After going back and re-reading the last few pages of this thread -- and respecting the fact that everyone is entitled to their opinion, ill-informed as it may be -- I thought it was important to post this shot:

If you're having trouble reading the certificate, this might help:

Pay no mind to those who spew hate and scorn! Their hearts lack the compassion and love epitomized and represented by your union, or anyother union of two souls whether the union be between two men, two women or a man and a woman. They are not worth anger but should be pittied instead.

Edited by Geoff Gibson on 12 May 2010 at 8:13am

Am I too late to offer my congratulations to Tom and Eric on their anniversary?  I was away from my computer for a few days, and although I don't usually post here, I try to pop in from time to time to check the flow of fun and friendly conversation.

Anyway, to any and all who are in loving relationships, congratulations!  It's hard enough to enjoy life that all instances of happiness should be celebrated.

(And an aside to Kevin Hagerman: you're right a lot more than you think, at least on this board!  Stand tall!)

Congratulations Tom and Eric, though I have to say I'm not sure whether to be happy for you or sad in that this is the second (or possibly third) time I've offered my congratulations.

Thinking about it; when people offered congratulations for my wedding there was never any doubt, never any question, never any do-overs. Just like yours should have been in the first place.

I've always maintained that gay people who want to live in the closet can do so if they choose as it's their life and their choice (though I think their choice can effect others if they marry and is a bit unfair to their wives). Some people are just very private and don't like others knowing about their lives and orientation and I respect their right to that privacy. Except that often it's not about privacy, but about fear and I wish they didn't have to fear.

Which is why I'm so impressed with how open you and Eric are about your lives, no fear, no regrets, no shame in being the people you are and sharing the love you do. It's people like you, the calm, rational (and built like a mack truck let's face it), intelligent people presenting a public face that should and I think does inspire other gay people to live out in the open.

I salute and again congratulate you both. May it be the last time I congratulate you on another marriage as gay marriage can still be attacked and I worry that marriages like yours could be undone by politics. It would be illegal and immoral but sometimes people in positions of authority act illegally and immorally.