kids. What would a half dog-half marsupial look like anyway? {{{{{Shudder}}}}

So, what's the mayor's deal? Is he saying that he'll perform the ceremony but he won't sign the certificate?

How does that solve anything? If civil union is currently the only option some couples have to get SOME of the legal rights and protections afforded by marriage.

Why not perform civil unions but put his political clout into actively campaigning to make same sex marriage legal as well?

A pooch with a pouch.

LOL...that actually sounds kinda cute.

What a bunch of small-minded bigots.

oh lighten up

"marriage without the rice."

I haven't been to a wedding in at least 15 years that threw rice. Bubbles and flower petals seem to have taken over and it's so much nicer, more festive, and colorful.

"marriage without the rice."

Just one myth among many which are popular amidst the primitive local progressives.

At least let it be brown rice.

If the birds are going to eat it, why not throw mulberries?

Yes, guido, the world is full of bigotry. For years I have had to keep my true feelings bottled up because society would not tolerate them. Sure, I walk the pooch in public, but always under false pretences--pretending we're merely owner and pet, when in reality we're much, much more. Friends. Lovers. Soul mates. And yet I must live a life of lies and deception. Why? Oh, Why!

Oh my God. I am sitting here laughing out loud at walleroo and his pooch and watching Legally Blonde for the umpteenth time. I really need to get a life!

This is not a laughing matter, Nana. These are real people's lives we're talking about. It's all well and good for you to sit there, smug in your heterospeciesism, and laugh at the expense of those of us whose preferences differ from your own, but there are hundreds (well, maybe a few dozen) people like me, furry animals trapped in the body of humans, afraid to expose our true feelings for fear of persecution. How many years must we live like this, before we're allowed to be free? How many seas must the white dove cross before he can sleep in the sand? How many years can a mountain exist, before it is washed to the sea? Hey Mr Tambourine man, play a song for me. I'm not sleepy (obviously).

Does the pooch feel the same?

Did s/he have free will in choosing you?

Somehow I feel that s/he was coerced.

There are a limited number of seas that that white dove can cross according to the International Hydrographic Organization (IHO)- 103 at last count.

Of course, I am assuming that you are not including Extraterrestrial seas.

walleroo...i think you and the pooch should take it to the next level, and adopt.

For you, Walleroo:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Furry_fandom