DEAR EDITOR:
If same-sex marriage is determined to be constitutionally
invalid, then what does society do in the following situations:
DEAR EDITOR:
If same-sex marriage is determined to be constitutionally invalid, then what does society do in the following situations:
• Would it be legal for a transgender female to marry a normal male? Or, transgender male to marry a normal female?
• Would two hermaphrodites (individuals with both sex organs) be allowed to marry? And, if so, would they “declare their sex” prior to getting married, and stay that way throughout the union? Who will monitor this?
• Would a hermaphrodite be allowed to marry a normal male? A normal female? Would a hermaphrodite have more marriage rights than a non-hermaphrodite?
Is “a man” and “a woman” defined by external genitalia? Maybe all couples should provide a genetic test for his/her sex. Genetic males have an X chromosome, and at least one Y chromosome; genetic females have at least two X chromosomes. All males start out as females, and in fetal development, the genes on the Y chromosome determine “maleness.”
How would society deal with the following situations:
• Would it be legal for a genetically determined XY male with testicular feminization syndrome (no male sex organs; looks completely female externally) to marry a female? A male?
• Would it be legal for a genetically determined XX female with pseudo-hermaphrodism (has male sex organs) to marry a female? A male?
The development of the human body does not abide by local, state or federal laws; neither does it abide by religious doctrine. Chromosomes and the resultant expression of inherited genes determines humanity, and our society has granted individuals rights based upon constitutional principles.
Before society determines who shall and shall not get married, thus limiting these constitutional rights, maybe, it should first define “a man” and “a woman.”
Dale Morejon, Gilroy
Submitted Monday, March 1 to ed****@ga****.com
