Miss California says she opposes gay marriage

miss usa 140409

Who watches the Miss USA beauty pageant? Women and gay men, right? Do straight men even watch it anymore? If straight men want to see pretty girls in bathing suits (quaint), don’t they have millions of magazines, pornographic sites and videos for that sort of thing? So it’s really just women and gay men, because we honestly like to watch the clothes, make fun of the interviews, play everybody’s favorite game of “Who Has Fake Boobs?” and keep our fingers crossed that someone wipes out in the evening dress category.

Miss California didn’t get the memo about the pageant’s fanbase, however. Perez Hilton, who was one of the judges, asked Miss California Carrie Prejean if she believed in gay marriage. Her answer was… sketchy.

When asked by judge Perez Hilton, an openly gay gossip blogger, whether she believed in gay marriage, Miss California, Carrie Prejean, said “We live in a land where you can choose same-sex marriage or opposite. And you know what, I think in my country, in my family, I think that I believe that a marriage should be between a man and a woman. No offense to anybody out there, but that’s how I was raised.”

Keith Lewis, who runs the Miss California competition, tells FOXNews.com that he was “saddened” by Prejean’s statement.

“As co-director of the Miss California USA, I am personally saddened and hurt that Miss California believes marriage rights belong only to a man and a woman,” said Lewis in a statement. “I believe all religions should be able to ordain what unions they see fit. I do not believe our government should be able to discriminate against anyone and religious beliefs have no politics in the Miss California family.”

Co-director Shanna Moakler told FOXNews.com that she fully supported Lewis’ statement. Miss California’s answer sparked a shouting match in the lobby after the show.

“It’s ugly,” said Scott Ihrig, a gay man, who attended the pageant with his partner. “I think it’s ridiculous that she got first runner-up. That is not the value of 95 percent of the people in this audience. Look around this audience and tell me how many gay men there are.”

Charmaine Koonce, the mother of Miss New Mexico USA Bianca Matamoros-Koonce, argued back.

“In the Bible it says marriage is between Adam and Eve, not Adam and Steve!”

The pageant had enjoyed a scandal-free year until earlier this month, when Miss Universe 2008 Dayana Mendoza was skewered for a blog posting from a trip to Guantanamo Bay. The entry described having “aloooot of fun” at a base that houses the notorious military prison; it was later deleted from the pageant’s Web site.

The winner, Miss North Carolina Kristen Dalton, a 22-year-old aspiring motivational speaker and entertainer from Wilmington, edged out first runner-up Miss California, and second runner-up Miss Arizona USA Alicia-Monique Blanco, of Phoenix.

“It feels really natural,” Dalton said of her win. “I’ve worked so be here and this has been my lifelong dream and it’s finally here. And whoever knew you could win in a turquoise gown?”

Contestants from all 50 states and the District of Columbia competed in the pageant, aired live on NBC. Contestants were judged by their performance in swimsuit and evening gown modeling contests and their responses to a question asked onstage; unlike the rival Miss America pageant, Miss USA contestants do not perform a talent.

[From Fox News]

If you want to know more about the winner and what prizes she gets, you should read the whole Fox News article. I just found the gay marriage stuff interesting. Yes, I know I’m stereotyping about pageants and gay men, but sometimes those stereotypes exist because of anecdotal evidence. A beauty queen who doesn’t love her gay men is like a Cher tour with no sequins.

Ordinarily, I consider Perez a tool, but I have to give him some credit. Instead of asking the normal brain-dead interview questions, he asked something interesting and got an interesting answer. Instead of having a Miss USA ceremony that was utterly forgettable, they ended up with a controversy that will last a few days. I, too, can’t believe that Miss California got runner-up. It’s a pageant travesty!

Header image of Miss California, Carrie Prejean at the 2009 Miss USA Contestants Preliminary Competition at Planet Hollywood in Vegas on April 13th. Images thanks to WENN.com .

You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed.

138 Responses to “Miss California says she opposes gay marriage”

Comments are Closed

We close comments on older posts to fight comment spam.

  1. annie says:

    She’s got guts!

  2. Tori says:

    I don’t see what the controversy is about. He asked her a question and she gave him her honest answer. She was not insulting. She was honest and she is not the only person in American who does not believe in gay marriage.

    I think they are making a big deal to get more publicity for their show.

  3. JustSaying says:

    I hope she doesn’t back down or apologize for her beliefs…unfortunately, her butt will be in the ringer for her comment…

  4. HEB says:

    While I don’t share the same beliefs, she is entitled to her own opinion and I thought Perez’s reaction on his website was crass.

    If gays want people to stop voting against them they need to start educating them-not bashing them–that doesn’t get you anywhere–it just gives them more reason to not like you!

  5. j. ferber says:

    So maybe Jackie Chan was right about the American people, too. Gays need to be “controlled” so they can’t “do whatever they want.” So I guess too much freedom is not good for us, either (or a certain sector of our population).

  6. larawinn says:

    Whether you agree with gay marriage or not, her answer was fair, honest, and personal. She shared what her and her family believes. She shouldn’t be criticized for saying what she believes, whether she’s in the minority or majority.

  7. annie says:

    This is also Obama’s stance on the issue

  8. Annie says:

    It’s a big deal because she comes from the state that just dealt with this huge controversy. And you know, I respect opinions, but not at the expense of individual human rights.

  9. Kate says:

    I think that she was ballsy for saying what she said and of course some people won’t agree with her. Apparently the state of California DOES agree with her, however since they voted YES to Prop 8 last year.

  10. Chiara says:

    I’m saddened she is a Californian.

    BTW … Obama has a, “personal opinion,” which supports his belief system. His, “constitutional opinion,” is that gays should have the right to marry.

    Joe Biden states this on a you tube clip, the two having worked together on upholding gay marriage at the federal level.

  11. daniel says:

    sorry guys but people who support homosexuality are in the vast MINORITY. MOST americans will tolerate gays but quite honoestly about 90% of americans are still strongly opposed to it, at least in private anyway. this is politically correct BS. Here viewpoint is just as valid as someone saying they support. She’s entitled to her opinion too.

  12. Annie says:

    First. Prop 8 and its proponents were largely funded by organizations outside of California. 45% of the out-of-state “donations” came from Utah.

    Second. It lost by a small percentage.
    52.24% voted yes. 47.76% voted no.

    It wasn’t a landslide. And it was a huge and devastating blow to the LGBT community and it disgusts me when public figures endorse the stripping of a person’s rights.

  13. neelyo says:

    You know all of the other finalists were breathing a sigh of relief that wasn’t their question.

    But seriously, who gives a shit what she thinks? It’s the Miss USA pageant, not a MENSA meeting.

    And that dress is hideous.

  14. Tiera says:

    Why has no one brought up the issue that she seems to think California is a country?

    Miss USA and all pageants are stupid, outdated, and archaic and should not have even lasted this long! Just get rid of themm. All they do is propogate the myth that beauty matters more than anything else, as evidienced by the brain surgeons that compete every year.

  15. Ron says:

    Who cares what JonBenet’s dimwitted answer was. She lost because of her chicken coop dress.

  16. Liz Conley says:

    Not everyone who is a “CALIFORNIAN” is GAY or a CELEBRITY! NEWS FLASH! She has the same opinion of the “majority” of this country- why do you think that the People voted and proved that over 50% of Californian residents still oppose it! The only people who don’t are GAY or ARE celebrities! DUH

  17. kathy says:

    So what is the problem??? She was asked a question and gave her opinion. This is news worthy?? Hardly.

  18. Annie says:

    Liz Conley, your ignorance knows no bounds.

    I am neither gay, nor a celebrity. I am, however, someone who believes in equality and rights for all.

    Caring about the human rights of other people, you might want to try that some time.

  19. NYCgal says:

    really we’re analyzing what she said? perhaps, had an eloquent speaker answered this question, it would be worth analyzing. “i think that i believe…?”, she doesn’t even know what she believes! i know it’s difficult to answer a question off the top of your head, but these ladies are trained to do this. at least sound like you believe what you’re saying.

  20. MonicaBee says:

    I’m sitting here reading this article over & over & over, and I can’t really understand the controversy.

    I do not WHATSOEVER agree with Miss California, but as others have mentioned… she is entitled to her own opinion. She was asked a question and she answered truthfully. Whoopty-doo.

    I am also wondering where her religion was brought into this, as brought up by Keith Lewis. The contestant did not once mention her religion…?

    Anyway. Whomever said this controversy is for ratings is probably spot on. My Nana used to love these contests, and I’d watch them with her when I was younger. I couldn’t bring myself to watch one of these things now.

  21. ash says:

    Hmm… Keith Lewis, it isn’t just the pageants audience in the building that gets to decide on her answer buddy. There were more than just that watching this show. She was honest, I don’t see the whole mess about this.

  22. DD says:

    that was a very poorly formed response that made no sense. She goes from saying she’s living in a land where they can choose same sex marriage which in fact is not the case. She’s trying to string words together to sound grand but comes off as stupid regardless of her opinion.

  23. skldfj says:

    ok i am comPLETEly pro-gay marriage and hate anti-gay marriage beliefs…HOWEVER…how dare she be ridiculed for saying what she believes?!? that makes the whole pro-gay marriage movement look bad. Everyone is entitled to their own opinion! Although i dont agree with it- hellO?! freedom of speech?? thats just messed up.

  24. anastasiabeaverhausen says:

    OMG am I really reading these comments?

    If she’s against gay marriage, then she shouldn’t get married to a woman.

    Period.

    She even said “in my family we don’t believe in it.” Paraphrased.

    Good for her family. But does her family have the right to tell gay couples no, you don’t have the right to have the same benefits and privileges the rest of us do?

    Geez Louise. It’s like the comments section fell into 1952 around here. Before anyone says otherwise, of COURSE she has every right to her opinion, as do I and as does everyone else. That’s NOT what’s being debated.

    It’s patently ridiculous that gay couples can’t get married just like everyone else. Someday kids are going to find out there was a time when they couldn’t and find it amazing. Just like kids find it amazing nowdays that there used to be laws against interracial marriage. My daughter didn’t even believe me until I showed her some articles on the matter.

    Love is love is love.

  25. Tess says:

    she wasn’t rude. she didn’t insult anyone.

    She was asked a question and answered it.

    You know, there is an actual difference between marriage and civil unions.

    Marriage is a traditional union between a man and a woman, traditionally performed by a religious figure such as a priest, rabbi, or minister.

    A civil union, on-the-other-hand, is wholly a state function.

    why do those with an agenda, part of which is to undercut the role of religion in the American public square, insist on traditional marriage?

    It seems like civil unions would be more consistent with their larger agenda.

    And civil unions are already available.

  26. anastasiabeaverhausen says:

    Liz Conley: I am neither gay nor a celebrity and my husband and I are in total complete 100% support of the rights of gay people to get married under the civil laws in this country.

    There goes your theory. There are lots more like us, too. Oh and we live in Texas, not California.

  27. daisy424 says:

    Agree with HEB, well said.
    People may not like her answer, but I give her props for stating what she truly believes in. There was no need for her to apologize for her opinion.
    The people of CA voted, and let their voice be heard.
    Didn’t both Biden and Obama say during the election that they were against gay marriage? I remember Biden clearly stating his opposition during the VP debate.

  28. anastasiabeaverhausen says:

    Tess: when people say marriage they usually mean both the ceremony and the civil part.

    And separate but equal was tried before. It was insulting and didn’t work then, either.

    I can’t imagine being told because I fell in love with a woman and not a man, I can’t get married to her, I can’t enjoy any of the hundreds of federal rights and benefits of marriage.

    That would just blow me away. Thank goodness some states are coming to their senses. May many more follow. No one yet has been able to tell me in specific detail the horrible thing or things that would happen if gays were allowed to get married. Not one person. I’ve asked many times.

  29. IvyMades says:

    I support same sex marriage. However, she has the right to take whatever position she wants on the issue. Stop turning this into the spanish inquisition.

    Not everyone supports gay marriage! People who don’t will not be won over by being demonized or smeared!

  30. rbsesq says:

    I think larawinn said it best.

    Honestly, I must admit that I’m kind of laughing right now because I keep seeing clips from Miss Congeniality in my head. At least Cheryl Frasier was majoring in molecular engineering with a concentration in elementary particles! The new Miss USA is an aspiring motivational speaker and entertainer? Seriously? That just throws the whole “It’s a scholarship program” argument right out the window!

  31. Annie says:

    You’re right, there is a huge difference between Marriage and Civil Union and the differences are what make this whole thing so messed up.

    Please go google “Civil Unions V. Legal Marriage”

    And go discover that there are numerous rights that you do not get from a Civil Union that you would from a legal marriage. THAT’S why it’s a big deal. And that’s why they’re fighting for it.

    Agreed on the “Separate but (NOT)Equal” argument. Brown V. Board anyone? Separate is inherently not equal. It’s the nature of the beast.

    anastasiabeaverhausen, wait wait. Texans aren’t bigots?! (JK 🙂 Just mocking the stupid belief that everyone has about most Americans being against Gay Marriage, especially those “conservative texans”)

    As for the “Spanish Inquisition” business, dramatic much? Nobody’s even saying to boycott her (like people tend to scream in the most random of posts) We’re saying she should’ve had more tact. What is up with all these dumb little pageant girls? Way to break the stereotype *rolls eyes*.

  32. cherryblossom says:

    She was asked a question and gave an honest answer. I don’t think her answer was the right one but still.
    What I love is her trying to be a martyr with the whole “Being honest made me lose the crown.” crap.
    And why the hell is Perez Hilton a judge? Couldn’t they have hired some other fame whore?

  33. snappyfish says:

    the question was about Vermont and it’s recent approval of same- sex marriage and whether she believed it should be so in every state and why( or why not) thus she didn’t answer the question. To start off stating in “this country you can choose same-sex or opposite” visions of Miss South”such as”Carolina came to mind.

    I believe in civil rights for ALL. Period. As for people stating what the majority of Americans want or believe here is a little history lesson:

    It is called Tyranny of the Majority and stands against everything our founding fathers stood for which was equality

  34. Dave says:

    I guess you’re not allowed to be Miss USA if you’re a Christian. I hope Miss California sues since she only lost due to Hilton’s anti-Christian bigotry.

  35. anastasiabeaverhausen says:

    Dave, just because you are Christian doesn’t mean you are against gay people having all the rights straight people enjoy.

  36. Annie says:

    –Christian and all for Gay Rights.

    Please stop throwing that “Anti-Christian” crap at us. Not all Christians are ignorant and I don’t appreciate being clumped in with morons like that.

    I should note that at one point, the Bible was used to justify the Holocaust. My point being that I do not appreciate it when people manipulate the ideas of a religion or what-have-you, to forward their ignorant notions.

  37. Tess says:

    Snappy:
    the founding father’s biggest concern was for freedom.

    freedom of religion, freedom of opportunity, freedom to pursue happiness, etc.

    our Declaration of Independance and Constitution grant these freedoms to each and every one of us.

  38. Larissa says:

    the only thing I can think of is that her boobs look ridiculous! I´m not offending, that´s just my opinion!

  39. snappyfish says:

    First, I hate reposting. But I felt the need to respond. I am tired of those who use Christianity for a reason to explain bigotry and hatred.

    Christ was about love, forgiveness and including all, not hatred, ostracizing and exclusion.

    Simple message love all. Being against equal rights for certain people isn’t being Christian. It is diametrically opposed to being a decent person which is one of the cornerstones of what being a Christian is all about.

  40. Edward says:

    Perez Hilton obviously feels it’s acceptable to call anyone who disagrees with him a B…. or today he changed it to a C… and snikered about it. I believe entertainers ought to be more responsible in their commentary and more thoughful in their questions. In a free country people should be able to speak their minds without being attacked with vulgar descriptors by those who represent the media. Especially in California where the majority of the voting public voted down gay marriages in the last election. If there were a correct answer to Perez Hilton’s question she gave it based on the majority of the voting public in her state. Perez Hilton was just promoting his own cause by asking this question and then attacking the contestant for an honest response that deflated his ambitions. Disingenuous at best, heterophobic at worst.

  41. Annie says:

    heterophobic at worst

    LMFAO.

    Omg. You’re kidding right? Please, please, please tell me you didn’t just write that? Really?

  42. the original kate says:

    *gasp* – a miss usa contestant is not pro gay marriage? is anyone actually surprised by this?! and why are we still having beauty contests in this day and age?

  43. Wonder Woman says:

    I dont know why people are so offended by gay marriage???

  44. Hieronymus Grexx says:

    Gay marriage for some- small American flags and poorly written signs with teabags attached to them for others. Deal ?

  45. OXA says:

    This topic is about equality for all,it is nothing to do with her religious beliefs.

  46. daisyfly says:

    Can I wave my Christian and Pro-Gay Marriage flag?

    Being a Christian means being (or striving to be) Christ-like. Jesus didn’t exclude anyone, be they sinners, lepers, prostitutes, lechers. He viewed EVERYONE as God’s children. To even imply that Christian is equated to being anti-Gay marriage is irresponsible and incorrect.

    Now, Miss California has the right to say what she wants to. It’s everyone’s right. However, as with all things, there are consequences to that, whether good or bad, and she’s going to have to deal with them. The good for her are the supporters who say she’s just following her Christian beliefs of exclusion. The bad are her detractors who say she’s an idiot who doesn’t understand what Jesus stood for.

    In either case, is this REALLY that big of a deal? Unless her fiance dumps her for her brother, I think she’s just trying to keep her parents (who most likely paid for the majority of her pageant costs anyway) happy.

  47. snappyfish says:

    Teds the pursuit of happiness is in the preamble to the US Constitution not the declaration of independance. Equality (and freedom from a tyrant) was the basis if the revolution and all men (& woman) being equal.

    Means everyone. Gay, straight, polka dot. I studied at Mr. Jefferson’s university and am pretty spot on when discussing what the founding fathers wanted not what some have manipulated those ideas to mean.

    No disrespect intended but the idea of individual rights and not the tyranny of the majority is what makes one free

  48. Trillion says:

    Imagine the brouhaha if she’d answered that she’s PRO equal rights for marriage…

  49. sarcra says:

    Who let Perez Hilton in the building in the first place? The fact that he was a judge alone is what astonishes me.

    As for Miss California, why is this a big surprise to people? The country isn’t united on this issue, that’s pretty well known. There are differing opinions, and she expressed hers. Don’t ask someone what they think about gay marriage if you just want to hear the answer you agree with. You might get disappointed.

    I think people are more surprised that someone in some type of ‘show business’ capacity would admit to not agreeing with gay marriage, more then being surprised that there are people out there who don’t agree with it.

  50. annie says:

    Christ was about love and forgiveness, He also said, “go and sin no more”, not, “do what makes you happy”

  51. IvyMades says:

    @ Annie:

    As for the “Spanish Inquisition” business, dramatic much? Nobody’s even saying to boycott her (like people tend to scream in the most random of posts) We’re saying she should’ve had more tact. What is up with all these dumb little pageant girls? Way to break the stereotype *rolls eyes*.

    ———

    I admit, that example was dramatic. However, I think it doesn’t how she expressed what she said — you still would have taken issue with it.

    People are calling is woman a bigot and making fun of what career path she wants to pursue. If she had a doctorate and helped nurse kittens to health in her spare time, she would STILL be demonized. It all comes down to the fact that she does not uphold your beliefs.

    I think Brown vs Board of Education is a stretch. No one’s being forced on the back of bus, lynched without impunity, denied the right to vote, and countless other horrors made into LAW under Jim Crow.

    I think in principle same sex marriage should be legal. People get married for stupid reasons, and others divorce without thinking twice. So why can’t two people who love each other get married?

  52. Danielle says:

    Wow. How dare someone believe what they want to in a country braggart on its freedom.

    Let’s crucify her for it. That seems like a fair punishment for someone being who they are, I think.

    *turns off the sarcasm*

    ~Dani

  53. A. Davis says:

    Quote from snappyfish – “Christ was about love, forgiveness and including all, not hatred, ostracizing and exclusion.”

    MMMM, not entirly so. When you REALLY look at ALL the teachings of Jesus, He commanded those who would follow Him to obey His commands. Jesus claimed to be God in the flesh so that would be all of the commands of God. Jesus started His ministry in Mark 1:14-15 commanding all people to REPENT and BELIEVE. He commanded the woman caught in adultry to “go and sin no more”He said he didnt come to condemn the world for we are already under condemnation. He said he has come not to bring peace to this world but a sword. To divide even families when one follows Him. He also said he would be back to seperate the true believers from the false and to cast ALL who reject Him into an eternal hell. If you are going to claim His teachings, claim ALL of them and not just what makes you happy and proves your point. And by the way Jesus gave His approval on marriage between a man and a woman only! Look it up. If he was God in the flesh he could see the future and would have known that this debate would be and He still only ordained marriage between a man and a woman. Don’t try using the Bible to prove a pro-homo point. It will always backfire on you.

  54. A. Davis says:

    (So why can’t two people who love each other get married?)

    Let’s use that as a point of discussion. Do you mean that no matter what, two people who love each other should get married? Let me go out on a limb here. Does that mean some pervert could marry his adult daughter just as long as they “love” each other? And what about three people who love each other? If you say no to these two examples then WHY are you saying no. Give specific reasons.

  55. ChristinaX says:

    I love how everyone lauds this one for “having balls”, but if some older, washed-up actor says it, no matter how he/she explains it, they’ll be crucified for it.

    Just another example of if you’re attractive enough, that you can get away with more than everyone else.

    Yes, I went there.

    All that these contests are is a publicity stunt, especially over the past few years.

    This one’s against gay marriage (and the most sickening part is that she received praise for it when others would be criticized).

    That one did drugs. That one had nudes plastered all over the internet…and also pretty much got away with it.

    I think these pageants bring out the worst in people, since two out of three situations I listed, these “ladies” were judged easy because our sh*thole society is more forgiving of attractive people.

    This is disgusting.

  56. A. Davis says:

    To Snappyfish,

    Jesus was exclusive. He said unless you come to the Father(God) by Him (Jesus) you would never see heaven.

    He said “I am the way the truth and the life. No one can get to the Father but by me”
    Pretty much exclusive there ole buddy! I do believe Jesus left all the “other” ways to God out. No matter what our dear ole Oprah says.

  57. Jane says:

    I’m a lesbian and I don’t watch that show. Never seen it once. Screw her for being a bigot.

  58. bella mama says:

    i am a pro-gay marriage christian who doesnt understand why, in a free country, cant this chick give her opinion without all the hub-bub.

    she was asked a question, she gave her opinion. game over.

  59. Annie says:

    I knew it would only be a matter of time before people compared Gay marriage to polygamy and the marriage of a father/daughter. (Woody Allen?)

    What? Are you going to compare it to bestiality next?

  60. Danielle says:

    omg what is the big deal!?? This is ridiculous. She was HONEST she’s not going to stand up there and lie to everyone. She has her own opinions and good for her. Perez needs to chill, she answered his question truthfully and didn’t just tell him what she knew he wanted to hear.

  61. daisyfly says:

    Speaking of picking and choosing…

    A. Davis, Jesus also said that a man who divorces his wife and marries another commits adultery (in that same book, I might add) and yet so many of those whom are against same sex marriage happen to BE divorced and remarried – most often times to their mistresses – and yet there is no outcry about this, no legal push to ban such things, to prevent these men their “right” to do such things.

    There are a lot of double standards being laid out here by those whom are against same sex marriage and the use of the bible to support it is about as blasphemous as it gets.

    Oh, and just so we’re clear, Jesus also said to accept what one could of what they’ve heard, IF they’ve heard it.

  62. Orangejulius says:

    It was a loaded question to ask. She was in a lose/lose position.

  63. Mairead says:

    Actually I REALLY dislike her answer. Now, not because of the sentiment itself, but because she made such a convoluted pig’s ear of the thing.

    She’d have been much better off giving a simpler answer like, “Personally I don’t believe in it, as I was raised to believe a marriage is between a man and a woman, and I agree. But I understand the desire to be happy get married to the person you love”. It would have been straightforward and honest and more acceptable.

    I think these pageant coaches do a real disservice to their clients by constantly looking into their own incestuous little world view and making their clients sound like complete and utter dolts.

    (and yes I can imagine what it’s like to be young and stand up in front of an audience before I get called out on it; I was the worst debater ever on my school’s team, and inflicted myself in some national competitions – I only got kept on because despite spouting illogical bollocks, I sounded like I knew what I was talking about :blush: )

  64. Pufft says:

    And world peace!

    Sheesh, leave the girl be. So she doesn’t agree with you or my stance on gay-marriages, boo-effing-hoo.

  65. anastasiabeaverhausen says:

    Hey A. Davis, your argument is WAY off base. Here’s why:

    1. Marriage between blood relatives is against the law. For good reason.

    2. As the law stands now, it only counts two in a marriage, however, there have been plural relationships between consenting adults throughout history. The stickler with that when it comes to the law is that it gets very convulted as far as rights, protections and benefits. I know of a woman and two men who have lived together for nearly 20 years (in California!) with their seven kids, very happily. She is officially married to one of the men and obviously cannot marry the other, but otherwise they live together as a happily married trio raising their kids (they don’t know and don’t care whose kids are whose).

    The bigger point here, though, is that poly-relationships are extremely rare–so rare that they are statistically negligible, so that’s a strawman of an argument.

    I fully expected you to bring up the classically wrong-headed argument of bestiality. In which case, I’d point you back to this particular part of the law: both parties in a marriage must be consenting. An animal cannot consent, thus it is illegal and should be.

    Ditto the mentally impaired, those in a vegetative state, children, etc. No one in those categories can give consent.

    So drop the strawmen and answer a question for me: what horrible thing would happen if gay marriage were allowed across the US? Keep in mind we’re talking about marriage between two consenting non-blood related adults. The only thing different from traditional marriages is that they are the same gender, the end.

    Be detailed and specific as to this horrible thing.

  66. Stephen says:

    Charmaine Koonce needs to understand that only 30% of the world’s population are Christians. The fairy tale of Adam and Eve hasn’t got jack to do with a bond between two human beings. Always amazes me how blind Bible thumpers are.

  67. Ana says:

    Did anybody catch (I believe it was) Miss Arizona? She was horrible!! Didn’t even answer the question asked!
    I completely agree with Mairead—“She’d have been much better off giving a simpler answer like, “Personally I don’t believe in it, as I was raised to believe a marriage is between a man and a woman, and I agree. But I understand the desire to be happy get married to the person you love”. It would have been straightforward and honest and more acceptable.”
    That’s exactly what I thought!!! She could have been more diplomatic in her answer. For instance, gay marriage is not for me. But the problem with our world is that we’re not more tolerate to other people’s feelings and differences. I’m not about to try to take away someone’s right to marry their love because it’s against my beliefs.

  68. HashBrowns says:

    @Mairead: I agree. It isn’t what she said, it’s how she said it. I personally don’t agree with her, but when you are in a public forum like that with a whole bunch of gays sitting around you, your “I should be tactful” light should come on.

    And I’m Californian, and I’m not gay and I believe that gay people should be allowed full federal and state marriage rights. We are not a Christian nation. It doesn’t matter what Christians think or what their issues are with state matters. We were founded as a secular nation and we need to continue that tradition.

    In the eyes of a secular state, there is no logical reason why a gay person and another gay person (two consenting, unrelated adults) can’t get married. None.

    By the way, the whole argument with “California voters” is ridiculous. The idea of voting for someone to get rights at all was ridiculous and it’s going through our court system now to figure out if it was an illegal vote. The Prop 8 supporters barely won and it was only because certain church groups (that shall go unmentioned) were spreading literal LIES about Prop 8 and scaring the morons who were on the fence and didn’t want to read or actually find out information about Prop 8 and what it actually did.

  69. Raunnie says:

    This plastic barbie doll should just make a porn video and be done with it. Her queefs would sound more intelligent than the spew from her mouth. Isn’t California the same state that is paying millions of dollars towards that mentally ill straight breeder named Nadya Suleman aka Octomom? And gay marriage is illegal?

  70. Ana says:

    Also, not everyone is Christian.
    What if someone tried to impose their beliefs on you because it was against their religion. What if our country was based on another religion and affect your life in the same way?
    I’m not saying that there is one “correct” religion just trying to make people think.

  71. franki says:

    Her comments were taken out of context. this is what she said in it’s entirety:
    “”I think its great Americans are able to choose one way or another. We live in a land where you can choose same-sex marriage or opposite marriage. And you know what, I think in my country, in my family, I think that I believe that a marriage should be between a man and a woman. No offense to anybody out there, but that’s how I was raised, and that’s how I think it should be — between a man and a woman.””

  72. Ryo says:

    Man, all of these people using Christianity as a way to preach hate against gay people…and they wonder why more and more people are reporting that they don’t believe in ANY religion at ALL!

  73. Cinderella says:

    @ anastasiabeaverhausen

    Now that deserves a big AMEN!

  74. Annie says:

    Hasbrowns: I’ll say it, MORMONS. Utah! Damn you! Lol.

    Agreed with Hash, anastasiabeaver, and Mairead.

    I honestly think she should’ve responded with a very simple “I choose not to say.” That would’ve been acceptable as well.

  75. Annie says:

    Putting it into context does not help at all, she still says that “in my country” as if in her world, it’s wrong.

    She made a moronic statement. And any way you slice and dice it, it was very poorly chosen.

  76. ChristinaT says:

    This has gone so far off on a tangent. more fodder for christian bashing.

    not all people who don’t believe in gay marriage are religious.

    not all religious people are christian.

    not all christians are anti-gay marriage.

    not all homosexuals are atheists.

    not all anti-gay marriage arguments are religion based… although the reason this comes up quite off is because marriage was originally a product of religion.

    not all christians are illogical, incoherent, bigotted babbling buffoons.

    please give me a break.

    I happen to believe in god, i have a PhD in physics, i’m perfectly fine with gay marriage and i hate stereotypes. just saying that anti-religious sentiment is often quite insulting and more readily accepted by society.

  77. Trillion says:

    YAY Anastasia. I’d like to add that I’m so very happy we don’t use the Bible to make our laws. We’d all have to go to church on Saturday (it’s a commandment even! Gayness didn’t even make into the top 10!) and we wouldn’t get to eat shellfish.

  78. ! says:

    lol no matter how you look at her statement, it just sounds ignorant.

    She’s a great representation of those who feel as she does.

  79. Bob says:

    No, “ignorant” is someone who feels they have a right to force other people to change their religious beliefs. Gays should (and in most states already do) have all the same legal rights as married couples. But they DON’T have the right to force other people to redefine their belief in what marriage is.

  80. Trillion says:

    How does homosexual marriage force you to change your religious beliefs Bob? Sounds like your beliefs need a better foundation if they’re so easily changed.

  81. boomchakaboom says:

    It’s easy to armchair quarterback after reading the question and answer and having time to think about it, but to be asked to answer on the spot doesn’t leave room for reflection.

    She was honest in her answer and that’s all anyone should be expected to be. She’s not running for public office so she doesn’t have to be PC and wishy-washy.

    The idea of gay marriage is relatively new and I’m sure it will take a while to catch on. Bashing the hell out of anyone who doesn’t agree with it is NOT going to persuade people to change their minds.

    I don’t know what the big deal is about getting married anyway – well over 50% of marriages end in divorce, so there go your precious “legal rights”. Welcome to divorce court, marriage style. I’m sure you’ll love it.

  82. Charles says:

    Go Miss California!!! The sole issue is “marriage.” It is defined. Civil partnerships I would support for rights and benefits but the “gay” crowd just wants for force the issue. If it was really about rights and benefits, it would already be done. If you can’t procreate, it isn’t natural. Admit the narcissism; you want to take something you can never really have!

  83. Hieronymus Grexx says:

    If you can’t procreate, it isn’t natural.Admit the narcissism; you want to take something you can never really have!

    By this logic couples who were infertile wouldn’t be allowed to marry either. Why is it narcissistic for a gay couple to marry but not a hetero couple, dingus? Think before you speak, Charles.

  84. Some GUy says:

    “Charmaine Koonce needs to understand that only 30% of the world’s population are Christians. The fairy tale of Adam and Eve hasn’t got jack to do with a bond between two human beings. ”

    Yeah…and the Muslims loooove homosexuals, right? Iran is a homo free nation, right?

    25-33 percent of the world’s pop. is christian, and 20-25 percent is muslim, which means at the most close to 60 percent and at the least 40-45 percent of the world’s pop. is against gay marriage.

    Not all people are strict christians, of course, and there are plenty who are fine with that, so the stats. aren’t exact, but most of both of those religions probably don’t believe in gay marriage.

    Me? I don’t see how the gov’t can lay claim to the definition of the word “marriage,” considering that marriages are and were originally a religious institution.

    Stop calling heterosexual marriages “marriages” and start calling them civil unions, then let homosexuals get their legal civil unions which provides everyone with the same rights.

    Then, let churches make the decision themselves to allow samesex couples to marry into their religion or in their institution. If a church can deny hetero couples the right to marry within it for violating some aspect of their laws, then a church should be able to deny marrying homo-sexuals with them, too.

    everyone’s happy, unless it is you decide to force the church to marry gays, too, even though they already have the same rights.

  85. Ryo says:

    Charles, I hope you don’t procreate.

  86. Ana says:

    I bring up the religous issue because so many people use it as the basis for their anti-gay marriage rants. Sorry for stereotyping.
    I also think it’s crazy that our nation allows us to chose to kill unborn babies but won’t let gay people (who are already going to be together anyway) be married.
    I’m just sayin’

  87. anastasiabeaverhausen says:

    So, Charles, a couple in their 50s who have both been widowed should NOT be allowed to get married since they cannot procreate.

    A healthy woman and a man who has lost his testicles to cancer should NOT be allowed to be married because they cannot procreate.

    A couple who have no intention of having children, ever, should NOT be allowed to be married, since they will not procreate.

    Do I have that right? And where and when are these couples stopped from marrying?

    “If it was really about rights and benefits, it would already be done.”

    That doesn’t even make any sense. It IS about rights and benefits, rights and benefits gay couples are denied, which is wrong.

    My husband and I had one child nearly 15 years ago. Once she is grown, in a few more years, I guess our marriage will no longer have meaning, since we do not plan on procreating again.

    Do you see how silly you are?

    a) marriage is not just about having babies and raising kids

    b) gay couples can have bio kids and/or adopt

    I didn’t just marry my husband to have a child with him, she was just a happy consequence of that. But we plan on enjoying all the rights and benefits of marriage until we’re dead, long LONG after procreation has anything to do with us.

    Think bigger picture, dude.

  88. not_a_strawman_argument says:

    @ Ana:

    Also, not everyone is Christian.
    What if someone tried to impose their beliefs on you because it was against their religion. What if our country was based on another religion and affect your life in the same way?
    I’m not saying that there is one “correct” religion just trying to make people think.
    ———

    That is definitely true. There are many different religions in America. However, isn’t the opposite happening when religious institutions are charged with discrimination for being against gay marriage? These religions have been around for hundreds of years. Yet they should be forced to changed their founding principles in order to be PC?

    Discrimination and homophobia should be condemned and not tolerated. But I don’t think churches should be forced to changed their teachings. Nor do I think Christian adoption agencies should be shut down because they do not allow same sex couples to adopt.

  89. blind item reader says:

    I oppose Miss USA pageants; I think they’re degrading.

  90. aleach says:

    @ anastasia…well DUH! didnt you know the SOLE puropse of women is to procreate?? cmon now! 😉

  91. not_a_strawman says:

    @ Annie:

    I knew it would only be a matter of time before people compared Gay marriage to polygamy and the marriage of a father/daughter. (Woody Allen?)
    ————————–

    Right. So let me if I’m understanding you..

    It’s okay for two people of the same sex to get married, even though marriage is currently between a man and a woman.

    However, if it’s between a man/woman/woman or man/woman/man that should be illegal?

    What’s the different between allowing gay marriage and poly marriage, if it’s okay for consenting adults who love each other to get married??

    This is an honest question. It sounds like pro-Gay marriage arguments are in favor of one group gaining benefits while denying the same other groups who are in the minority.

  92. Henk says:

    I don’t care if someone is gay or straight, but I think you gave a personal honest answer and I’m proud of you. Stick to your guns, thats what counts.

  93. Zoe (The Other One) says:

    I love anastasiabeaverhausen!

    When gay marriage is allowed please may we get married cos I think you are fabulous!

  94. dovesgate says:

    It is Christian to “love the sinner but hate the sin”. That means while we should love gay people but we shouldn’t believe in practising homosexuality.

    All the arguements about how each person isn’t perfect and goes against God’s laws – you’re right. But thats part of being Christian too. We all screw up its just that we’re asking forgiveness of a higher power and we should be striving to not screw up again.

  95. Dante says:

    I like turtles.

  96. paranel says:

    I dislike Perez Hilton profoundly but on this issue I have to say he is right. You represent all not just yourself when you are miss America. She should stand for tolerance and equality for all, and try to be politically correct while she is on the podium . Among your friends in private, be what you want. But for god’s sake you were shooting for miss USA. Get a clue lady.

  97. Tom says:

    Since the Miss America Pageant feels it is acceptable to punish contestants for their religious beliefs, is the Miss America Pageant run by athiests who do not believe in freedom of religion granted by the first amendment of our constitution?

    Now the big question: Will US advertisers support the Miss America Pageant next year since the pageant appears to be run by atheists who do not believe in freedom of religion?

    Most Jews, Christians and Muslims do not believe in same sex marriage.

  98. tom says:

    What Miss California did was right. She stated what she believes. There are things that are right to do, and there are things that we have a right to do. People are following in what is politically correct not what is right to do. We are to love our brothers and sisters but with do not have to love the sins they commit. We do not have to agree with the perversions of our society. If we continue on this current path, pedophilia will be the next perversion that will be accepted. Don’t be fooled by those that will tell you different. Both are perversions that we should never be forced to accept.

  99. Ken says:

    I was shocked and seriously disappointed that gay activist Perez Hilton attacked Miss California because she answered his controversial question with an answer he disapproved of. Hilton should be ashamed for brining such controversial and sensitive issues into the pageant. What purpose could he have had other than to create controversy? Had this happened in an environment that truly embraced diversity, Miss California would have answered the question and that would have been the end of it. Unfortunately, Hilton demonstrated a profound intolerance of opposing lifestyles by creating an angry militant video where he cusses, swears, and threatens Miss California. Perez Hilton did more damage to the pageant and to gay rights than any other event in recent memory. Finally and most disappointing of all is Keith Lewis. Does the pageant really believe in limiting the contestants to those with certain beliefs? If not, then why publish a statement announcing your disappointment that you disagree with Miss California’s response. When I consider Hiltons militant style of intolerance, Keith Lewis’s statement, and the chastising of Ms. Charmaine Koonce,( the mother of Miss New Mexico Bianca Matamoros-Kooncethis) when she referenced the Bible in support of Miss California. The sum of all of these show frightening similarities to early 30’s Germany and THAT is scary.

  100. morgs says:

    Whoever said that the US isn’t a Christian Nation needs to take a minute and learn some US History. We are absolutely a Christian nation: “One nation, under GOD”.

    She answered a question honestly. Leave her alone. And Perez and Shanna Moakler are both C****.

    And for the record, I voted No on Prop 8 last November and was saddened when it passed.

  101. gg says:

    … yeah, and then her friends would out her as being disingenuous, and Perez Hilton would piss that all over his stupid site too.

    No, I think people should say what they really think and we should respect that we all have a brain and a mouth and the freedom to use them. There is no law that says we all have to agree. I think there should be some sort of compromise, myself. Bigotry against compromise or against giving people the chance to change their own minds later down the road, is in itself bigotry and narrowmindedness. So, think before you spew.

    The girl obviously loves her sister though she disagrees with her. I disagree with her as well but I respect her current opinion because she did not lie about it. She never said she hates gay people, which would definitely be narrowmindedness. So tell me how her attackers are not being themselves bigoted against her and narrowminded?

    And not_a_straw makes a very interesing point we should all consider as well.

    There is no single “correct” way to solve these problems, hence the debate.

  102. Annie says:

    The irony here Morgs, is that we are a nation built by people who were fleeing PERSECUTION. You want to talk history? Let’s talk history, American forefathers stole this land from native americans because they wanted to escape the persecution in Europe.

    We cry out for “freedom of religion” and yet we turn around and cite Christianity as the only faith and the only way. We ran from persecution only to turn around and persecute others.

    Tsk Tsk.

    Oh. Bob. Gay couples do not even come close to having the same rights, so please go get your facts straight, then come back to us.

    @not_a_strawma: Marriage, historically, is a two-party contract. It is designed to grant distinctive rights and tax benefits. TWO. There is nothing discriminatory, imo, in legally preventing the creation of multiple-party contracts (there are numerous intricacies involved in creating fair multiple-party contracts that does not undermine the rights of one in favor of the others, which is again, often the case. Very difficult and damn near impossible). Also, my reasons against polygamy are that historically, the unions are man,woman, woman and more likely than not, these unions result in the subjugation of women. We want to believe that people are better than that, and of course, some are, but historically this is not the case. And you know, not even historically, in the lengthy years and years sense, but look at that Texas Ranch raid a while back. Oftentimes, polygamy was used as a tool to subjugate women. Further, by legalizing gay marriage, you’re not subverting the institution and realigned social order. There are millions of gay couples who are married in all other ways save for the legal rights and that has done nothing to society. But if you start throwing polygamy into the mix, you’re talking about complete social realignment and I believe 100% that it would do so in a manner that would completely place men completely in power. Just based on pure biological facts, women can only have 1 child at a time, and therefore would really only need one mate at a time. Men on the other hand, they can father a dozen children at any given moment (Jerry Jerry!) and therefore would be more likely to take on several wives. Polygamy is a practice that in its very nature, would create a “lesser sex”. NOT ACCEPTABLE. It’s about EQUAL unions.

    Allowing Gay marriage wouldn’t undermine the heart of society, so get over your ignorance and stop acting like it would.

  103. HashBrowns says:

    @tom: “If we continue on this current path, pedophilia will be the next perversion that will be accepted. Don’t be fooled by those that will tell you different. Both are perversions that we should never be forced to accept.”

    By comparing pedophilia and gay people you completely destroyed any semblance of a good argument. The two are no where near the same and you know it.

    @morgs:

    From the Treaty of Tripoli, approved by the U.S. Senate and signed by John Adams on June 10, 1797:

    “As the Government of the United States of America is not in any sense founded on the Christian religion; as it has in itself no character of enmity against the laws, religion, or tranquillity, of Musselmen; and as the said States never have entered into any war or act of hostility against any Mehomitan nation, it is declared by the parties that no pretext arising from religious opinions shall ever produce an interruption of the harmony existing between the two countries”

  104. Zoe (The Other One) says:

    To follow on here from Annie’s point – does the US not pride itself on separation of church and state? I’m no expert on US history so I could very well be wrong there!

    Also I kinda thought the whole idea of the USA was the idea that people of all kinds are free to live their lives as they please without judgement or persecution as long as they don’t hurt anyone else – if that’s not the case, and the USA isn’t the land of the free and the home of the brave then I think I want a refund of some sort cos I bought into that idea.

  105. morgs says:

    Annie:
    I wasn’t saying if it was right or not. I refuted the fact that someone said we aren’t a Christian nation. That’s wrong, that’s what our country is based on.

    Plus, I’m not using it as an excuse to persecute anyone. But thanks for making my point that we are a Christian nation for me.

    And please don’t tsk tsk me.

  106. HashBrowns says:

    @morgs: It was me you tried to refute and I answered it. Read my post above yours.

  107. morgs says:

    Zoe:

    Absolutely correct on the separation of church and state. And your idea of how/why the country was founded is correct too. But the Founding Fathers were all Christian and that is why there are several references to God in so many important papers that made the Country.

    And the separation of church and state is why I will fight to the death that kids should be taught evolution and not only fed the bible story of Adam and Eve. It is that important so both should be given creedence (as opposed to pretending one or the other doesn’t exist) and let people make up their own minds.

    And not to pick on you because your idea is totally right, but the founding fathers left out women and African-Americans in their final draft and that has since been changed. I hope they change it to any human being, regardless of color or sexual preference.

  108. morgs says:

    Oh, Hashbrowns I didn’t see it. I’ll read it. Thanks!

  109. morgs says:

    Ok Hashbrowns you got me there! Thanks for being nice about it (there was no sarcasm in my thanks).

    I’m off to do research.

    You are completely correct that we are not a “Christian nation” per say. But it wouldn’t be correct to ignore that our country was founded on Judeo-Christian ethical priniciples. The Founding Fathers had dealt with The Church of England and their experience led them to proscribe a state religion, thereby leaving it up to the states (as stated by the 10th amendment).

  110. Annie says:

    Uh… I was tsk tsking at this nation’s hypocrisy, not you. LOL.

    Even contextually you can see that. Relax, no one’s attacking you 😛

    Thanks Zoe. I was all over the place, I’m glad I made sense! hahah.

  111. sunshine1 says:

    It is too bad that a gay man asks that kind of question and is surprised by the answer. Does that flamer Hilton really think that we all believe in gay marriage? No way gay! Our anatomy is made for man/woman! It isn’t made for that to be in that…just gross! Same for the lumberjack looking lezos!

  112. Pat says:

    You used the MISS USA Stage to present your own personal quest to promote GAY Rights, but unfairly judged a potentially great candidate because YOU were not getting the answer you wanted in front of national television. You assumed Miss California was going to sucumb to the politically correct answer which would have been just a lie. Make no mistake, the controversy is about her integrity and honesty. You asked the question, she gave the answer. She did nothing wrong. If your having a hard time with that, then it is you that needs to apologize.
    perez hilton USA pagent & Today show interview 1 Tuesday, 21 April 2009 03:58 blacksheep238
    watched your question and response on the Today show. You should never be a judge again beacuse you are not impartial not to mention you are a bigot. You took things personal and your stupid video blog response shows it. Grow up. I respect Miss California for sticking to her beliefs. She did not sell out to get your vote. I applaud her for that. Shame on you. I’m sorry most americans believe marriage should be between a man and a woman. Get over it.

  113. Annie says:

    I’ve watched clips of it over and over. And Perez simply asks the question, she answers and then that’s about it. He comments on it later in his blog, but he doesn’t make an uproar right there. Maybe I’m missing a portion of the show?

    But everyone’s kind of acting like he was like screaming “YOU HOMOPHOBIC B!!!!” Right after she answered.

    Plus, she answered it really poorly. I’m not saying compromise your beliefs, but word them better. Come on, the whole point is public speaking.

  114. HashBrowns says:

    @morgs: not all the founding fathers were Christian. Quite a few were Deists; they believed in God but hated organized religion. Which makes sense since England (and Rome) made organized religion look like a big ol mess of corruption, greed and bloody wars.

    @Pat: Annie’s right, the Miss USA questions are there specifically to see how well they do with public speaking. Their particular answer doesn’t matter as long as they keep it together and can speak somewhat eloquently and get their ideas across without sounding like a moron. She failed at doing that.

  115. morgs says:

    Hashbrowns: Hence why they proscribed a state religion. They thought it was a mess and didn’t want it for their new country.

  116. Annie says:

    So then aren’t you essentially turning around saying that we’re NOT a Christian nation morgs?

    Because saying we’re a Christian nation is mandating a “state” religion. Because remember, a state can be understood to be a country/governing body. International actors are oftentimes referred to as “states”.

    And if the founding fathers proscribed a state religion…looks like they’d be against it.

    Which goes back to HashBrowns earlier points.

  117. morgs says:

    That’s why I re-worded what I said.

    The country was based on Judeo-Christian ethics. But after seeing what had happened for years and years in regards to religious wars, inquisitions etc. they decided to prohibit a state religion.

    I would still stand by my comment that the nation was built on Judeo-Christian ethics.

  118. da black man says:

    As a black man i shall comment,Miss California USA 2009 Carrie Prejean was entitled to her religious belief.The only question in my mind was this contest privately or federally funded.If so there could be a bigger question raised.An intelligent person,i presume,as Miss California USA 2009 Carrie Prejean could hold her personal views and still be fair or somewhat impartial on matters

  119. Ana says:

    However, isn’t the opposite happening when religious institutions are charged with discrimination for being against gay marriage? These religions have been around for hundreds of years. Yet they should be forced to changed their founding principles in order to be PC?

    —-
    I’m not sure which ones you are talking about but I do agree that they shouldn’t be accused of discrimination to a certain extent. They’re religious institutions and there is a separation of church and state for a reason.

  120. Annie says:

    We’re not talking about being able to get married in the church, we’re talking about legal marriage. You know, the licenses you get from the Court?

    A lot of couples get them before the actual ceremony itself, so technically in the eyes of the law, they were married before they said “I do” in front of Mr. Ordained Minister.

  121. Mils says:

    Annie, you’re getting so worked up over an issue that was quintessentially being argued on a religious level. Miss California made arguments why she does not agree with gay marriages based on her religious beliefs. That means, in none complicated terms, she was talking about the “I do” in front of an Ordained Minister (that’s Mr Ordained Minister to you), and not legal marriage per say.

    And the notion that if one is religiously opposed to gay marriages in the church, they are automatically anti-gay marriages on a state level is completely unfunded. I’ll be one of the first people to support civil marriage between gay people on a state level, but I’ll also be the loudest if they try to pose the same laws on churches.

  122. lauren says:

    I have absolutely nothing against gay marriage, I’m all for it, but why does she not have the right to give her honest answer? Why can some of you people sit and and give your opinion, but she can’t?

  123. Hieronymus Grexx says:

    Repeating my earlier statement: You’d think Miss America was a political office with as much attention as this has been receiving. Meanwhile, actual policy makers of influence who have an effect on your lives- what about them ?

  124. Judy says:

    Bottom line = Miss NC won because she’s a better speaker. Miss CA sounded ignorant and inarticulate!

  125. Enrique Sanchez says:

    Why is it acceptable to discriminate gays but nobody else? What if the question was asked, “should two straight hispanics be able to get married?” If she said no, it’s not part of my religious beliefs, the country would laugh at her and call her a bigot. Because she’s against gay marriage, she’s acceptable? Nobody chooses to be gay any more or less than anyone “chooses” to be white, black, asian or hispanic. It’s time this country stop discriminating against any group that does nothing wrong other than being born with the “wrong” orientation.

  126. Enrique Sanchez says:

    and one more thing….I’ve read some other posts saying that the judges were anti-Christian. THat is so far from the truth. If she did lose because of her comments, it has NOTHING to do with being Christian. There are plenty of Christians who love gay people and support their right to marry the person that they love. People like Miss California rather have a gay be miserable and along. What a disgusting example of Christianity!

  127. Craig C. says:

    When did this country lose it’s voice … our freedom of speech? Why is it that when someone has a true belief or opinion about something, that someone feels they have the right to quash that belief? We are all created “equal” – and not everyone believes that the introduction of gay marriage is such a good thing, no matter how “modern” we have become. However, that’s not even the point to be argued here … the point is, Miss Cali had an opinion and I’m proud of her for standing up for HER own beliefs, instead of covering up her true feelings and being a major KISS ASS like the judges somehow expected her to be – there was NOTHING wrong with how she answered the question and if people were offended by it, too frikkin bad. I’m offended by stuff people say every day … but I’ll be damned if I’ll tell them they had no right to say those offensive things!!!! THIS IS AMERICA! Let’s break away from this COMMUNISTIC suppression of our free speech that we need to continue to PROTECT TO THE DEATH!

  128. Thuyen says:

    “As the Government of the United States of America is not in any sense founded on the Christian religion; as it has in itself no character of enmity against the laws, religion, or tranquillity, of Musselmen; and as the said States never have entered into any war or act of hostility against any Mehomitan nation, it is declared by the parties that no pretext arising from religious opinions shall ever produce an interruption of the harmony existing between the two countries”

    Me: That is one document in the founding period. It was not in his final version once the US got the upper hand with the Islamic pirates it was signing its treaty with. And there is controversy today on it since even before the final draft, not all versions had that clause.

    For that one document, I can mention tons more that disprove your argument. The Declaration mentioned God. And contrary to what liberals would have you believe, terms like law of nature (or natural law), Providence, etc., were very much part of the Christian tradition especially the Thomist and Calvinist belief systems, both of which appealed to Romans 1 and 2 for support on natural law.

    The Treaty of Paris signed by both the US and Britain had both stating their faith is in Trinity God.

    The Articles of Confederation, which was the original constitution, said this was one nation under God.

    The US Constitution itself did mention “year of our Lord,” referring to Christ. Now some will argue that is common thing in documents to use AD. But the statement is followed by the statement “in witness” which shows the covenantal nature of the document, where “we the people” agree to a government, and has God as witnes. That is precisely what a covenant is in the Bible. The term “we the people…do ordain” itself as concept is taken right out of Exodus where God offered a covenant and the people with one voice “say we do.”

    The fifth amendment right to life, liberty, and property is almost word for word from the Puritan Massachusetts Body of Liberties, and also influenced by Locke’s view of the same in his treatises on civil government, which he defined as derived from the law of God found in the Bible, written as natural law into people’s hearts.

    The federalistic nature of the Constitution mirrored the Puritan Conneticut Fundamental Order of Liberties.

    Laws within the Constitution included having rest day on Sunday, out of respect for views of Christians on the subject then. It had the view of conviction for treason can only occur with 2 witnesses or more. That is also taken right out of the Bible on death penalty cases.

    Every state constitutions back then either had references to God or mentioned Christianity, without regards for denonimation, even the ones after the Constitution, as the faith of their individual states.

    The Northwest Ordinance, passed by the very founders who gave us the Constitution, said religion and morality shall be encouraged forever as requirement for a territory to become state. Washington echoed these statements in his Farewell Address.

    Every US and state supreme courts from 1799, when cases first started on issue of whether this country was Christian or not, til the 1960s, affirmed that we were a Christian country.

    The evidence in terms of founding documents are overwhelming.

  129. Thuyen says:

    “and one more thing….I’ve read some other posts saying that the judges were anti-Christian. THat is so far from the truth. If she did lose because of her comments, it has NOTHING to do with being Christian. There are plenty of Christians who love gay people and support their right to marry the person that they love. People like Miss California rather have a gay be miserable and along. What a disgusting example of Christianity!”

    Carrie said nothing against gays, either personally or as a group. She stated her view on marriage.

    Nor she did mention her Christian religion in her answer. Perez Hilton and the other judges are the ones who got issues with her religion. They are the ones who threw fits saying she had no right to bring in her religion revealing they are truly bigoted against people of faith, or least those who have moral values they do not agree with.

    And Christians, who do not approve of gay marriage, do so because they view marriage as from God and thus sacred. They see all sex outside of marriage is sinful, not just gay ones. The ones who know their Bibles would know not to hate gays.

    It is not hate to disapprove of a lifestyle. If one believes doing something is harmful to oneself, it is not love to enable the person to continue in it.

    One can disapprove of someone’s lifestyle but can still be there for that person if tragedies strike that person’s life.

  130. Thuyen says:

    “When did this country lose it’s voice … our freedom of speech?”

    I disagree. The First Amendment is a restriction on the federal government, specifically Congress, from taking away our free speech. It does not protect our rights in events like beauty pageants.

    The rights of Carrie, however, in my opinion are indeed violated in regards to discrimination on basis of religion. And I don’t mean on freedom of religion clause in the first amendment either, which like said is a restriction on Congress, not pageants, states, or others. I mean more along the line of civil rights acts

  131. Thuyen says:

    “Why is it acceptable to discriminate gays but nobody else? What if the question was asked, “should two straight hispanics be able to get married?” If she said no, it’s not part of my religious beliefs, the country would laugh at her and call her a bigot. Because she’s against gay marriage, she’s acceptable? Nobody chooses to be gay any more or less than anyone “chooses” to be white, black, asian or hispanic. It’s time this country stop discriminating against any group that does nothing wrong other than being born with the “wrong” orientation.”

    That is because many do not buy the line that being gay is smething you are born with in the way one is born with a color of skin or hair or born a male or female.

    We see it as behaviour issue. It is like telling us not to say polygamy or adultery is wrong (and folks can use the argument they cannot help but be attracted to the other person on these cases, too).

    The idea of no one chooses to be gay is refuted by fact there are folks who leave the gay lifestyle. And there are folks who go from straight to gay. And then there are folks who go both ways.

    I see this as folks being bigoted against her faiths and morals. When it comes to faith and morals, one who is religious do not seperate the two. Nor does one remain silence and lie when asked about them either (which would be hypocrisy).

    Marriage as between man and woman is also held to by Obama and Clinton. How come no one makes the race analogy on them? But they choose to do so on her? Because they think she is a conservative and the two Presidents are not?

    It is laughable for the judges to say since she did speak for the majority but not everyone, that disqualified her. By that logic, any President would be disqualified, given stances taken by him would be at odds with somebody on any given issue. Like on this issue, Carrie said the exact thing as Obama.

    How come no one is calling Obama bigot, dumb, ignorant, etc., etc., over that?

    How many of those who lash out and namecall Carrie voted for Obama and before that, Clinton, who signed into law the defense of marriage act?

  132. Peter Aliferis says:

    She should be Miss USA, i thought america was based on free thought and speech, it is sad that gays think they are more american than the rest of us, Bravo to this real american!

  133. Really says:

    This may be many peoples belief, not mine, that marriage should be between a man and a woman. Just because they don’t believe gays should marry doesn’t mean that they feel it should be against the law. I am still waiting for a smart answer on the consequences and risks of gay marriage. Anyone????

  134. Brandon says:

    okay all you (bad word) out there she was rude thats like saying staight men cant eat hot dogs and im not joking its the exact same so dont say crap thats just wrong sometimes im just disgusted by what people beleave in. USA really sucks sometimes come to canada where not only staight yankees can walk down the street without discrimantion and where everybody is accepted.

  135. Brandon says:

    Yah she should be miss USA cuz nobody wants her anywheres else Im not gay but I know for a fact that gays are born gay just like your born with a certain color skin people in the future will look back at this and you will all be as shamed as the racist white people that had slaves its just as bad in my opinion and I hope you all change your minds because In the future people will learn about how wrong gays where treated. You should be ashamed, Its ridicuols why do you care what somebody else does its there buisness unless it physically harms you or anybody else then just mind your own buisness!

  136. Brandon says:

    And wanna know what god isnt real so go cry, its not my opnion its facts and its bout time people learn, I think gays are really straighter americans then anybody else and If you dont know what I mean I mean they’re BETTER and more PATRIOTIC then anyone else everybody should support eachother becuase discrimnating is pointless and useless I mean I may be discrimanting dicrimanators right now but if this is the only way the message can get across then so be it, religon itself discrimnates people so that just shows you how religon isnt as perfect as it says to be!

  137. Michael Fletcher says:

    Miss California spoke inappropriately when asked her question about Gay Marriage. Discrimination is never okay. If she disagreed with Interracial Marriages would she have said that? Everyone is saying she is entitled to her opinion. I agree. But if she discriminates against anyone, she shouldn’t hold a Pageant title. These women are setting examples for our children. i bring my children up that in the eyes of God we are all equal.

  138. ashley says:

    i think that he is afending her
    calling her a “C” word and a “B” word and he ask her a question and she gave it to him.