GOP Legislator Wants to Eliminate All Marriages in Oklahoma In Order to Prevent Gay Couples from Legally Marrying

(source)

GOP State Rep. Mike Turner isn't happy about a federal lawsuit over Oklahoma's constitutional ban on same-sex marriage. So he has filed a bill to address his concerns over same-sex couples destroying the institution of marriage. His bill would eliminate all marriages in Oklahoma:

The idea stems from a bill filed by Rep. Mike Turner (R-Edmond). Turner says it's an attempt to keep same-sex marriage illegal in Oklahoma while satisfying the U.S. Constitution. Critics are calling it a political stunt while supporters say it's what Oklahomans want.

"[My constituents are] willing to have that discussion about whether marriage needs to be regulated by the state at all," Turner said. Other conservative lawmakers feel the same way, according to Turner...

Turner admits his idea makes a lot of people uncomfortable. He also says, "I accept that." Turner plans to wait until the federal appeals process plays out. The fight over Oklahoma's ban on same-sex marriage will now head to the Tenth Circuit Court of Appeals in Denver.

There's something quite pathetic about destroying all marriages in order to prevent gays and lesbians from getting married. Especially since this wouldn't actually eliminate gays from getting married. They say that people would go to their churches for a wedding and could say they are married. Guess what? Gays and lesbians can do that in Oklahoma right now. They are called commitment ceremonies and there are UCC church and MCC churches and others who will gladly officiate at commitment ceremonies and gay weddings.

But this bill -- if passed into law -- would be horrible when it came to complying with federal law with regards to marriage law. I mean, the feds don't recognize the civil unions or domestic partnerships of same-sex couples. They only recognize legal marriages. So what's the likelihood that they will honor all of the state's non-marriages?

Then there is divorce. I know people don't like to get divorced. It is messy and expensive. But it serves a purpose. If everyone has a wedding, but not a marriage and the law has nothing to do with recognizing those marriages, then divorce will mean nothing. Husbands and wives can and will abandon their spouses without any difficulty. There will be no divorce court structure to ensure an organized dissolution of the family and property within the family. I'm sure some folks will love that -- until they find themselves screwed over by a vindictive ex.

But at least the state won't be forced to recognize any gay marriages...