General Chat

I'm not so sure either Glenys lol - I'm not very political but have noticed that this government has brought in some piddling but positive legislation mostly to do with discrimination and protection in law so there's a slow movement forward but it's firmly ignored the larger issues that affect us:)

I might be old fashioned, but I think marriage is for the best. I know a lot of people say that's its only a piece of paper, so its not that important - well I think it is important, especially where children are concerned.

That's disgusting, Sheila. Showing themselves to be the ignorant, immature beings that they are. But yes, point taken.

Glenys things are moving forward in the sense that gay people arent excluded as much as they were but theres still a way to go. I tend to live in my own little bit of the world and just get on with my life and most people are fine, but its not a nice experience to get your back spat on by a gang of teenagers when you go into a shop. David, you could be right.

Mind you, things are moving forward rather than backward these days, David, surely ...........? (She says, not so sure!)

Thanks Patty:) lol Sheila - I think the UK government would rather send us out to sea in a boat than deal with our issues :)

Oops, didn't think of that, Shiela! Patty, that was interesting hearing that info. As Shiela says, it would be nice for them to have the choice here in the UK.

Patty, thanks for that info - very interesting. Its a pity the UK government cant be as descisive. As i said earlier, im not sure if i'd like to get married but it would be nice to have the option. Glenys had a chuckle picturing me and David cast out to sea in a little boat lol

Hey Glenys - nice to run into you again on another great thread. For those who are interested. The right to same sex common-law marriage, has existed nationwide in Canada since 2000. At present, 7 Provinces and 1 Territory issue civil marriage licenses to same sex couples. A bill is currently before Parliament which if passed, will legalise same sex marriages accross Canada. The bill is widely anticipated to be passed. The Charter of Rights and Freedoms, as interperated by our Supreme Court, protects the rights of religious institutions which choose not to perform same sex marriages. Kerry and Bec's comments are a reflection of the view held by the majority of young people in Canada. And over 65% of the population as a whole, agree with them. Love Patty

I know I've said this already, but boy, this thread is one of the most interesting ones I've read for a while. Patty, although it doesn't affect me, I have friends in the same boat as David, and Sheila, and they would dearly love to have a facility such as the one you described! Glenys x

For what it`s worth David, I believe you should be able to marry! Your happy and you make each other happy so why does it matter, whether your in a same sex relationship or not! xxx

I have lived with my partner for 3 yrs and we are getting married next year. Mum was very unsure of it but think that was because she was from a differnet genaration. Theresa. x

Kerry There are so-called ceremonies that we could go through but to be honest I haven't got any time for them - they've no basis in law at all. Some churches will bless unions but I don't agree with those for us or for divorced people (which I am as well) because if the church as an institution is saying that something is wrong I don't see how they can bless it. There is the forthcoming partnership register but I'm beginning to see that as a sop really:) David

Sheila/David can you not have any kind of cermoney??

I haven't read all the replies but I would suggest that, before either marriage or living together, a couple should sit down with an impersonal intermediary and discuss their opinions of the important things in life and see if they are compatible - sadly, sexual compatability is only a small part of the whole! Lily

Wendy, It is a lovely idea that you get to know someone through courting but in reality how can you learn just from dating, and all the things you suggested, things like: does he rinse the sink out, ever, after shaving. does he think it's your job to do everything in the house even if you both work. does he need 4 strong coffees of a morning before even being able to say good morning. is he in a foul mood after work every day and therefore doesn't play with the kids when he comes in. The list could go on and on, for both sexes obviously. In most cases I'm sure we'd still be with the people we are, idiosyncrasies and all, but a lot of relationships/marriages fail due to a build up of little things that the other party can't stand. Surely it's better to be aware of each others mundane day to day way of life before deciding if you can make that final commitment to each other. I for one would love to live in a world of courtship, marriage then kids, but society is no longer of the 'settle for' nature it once was.

I lived with my husband for 13 years and finally dragged him to the register office 15 years ago. I started by living with him as I had never had a thing about getting married, and I felt I wanted to see how we got along living together first. It may sound odd, but as both sets of parents treated us as though we were married it seemed a bit pointless to bother. Then after we'd been together for years, it seemed like NOT being married when we were in all but name was also silly, so we got married. But I think its an individual choice. You can legislate on how people are connected to eachother, but you can't legislate on feelings. nell

What an interesting thread, and such different views - that's what life is all about! I've been married for 37 years this year and wouldnt swop my situation for anything. We've had ups and downs, hundreds of them; and smiles and laughs, millions of them; I count myself fortunate to have found my 'better half'. My opinion is that when you find someone you can fully trust -stick with them, and never betray that trust. Jacqui

good for you becsxx be happy

David, we recently celebrated the civily contracted union of two people who have loved, honored and cherished one another for 25 years. Why did they decide to get married after all those years? Because our Charter of Rights and Freedoms says they can, so they did. It's as simple as that. Best wishes, Patty.