The San Francisco Chronicle published two articles today on the subject of same-sex marriage: "Divorcing gay couples create new legal issues" (http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2006/09/25/SEPARATION.TMP) and "Same-sex marriage foes say divorces prove their point" (http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2006/09/25/FOES.TMP).  The first is an interesting look at the current contradictions in the policies regarding breakups for those states that legally recognize same-sex couples.  The second...well, even if you oppose same-sex partnerships you've got to wonder how anyone managed to say this with a straight face:

"The separation of Julie and Hillary Goodridge is tragic not only for their daughter," the Rev. Lou Sheldon of the Traditional Values Coalition said in a statement released the day after the couple confirmed the separation. "But ... they have clearly shown just how little they value the institution of marriage and provide a chilling look into what our nation faces if homosexual marriage is legalized elsewhere."

I don't recall anyone in the media commenting on the tragedy of my parents' divorce, back in the day, whether for me or for the heterosexual community as a whole.

Anyway, I'm reminded of a discussion over at Alas, a Blog last month on the whole notion of whether there is, in fact, any kind of gay agenda aimed at deconstructing traditional notions of family, and if so, whether that might even be a defensible position.  (http://www.amptoons.com/blog/archives/2006/08/08/beyond-marriage/)

I'm also reminded of a recent Onion article.  (http://www.theonion.com/content/node/52984), but perhaps that's just me.

"Liberals and Democrats would have you believe that sharks pose no threat to married couples," Martinez said. "They tell us that sharks should just be left alone to mind their own business, and they won't do anyone any harm. But we say it's time for those of us with backbone to stand up for what we believe in—before that backbone is torn violently from our torsos by these soulless, underwater killers."

I hope the writers of the Onion are proud of themselves for making me unconsciously hum the "Jaws" theme music under my breath the last time I saw a gay couple holding hands.