This looks like as good a place as any to put my soapbox.
I am a registered libertarian and self described atheist constitutional conservative. I am confident that I can articulate conservative principles and refute leftist fascism(modern western liberalism) as well or better than anyone you know. My point. The opinion stated below is that of a conservative. I am not a conservative who is liberal on this subject or conservative fiscally but liberal socially. I am a conservative and my position regarding this issue is based on conservative principles and i can defend it from a conservative stance.
The "equal protection under the law" interpretation of the 14th ammendment has long been considered, by conservatives, to be a valid originalist interpretation of the constitution. As it should be. It is not another progressive pimple full of make-it-up-as-you-go puss their imaginary friend, the living breathing constitution of convenience. FYI; it means basically that all people are to be treated the same in the eyes of the law(I.e.courts,the IRS,law enforcement,etc...the government). That sounds good right? That's because it is. It is a solid principle,one that strengthens individual liberty and supports justice. It is a principle that should be defended. Unfortunately, much like freedom of speech,religion, and expression, it is when this principle is guards sentiments and/or behavior that we find objectionable that defending it is most important. In turn we can only hope that when it is we who are being denied equal protection under the law, those who find our ideas or behaviors objectionable will stand up and support this important constitutional principle on our behalf.
Does that not have the truthful ring of the kind of real, solid, principled conservatism we all (conservatives) believe can turn this mess of a nation around and away from the cliff? The kind of conservatism we all wish we could convey to the close-minded liberals in our lives, so they can see what we see? The conservatism that, for my money, looks and feels like classical liberalism and enlightenment era idealism? It does.
Well, then...I'm sure you have figured it out for yourself by now. We must support same sex marriage. We, the right. We, the conservatives. You conservatives who inexplicably are still registered members of the republican party. lol. Regardless of your personal beliefs and feelings,(personally i support gay marriage from a moral standpoint anyway-but that is irrelivant. If you want to debate/discuss that aspect,just ask me. happy to)it is a matter of constitutional principle. If the government is going to be in the marriage business, so to speak,the 14th ammendment insists they must marry same-sex couples as well. Same liscense,same terminology. (remember:seperate but equal is never equal)
*If you are thinking slippery slope...polygamy,beastiality, incest,etc., stop. it doesnt apply. trust me. i will give one example. Polygamy; allowing gay marriage doesn't mean the govt must sanction multiple marriages." How is that Jayar?" Because....{drum roll}...telling someone you cannot have a liscense to marry so and so because they are already married to someone else does not violate their constitutionally protected civil rights under the 14th ammendment(or any other). They are not being denied based on gender,race,religion,sexuality,etc. they cannot marry that person simply because someone already is. 1 spouse only. thank you. it would be like telling someone they cant assemble on a given street corner at a given time on a given day. why? because someone else is already there on that spot at that time on that day. you haven't been denied your right to assemble. someone has had their right to not be used as a footstool affirmed. Get it? (i dont have a moral prob w/polygamy either,btw. just sayin)
lets not be hypocrites. the left uses the constitution when it suits them and ignores it when it stands in their way. Keep your religion in your heart and your home and among those who share your faith. Help re-affirm the rule of law under the Bill of Rights, even when it rubs you the wrong way.
Jayar