Prop 8 - Yeah Judge Walker!

Today, in a bold move, Chief US District Judge Walker of California deemed Proposition 8 as unconstitutional.  In my opinion he made it very clear that you can not legislate based on religious "morals".  In his 136 page decision today, Walker states that prop 8 "fails to advance any rational basis in singling out gay men and lesbians for denial of a marriage license"

Generally when I hear any argument against gay marriage, it centers around a religious view and people start quoting the bible. So today, there is a lot of chatter on the interweb-thingy in support of both sides of the argument. 

I am reproducing the letter below from a tumblr blog, Sparkling Pants...  This "letter" has made the rounds on the Internet since 2000.  I believe it was a letter written to Dr. Laura after she called homosexuals a "mistake of nature" while discussing Vermont's law to allow gay marriage, although I can't confirm those origins.  Each time this debate comes up, I find the religious argument infuriating.  This "letter" puts it into perspective in a great way!  If you believe two loving men or two loving woman should be denied the rights that heterosexual couples have and you base that argument on the bible, then this letter might address other questions you might have!

“Dear Dr. Laura,

When someone defends discrimination based on the Bible (like those who cite Leviticus 18:22), I realize how little I understand the Word of God. Specifically, I need help regarding some of the specific laws and how to best follow them.


 a) When I burn a bull on the altar as a sacrifice, I know it creates a pleasing odor for the Lord (Lev 1:9). The problem is my neighbors. They claim the odor is not pleasing to them. Should I smite them?

 b) If my sister sells her daughter into slavery, as sanctioned in Exodus 21:7. In this day and age, what do you think would be a fair price for her?

 c) I know that I am allowed no contact with a woman while she is in her period of menstrual uncleanliness (Lev 15:19-24). The problem is, how do I tell? I have tried asking, but most women take offense.

 d) Lev. 25:44 states that I may indeed possess slaves, both male and female, provided they are purchased from neighboring nations. A friend of mine claims that this applies to Mexicans, but not Canadians. Can you clarify? Why can’t I own Canadians?

e) I have a neighbor who insists on working on the Sabbath. Exodus 35:2 clearly states he should be put to death. Am I morally obligated to kill him myself?

f) A friend of mine feels that even though eating shellfish is an Abomination (Lev 11:10), it is a lesser abomination than homosexuality. I don’t agree. Can you settle this?

g) Lev 21:20 states that I may not approach the altar of God if I have a defect in my sight. I have to admit that I wear reading glasses. Does my vision have to be 20/20, or is there some wiggle room here?

h) Most of my male friends get their hair trimmed, including the hair around their temples, even though this is expressly forbidden by Lev 19:27. How should they die?

i) I know from Lev 11:6-8 that touching the skin of a dead pig makes me unclean, but may I still play football if I wear gloves?

 j) My uncle has a farm. He violates Lev 19:19 by planting two different crops in the same field, as does his wife by wearing garments made of two different kinds of thread (cotton/polyester blend). He also tends to curse and blaspheme a lot. Is it really necessary that we go to all the trouble of getting the whole town together to stone them? (Lev 24:10-16) Couldn’t we just burn them to death at a private family affair like we do with people who sleep with their in-laws? (Lev. 20:14)

 If God’s word is unchanging and eternal, I am not quite sure how to resolve the above.”