Spanish Prime Minister Rodríguez Zapatero's speech on gay marriage

[jawnbc]

“It is true that they are only a minority, but their triumph is everyone’s triumph. It is also the triumph of those who oppose this law, even though they do not know this yet: because it is the triumph of Liberty. Their victory makes all of us (even those who oppose the law) better people, it makes our society better. Honorable members, There is no damage to marriage or to the concept of family in allowing two people of the same sex to get married. To the contrary, what happens is this class of Spanish citizens get the potential to organize their lives with the rights and privileges of marriage and family. There is no danger to the institution of marriage, but precisely the opposite: this law enhances and respects marriage.”

Wow. I repeat, Wow.

Comments

[gfrancie.livejournal.com]

If i wasn't busy with another man I would ask to have the PM's children.

[jawnbc]

He's not ugly either. And he's a socilaist. Socialists r hawt!

[gfrancie.livejournal.com]

Damn straight. It is all that giving they do.

Que Viva Zapatero!, Que Viva Espana!

[keithnola.livejournal.com]

How shocking to see a politician so eloquently speak the truth.
Que suprisa para ver un politico hablando la verdad en una maniera tan directamente.

Me gustaria decir gracias al pueblo espanol por haber avanzado los derechos humanos en su pais. Y al primer ministro, Zapatero, el senor tiene todo de mi respeto y mi admiracion. De los profundos del corazon mio, gracias!

[f8n-begorra.livejournal.com]

I should send this to Bertie; Ireland's next!

[jawnbc]

Eh Bertie, wouldja ever let me an' me man get hitched?

[aadroma.livejournal.com]

We can use more politicians that think like that over here, please. ^o^

[that-dang-otter.livejournal.com]

It disturbs me that such obvious statements are considered revolutionary. But it also delights me - it makes being revolutionary so much easier.

Good for him.

Nice grin

[gorkabear.livejournal.com]

You see, I voted the socialists for our parliament back in March 2004... And I am inmensely proud of my decision.

Don't think there was no opposition. Actually the church commanded a demonstration against gay marriage saying that it was an attack to families (hence Zapatero's words about enforcing the family concept and not on the contrary).

We still have to see on the news the first married gay couples!

Stupid post about names and titles

[gorkabear.livejournal.com]

Did you know that in Spain we have two surnames?

The first surname is our father's first surname. Our second surname is our mother's first surname (this can be swapped at birthtime now). Women don't get their husband's surname when they get married.

Hence our primer Minister is not Zapatero but José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero, being Mr. Rodríguez instead of Zapatero. Oh, and he's not the primer minister... He's actually called "president of the government".

This happens to me often in the UK. I'm Xavier Navarro López but I'm Mr. Navarro and not Mr. López

Re: Stupid post about names and titles

[jawnbc]

I knew that but the site I pulled this from just had the one. I'll amend the entry accordingly. Cheers!

Re: Stupid post about names and titles

[gorkabear.livejournal.com]

Don't ammend!!!! It's just a stupid comment!, hehehe

[superbbluewren.livejournal.com]

It was a great speech! I hope you and querrelle will be able to march with us on August 13. In fact, the Harbour City Bears are all invited!

[jawnbc]

I have mixed feelings about the march. I support it in principle, but I'm not Australian, or even a permanent resident. I'm a big believer in national sovereignty: Australians need to sort this for themselves.

Luke asked me about speaking at the rally and I politely declined for those reasons. I am not committed to Australia; it should be left to those who are.

But of course I 100% support it!

[superbbluewren.livejournal.com]

I don't see this march as being merely political. My agenda is broader than legislative change. Attitudes must change as well. Legislative change must occur jurisdiction by jurisdiction, but attitudinal change knows no national boundaries.

So I hope to see you there in spite of your reservations! :-)

[perkk.livejournal.com]

Wow is right! I want a national leader like that! BTW - I got to officiate a legal same-sex marriage in Boston last weekend!

[jawnbc]

You're ordained?

[perkk.livejournal.com]

Nope. Massachusetts has a process by which anyone may apply to become a Justice of the Peace for a single marriage solemnization for a single day once per year. Though at least one of those being married must be a resident, the JOP does not have such a requirement. It just took filling out paperwork way in advance and collecting some letters of reference to say I'm an ethical person of good character.

[perkk.livejournal.com]

I should explain. The couple in question are my one claim to fame at match making. I set them up 15 years ago; and it wasn't easy. They both listened to my descriptions of the other for months, both saying "that doesn't sound like my type" to which I would rely "he's not, he's the exception, you HAVE to meet him". So they finally gave in and both came to the city for a science fiction convention. I could feel the thunderbolt between them when they met, and they've been together ever since.

They've been living just outside of Boston for a few years now. They decided to get married now that they can. They said I started this whole thing, so it was only right that I complete the job and perform the wedding. I cried when they asked me, to say the least, and later barely kept it together through the ceremony.