OK, so I was having a discussing with a friend about gay rights and the right for gay people to marry under the law. This right has already occurred in parts of America and is underway in other countries.
So this got me thinking. Some of the arguments that gay people make is that people should be allowed to be with and marry who ever they love. Of course once the love is mutual.
I've noticed that some people love their animals more than other people and the animals love them back in return. Indeed some relationships with animals are almost romantic.
This is an argument anti-gay marriage people use, that if gay marriage is allowed, then soon people will be "marrying animals". They use this in a derogatory way, and imply that it is a ridiculous idea.
But is it? As far as I know animals do not have legal rights as citizens under the law. Marriage is a contractual arrangement based on the consent of both legal parties, considered equal under the law, who are then subject to certain obligations. This would seem to disqualify animals who as far as I can tell have very few rights and basically are considered to be property.
Perhaps someone more knowledgeable about the rights of animals could inform me. What rights do animals currently have? and what rights do activists want to give to animals? Would we see the day when an animal would have all the rights of a regular citizen, and if not why not?
Some people think that humans are superior to animals and are more intelligent. But there are numerous studies where animals have proved to be as intelligent and even more intelligent than humans. Some people say animals have no soul or emotions and are no different to a rock. Any animal lover knows the exact opposite is true. Therefore is this claim of human superiority valid? and is the idea that animals be treated as inferiors items of property justified?
For an animal to have the same legal rights as humans within human society, there would of necessity need to be communication with the animal to determine it's consent and if it is able to fulfill it's obligations as a citizen. Would an animal have to get a job and pay taxes? or would there be a special classification for animals, where they do not have the same obligations as humans?
Many humans wish to and do have loving (companion) relationships with animals. But those relationships are based on a master-servant/slave/property type of relationship. The relationship is not equal. Animals are considered less than children. Basically the animal has to do everything the master wants it to and this is not open for discussion. Is that kind of relationship valid or acceptable? Should not the animals have certain rights under the law that go beyond bad treatment. And should not this apply to all animals including those who are killed for food.
Should not this companionship relationship that so many have with their animals be brought under a more equal footing? Animal equality anybody? Or are humans really superior to animals. Considering that animals do not cause massive damage to the planet and therefore put their own survival in jeopardy, are they not far more intelligent than humans in that regard?
There are many people who claim to be animal communicators. Who can gauge an animal's consent or understanding of obligations. Surely therefore these people could be employed by courts to determine an animal's objectives, intentions and understanding within a legal framework of animal rights. Having gone past the idea as animals as dumb beasts, but intelligent, emotional beings.
So my musings have gone from the far out idea of human-animal marriage to the necessity of animal rights. I suppose the need for legal animal rights is the more urgent requirement, since they are totally abused and misused on this world. The clear fact of judgement that they are not inferior beings and thus do not deserve to be treated as "meat".
But for those who "love" animals should not the relationship with them be brought under equality under the law to protect the animal. Should not animals move from an "owner's" "property" to an intelligent legal individual with rights. Perhaps master-property, could become teacher-student, or equal companions. Should not there be classes where those who live with animals should learn to communicate with them so they can respect their wishes and rights?
And for those who wish to marry their animals, should they be discriminated against?
Replies
Love has no bounds. I guess I really don't understand the question. This is really weird. So, you want a piece of paper to do what exactly? I need to know your motive here before I can attempt to answer this question. K apish?
Like, is this for real? Just because humans like to indulge in the crime of marriage, doesn't mean animals should be debased as well. After all, we supposedly ended slavery over 100 years ago, yet we still hold the tyranny of marriage in a "sacred" light. I really doubt that any self-respecting animal would find this discussion anything but absurd and boring.
Thanks for going a bit deeper with your reasoning Lori to me they are part of my family and my cats found me :) I am very close with animals and and would actively encourage anyone that has a home and love to offer to help the animals too.
I can't believe this topic is still being debated. I mean come on marriage with animals get a grip. Maybe my mind is just closed lol. I am a Pisces who has an extremely open mind for most topics and will contemplate a lot of various theories before making my heartfelt choices on what is right to me. This flags up a red flag every time I see the title it's absurd.
As for what Lori says about keeping an animal as a pet and that it's wrong because of their free will, if you are going to abuse them then yes not fair if you are going to provide a loving home for them in a cruel world where anything could happen to them I see that as an act of kindness in today's society, if we do not help them who will? It's not safe for dogs to roam streets they get caught and more often than not killed to keep pest control at a minimum, in some countries it's barbaric what they do.
Also what about adopting babies is that wrong? Interfering with their free will? If we are thinking along these lines to me they are one and the same example, If kids choose us before they are born how do we know our animals don't? They might too, just a thought. Giving a good loving kind home to an animal is a gift and I salute all those that will share their time and home and love in this way. As for marriage ridiculous!
Yea seriously Louise lol 6 pages worth of debating....there shouldn't be a debate...the answer should be no, you don't marry your animal, period lol I have a deep relationship with my mom, but I wouldn't marry her. I guess people forget that marriage is supposed to be not just about love, but romance. That's why couples come together, right....out of romance. Who would feel romantic feelings for their animals...I'm not quite sure. And would your animal feel romantic feelings for you, I don't think animals can even feel romantic feelings. So..the answer would be no...that's it, end of debate lol
Lol John the mind boggles I'm black is black and white is white on this one there are no shades of grey for me on this topic too ;) hope your well (hugs)
Philosoraptor: Why not troll on some non "New Age" site/chatroom then? I personally am of the Now Age - in each moment wherein reality dwells. And am not so repressed that I need to throw childish "hissy fits" or temper tantrums spewing all of the undigested garbage and venom unto others. One can be childlike, open to the joy and wonder of it all without the desire to lash out at the world for all one's own unprocessed emotional "stuff". But go ahead and "be what you is, cos if you be what you ain't, you ain't what you is". But also know that there are those who will track the beast (ego) down to its lair and expose it for what it is: untransmuted fear a.k.a love's repression.
Apparently, Philosoraptor, you didn't read my reply above or you would see that I essentially agree with you. Why do you attempt to cram all of your own "stuff" onto Flashstorm and myself (others)? Your judgments and indignation you have a right to absolutely, but please don't conflate them with us. Your epithets and swearing may help you to vent but Flashstorm (and myself also) is merely attempting to explore the issue. If you didn't like to also explore the issue, then why did you come on this site to begin with? Just because others may not be so vehement in expressing their opinion as you doesn't mean that they also don't have strongly held convictions and ethics. They may just not be as judgmental as you appear to be. One can engage in dialogue without ad hominem attacks and vituperation.
I'm curious do you believe only humans are sentient?
Then according to your logic marrying humans is also ridiculous. No, correction...it's fucking ridiculous.
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