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California legalizes gay marriage, what it means for South Dakota

Sunday, 22 June 2008 08:46

California legalizes gay marriage, what it means for South Dakota

Posted: June 20, 2008 06:02 PM on KOTA Territory News

Reporting - Lela French

It was a day thousands of gay couples have waited a long time for, California legalizes same sex marriages.

"A lot of my friends were really excited. And I was happy for them, but at the same time it goes against my beliefs," said Lacey Uhre, opposes gay marriage.

"As far as freedom goes, it's their right to be married just like it's my right to be married. I didn't marry him because he's a man. I married him because he's a wonderful person," said Cindy Fleming, supports gay marriage.

But the majority of South Dakota voters don't want the law in their state.

In 2006, by a margin of 52 to 48 percent South Dakota voters passed an amendment that defines marriage as being between a man and a woman.

So legally, if a gay couple tied the knot in California and moved to South Dakota they wouldn't have the same rights as other married couples.

"I think it's unlikely that a California gay marriage would be recognized in South Dakota. But for those of us who believe in equality. It's a step in the right direction," said Don Frankenfeld, South Dakota Equality.

"They're radical, they're activists and they want us to embrace their lifestyle and we don't. It's just plain and simple. And most of Americans don't," said Pastor Jeff Anderson.

Pastor Jeff Anderson says he's not happy with the California judicial system's approval of the new law. He says it violates God's design, and judges shouldn't take the law into their own hands and overturn what voters rejected.

"They are dumping a big pile of garbage on the front porch of states that have the defense marriage act. And that is why we desperately need the federal marriage amendment to pass," said Anderson.

"People don't all have to be identical to be treated with care and compassion and to be extended equal rights," said Frankenfeld.

But whether everyone will be treated equally often falls on voters.

"If people are gay than it's none of our business. We don't live in their bedroom," said Fleming.

"I personally don't agree with the gay revolution. It's not a natural thing. And it's spoken against in the bible," said Teri Duncan, opposes gay marriage.

In November, California voters will have their say and could stop the ceremonies. If that happens it's unsure whether it will nullify the marriages.

Equality South Dakota is taking an active role in the legislative campaign. They hope to sit down with all legislators and city leaders in hopes of bringing equality to South Dakota.

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