Brave Statement

There has been a lot of talk about Proposition 8 here in the State of California, and a huge amount of support for it in the city I live which is primarily conservative. Just 5-10 minutes south is a very liberal community that openly supports alternative lifestyles. You can almost see the line where the supporters holding Yes on Prop 8 changes to supporters holding No on Prop 8 signs.

For this who don't live in California, earlier this year the state made same-sex marriages legal. This led to the creation of Proposition 8, which if passed, will again make marriages legal only in the traditional sense - a man and a woman.

As would be expected, the churches are also in favor of Proposition 8, stating that the bible strictly reads that marriage should be between a man and a woman only. That being said, a few weeks back a Catholic priest went out on a limb and not only argued against Proposition 8, but came out in front of his congregation at mass.

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The priest had his salary and all benefits removed and was told to stay away from all church communities he had been involved with. Personally, I think this took a lot of courage to stand up for what he believed in despite pressure from the church.

I have always believed in God and had a Christian-based faith. While people are arguing to limit the rights of certain individuals because of what is quoted in the bible, they are leaving out the portions where God tells us to be forgiving and accepting of all others, especially those who may be leading a life we do not agree with. Additionally, we were not put on this earth to judge one another, that is not our job, but one that God will handle when the time comes.

The bible was written by man in a time when many things which are now acceptable in today's society were not. Many Christians tend to pick and choose the parts of the bible they are going to follow to the letter, but excuse themselves of other bible-stated requirements for a fully Christian life.

Dumb Laws

There is a site I ran across recently that has a whole list of ridiculous laws that were passed at one time or another. Granted, many of them are probably not actually inforced, or they are outdated, but some of them seemed so ridiculous I had to share*.

A few of my favorites that have existed in the state of California are:

In Blythe, you are not permitted to wear cowboy boots unless you already own at least two cows. I guess that way you know who is a real cowboy.

In Dana Point, one may not use one's own restroom if the window is open. This one seem completely inhuman to those in the house.

In Eureka, a man with a mustache may not kiss a woman. I can't even begin to imagine where this one came from.

In Fresno, no one may annoy a lizard in a city park. Good news for the lizard!

In Los Angeles, you may not hunt moths under a street light.

Also in Los Angeles, it is a crime for dogs to mate within 500 yards of a church.

In Pacific Grove, it is illegal to molest butterflies. Hmmm...what about moths??

In Prunedale, two bathtubs may not be installed in the same house. Perhaps the numberous bathtubs in the same house is what led to the city's name.

If any of you know of any silly laws out there, please share!

* as a disclaimer, I do realize that most if not all of these laws have a background explanation that makes the "odd" wording make sense, are not enforced or are no longer an active law