The View: Elisabeth Hasselbeck and Melissa Ethridge Argue Over Gay Marriage

"The View"--December 16, 2008
Melissa Ethridge stops by The View to talk about her new Christmas Album in addition to talk about Equality for Gay Couples. The Conversation quickly become very heated between Ethridge and Elisabeth Hasselbeck--the two argue over the passage of Propostion 8 In California and the issue of Gay Marriage.

[@brandtfan12]

Elisabeth: “I don’t think activist judges should be deciding what’s right for the rest of the country.” I’d bet my last dollar she rejoiced when Roe was overturned by activist judges!!

[@iglurcurla]

Exactamundo 👏

[@symptomoftheuniverse4149]

🎯👏🏼

[@cheri7054]

There are conservative judges on the bench that just overturned RV Wade. Should we ban them?? It's not about your party it's about the Constitution.

[@symptomoftheuniverse4149]

@@cheri7054 Who are you talking to? Brandt fan was mocking her, and the rest of us agree.🙄

[@seanp7dc]

You got it.

[@ArtemisBianco]

I don't understand why people care so much about gay marriage. You're gay, you're getting married. What does any of this have to do with me? If 2 financially stable adults want to get married then let them get married. It's their business. I don't understand why people care so much about what another does with their life. None of it is any of my business.

[@winterlandboy]

No I don't understand it either.These people sit at home worrying about another persons/couples sexuality ?? wTF is that all about? Too much time on their hands maybe, but I've always wondered about these sorts of people .I wonder if they are latent homosexuals ,in denial and dealing with self loathing . They protest too loudly about something which is not going to effect their life in the slightest. If they're bible thumpers..nice if them to worry about who is going to hell in a handcart but they need to mind their own own business..big time!!

[@lukeb8045]

***** winterlandboy Marriage is about more than worrying about someone's sexuality. Don't get me wrong I am all for equal opportunity for gay and straight people including marriage but the issue is about more than being allowed to just say that you are truly married or taking ownership of the word marriage. There are many privileges and tax advantages associated with marriage. The opponents of same sex marriage will always do poorly in the court system because the court deals with facts and evidence. You may believe marriage is a religious institution but it doesn't matter how conservative the judge is this is hard to prove in court because it is totally possible to have a civil ceremony and be fully legally married. A lot of people don't understand this.

[@ginsu3396]

***** Nah, but fuck you.

[@ginsu3396]

***** I don't know any kid who would comment that he cuts food better in a kitchen, doesn't sound very tough lol. OH IM HOBO NOW IS THAT? WELL FUCK YOU, YOU CITY SLICKER!

[@ginsu3396]

***** So you are not tolerant of faith, and a racist. Keep painting a beautiful picture about yourself lol

[@robertk2007]

If you put civill rights to a popular vote in Alabama, there still might be slavery.

[@brainboy109]

+robertk2007 , Alabama didn't even officially repeal it's interracial marriage ban until 2000.

[@RealTakerslady]

Ikr lololol

[@Angelface11]

Arkansas...SC...Georgia..ETC!! I lived in SC...racism is alive and well there

[@TreenaBeena]

There still WOULD be.

[@raym.778]

@@brainboy109 And its probably _still_ frowned upon in 2019.

[@musicftw711]

I can’t imagine having the guts to tell someone to their face they don’t deserve the same human rights, that bring happiness, to myself.

[@terrancejovan4825]

I don't think it takes guts.. Just alot of hate and maybe some jealousy. I think you should count yourself lucky in that sense.. The world is full of hateful jealous mean spirited people. Be glad that you're not one of them lol.

[@nftutoring9241]

That's what all religious zealots do

[@mick5628]

The root of this is you either believe in the Bible or you don't. There are 6 verses in the Bible that says homosexuality is a sin, it also says not to judge and to love EVERYONE.

[@Peace12105]

@@mick5628the gay community needs to step in..because gay and transgender are two different things.. one is who want to sleep with and the other is plain confused..

[@anthonymastrando9299]

@mick5628 where in the Bible does it say homosexuality is a sin? There is over 400 verses in the Bible that talk about the dangers of judging. Please don’t use the Bible as a Book of hate, ever. These are the very people that Christ spent His time with.

[@pawswithnohome8995]

I like the fact that Melissa didn't have to yell and scream to make up her point to Elizabeth. She calmy taught her.

[@tillyboos]

Yes, because Melissa has rational thought and a 🧠, two things Hasselbeck lacks.

[@sportsfan9614]

@@tillyboos what did she teach her? Could it possibly be that people have their own opinion on things like this? And before you say that gay marriage doesn't affect anyone else it is the business of two consenting adults, you are dead wrong. They expect everyone. I mean everyone to recognize their marriage as legitimate. Well the first clue that it isn't is when you have activist judges override the will of the people. Then they legislate laws to force people to accept this demonic behavior.

[@tillyboos]

@@sportsfan9614 And that is EXACTLY why she taught her something. She could UNDOUBTEDLY teach you something as well. Love is Love and NOT religion. Don't preach at me. That's the source of ALL the problems and issues and divisiveness. That's EXACTLY what Hasselbeck promoted -- divisiveness and unacceptance. Ffs, she used The View to preach at people and pass judgement on EVERYONE who wasn't EXACTLY like her -- she's NO better than a sleazy garden variety televangelist in that regard. And you go around calling yourselves "Christians????" 😂 Give me a break and go gaslight elsewhere, thanks. ✌️👍

[@samueladams4218]

The Left will never be satisfied. Never.

[@tillyboos]

@@samueladams4218 So, politics aside, you think it's ok for people to be treated like second-class citizens? It's more about that than politics. It's about equality and civil rights -- two things ALL human beings want, regardless of where their views and convictions fall on the political spectrum. So, yeah, for those of us that are still being treated like second-class citizens we SHOULD NEVER be satisfied with that, EVER. #keepfightingforequality ✊

[@SamAdamsDesigns]

“It’s not a personal issue for me” Exactly why you should have no say in it.

[@mariadangelo3649]

Its how laws works. which is why the democratic system of gov. we use keeps checks and balences. It keeps 3 separate branches of gov. to avoid having the people who write the bills from voting them into laws and the lawmakers from deciding if they're constitutional carrying out punishments. 1- legislative (lawamakers house of reps and senate ), 2-executive(president and cabinet,)and 3-judicial(supreme courts, lower courts). So laws are made all the time without us voting on them. The only thing we vote on are the people who write the laws and make all the decisions about oyrs laws like who is immune to these laws while holding others to said laws, and the people who decide whether said laws are constitutional or unconstitutional. And because of gerrymandering and corporate interest and extreme capitalism mixed with the extreme Christian Right in this country , voting has been arbitrary since the very beginning. Other than to unite people on issues and keep a tally of popular votes which may oneday matter , as long as the electorate is still going, "the people" don't vote on a thing.

[@SamAdamsDesigns]

Valkyrie so what you’re saying is you don’t have empathy...

[@Karen-pk3uv]

@@SamAdamsDesignsI think Valkyrie was saying the exact opposite. To paraphrase your original post, you said Elizabeth should not have a say in the matter because she wasn't personally affected. Your comment implied only people personally affected by something should be allowed to have a say in a matter. In this case the matter involved outlawing gay marriage, so Valkyrie applied your "rules" to slavery and police brutality (two examples of topics that were debated throughout American history) to prove you wrong. When slavery ended, non-slaves and non-slave owners were allowed a voice. Currently, people who are not personally affected by law enforcement (either side) are allowed a say on police brutality. As an American citizen, over the age of 18 and with no criminal record I have the right and responsibility to vote on every person, place, thing, activity, etc that is on the ballot sent out by the electoral district I am registered in. The fact that I am a 33 year old, straight, white, disabled, child-free (due to medical condition), and single woman without a criminal record has absolutely zero effect on my right to have a say in any matter. At the absolute most the only thing that has an effect on how much of a say I'm allowed to have is whether or not I am legally registered to vote in a particular electoral district. Even then, that only changes if my say counts. It doesnt change whether or not I'm allowed to have one in the first place.

[@boxer12350]

What?

[@boxer12350]

Everyone gets a say weather you like it or not.

[@dudra2469]

This is why there should be a separation of church and state. Everyone is due equal protection and rights under the constitution.

[@arthaines4148]

Audra Maxwell pedophiles? 2018....live and learn

[@realbobduncan]

art haines yes, everyone has the right to have sex w someone who consents and is mentally healthy.... pedophilia does not involve consent, incest does not involve mentally healthy people... try again

[@bhumphries1360]

@@arthaines4148 So your comparing me to a pedophile? SMH.....ignorance

[@danimart1105]

@@arthaines4148 No. Not pedophiles. This is about consent and children cannot consent.

[@atrocchia]

Voting on civil rights sounds absurd. I absolutely believe church and state must be kept separate. Religion has been used to manipulate and control people for centuries.

[@billfoster7951]

Hasselbeck is attractive.......right up to the point where she opens her mouth

[@brownprincess7189]

LOL

[@stopthemadness6350]

+Jeff Sharp -- Zombies, huh? Hasselbeck's responses are not logical and are very ambiguous. Much like politicians trying to sound semi neutral on an issue when they clearly aren't.

[@SunflowerChild82]

Melissa is a class act. Always loved her. I’m a conservative politically, but believe the government doesn’t have any right to tell people who they can and can’t marry. It’s none of my or anyone else’s business who someone marries, and it doesn’t affect me.

[@Oshun_KC]

What did it mean to be a conservative?

[@jak30341]

The way you vote is affecting others, try to open your mind and see if you can GET IT!

[@cv8499]

Unfortunately, if you're voting conservative, you're putting people in power who very much think that who a person wants to marry is their business.

[@KickYourFace10]

I don’t think you’re as conservative as you think you are.

[@riverebec1]

@@Oshun_KC Being "conservative" means to conserve that which is best for the country and society as a whole. Traditional marriage was limited to one man and one woman for just that reason: heterosexual sex makes babies, society needs babies, babies need their married mom AND dad.

[@voodoochild7533]

There’s no point in arguing with Hasslebeck! 🙄 She’s always right no matter what the topic is.

[@mykeogando-ortiz9845]

Elizabeth never gives a str8 up answer when someone questions her smh

[@smf5576]

+Myke Ogando-Ortiz She's Conservative. They NEVER give straight answers.

[@valuecalc]

+Myke Ogando-Ortiz, she dodged Mel's question.

[@loyshaw935]

Myke Ogando-Ortiz yes she does, you just don’t like the answers.

[@rbecks1988]

Loy Shaw she clearly did not answer the question. Try again.

[@realbobduncan]

Loy Shaw it's really not a straight answer tho...?

[@two-toneblue7455]

Etheridge raises a good point with the Jefferson quote. One of the problems with democracy is that, by its very nature, it disadvantages minorities.

[@LarryTaint-qn8pd]

That is why this country is NOT a democracy. It is a constitutional republic. Big difference. One of Ben Franklin's best quotes is.... "Democracy is two wolves and a lamb voting on what to have for lunch. Liberty is a well-armed lamb contesting the vote"

[@two-toneblue7455]

Unfuckwithable Theophile Is there a democracy on this PLANET, then?

[@LarryTaint-qn8pd]

Two-tone Blue Yes, several. It's mob rules though. The majority can pick on the minority in a democracy. If there was a democracy in a country like the US where it's 70% white, the majority could make laws that screw the minority. That is why we have a constitutional republic. So the majority can't do things like make all the states in the Midwest pay 100 times more taxes than states on the coasts. There are more people on the coasts. See what I mean?

[@two-toneblue7455]

Unfuckwithable Theophile Why does the U.S. claim to be a democracy? Is it just semantics?

[@LarryTaint-qn8pd]

Two-tone Blue I believe they want to misinform everyone so they can make our constitution seem secondary, along with the fact that liberals tend to live on the coasts and would love nothing more than to do away with the electoral college, thus giving the mob rule power to the coastal states. We in the center of the country would be oppressed by the power of numbers. That was the whole purpose for the constitutional republic in the first place. The lower populated states didn't want to be at the mercy of the mob. They wanted equal footing. We have 2 senators in each state regardless of population for that purpose. Not to mention the 10th amendment of states rights and also the right to secede from the union if they feel unrepresented. It's quite complicated, but so far there hasn't been a better governance yet know to man. IMHO

[@cornflkeboy1]

Elizabeth represents many people in this country who don't seem to understand what the Constitution is about. This is not a country of voting for what the Constitution dictates. Yes, you vote to elect a President -- you are voting for someone to represent you. You do not get to vote for who deserves "Inalienable Rights" "That all men are created equal". The entire point of the constitution and the so called "Activist Judges" is to guarantee that everyone in this country shares equal protection under the law; even those whom you do not share an opinion with or agree with. There is no "gay marriage". There is only Marriage, a legal contract to which a portion of the population has been wrongly denied.

[@husseintoney]

Their is no inalienable rights to marriage with hetro or same-sex. Its a public policy isse so equality have no room in itm If its a right and no one should vote on it then why judges vote on it? Why its OK for 5 or 9 judges to take a vote on the issue and millions are banned from it? Only 11states had it by public vote or by law makers the rest were by judicial fiats.

[@tonyboy4334]

Trump 2016 The same reason 5 judges gutted part of the Votings Right Act, campaign finance laws, and part of the ACA. That's how the judiciary works.

[@tkieffer63]

cornflkeboy1 Thank you. I for one do not believe it is any ones business what another does with THEIR life and surely not to be voted on! Who has the right to dictate whom another loves. Some are born with a more masculine aspect to them even though in a female body and vise versa and people want to tell them they are perverse or wrong... time to grow up and get rid of limiting thoughts that were taught.Hurt no one and be kind.

[@wintersun264]

cornflkeboy1 Gay marriage exists it was just made legal. It will always be GAY MARRIAGE.

[@tonyboy4334]

winter sun They said the same thing 50 years ago about "white and negro" marriage. Do you still call it that? Well.... you might but most people don't lol

[@Alinamunoz]

I hate that Elisabeth Hasselbeck can never answer a straight question made to her with a straight answer. She always just goes around and around the issues, especially when she's put on the spot.

[@tillyboos]

And then just preaches at everyone -- which just somehow makes it ALL worse. No 🧠-based response. 🙄 🙏

[@robertweinblatt2018]

That’s because she’s a right wing “Christian “ hater

[@tillyboos]

@@robertweinblatt2018 INDEED. THAT she is.

[@kalevala29]

Hasselbeck strikes me as a very combative person who never wants to consider the other side of a issue

[@MissStephy100]

This is an old video but I would like to say that Australia has legalised gay marriage and my life has been impacted in no way shape or form. So everyone get over yourselves

[@MissStephy100]

Skinny Bones Jones get over yourself mate. The world is still turning since Gay marriage has been legalised and frankly my spirituality has nothing to do with you

[@MissStephy100]

Greens Beans Potatoes Tomatoes no idea

[@MissStephy100]

Alex Carters Thank you

[@MissStephy100]

BB20 Angela Only sorry for the late response but I spoke to my doctor and he says my head is a normal size.

[@reyrey7775]

But you don’t understand - so many poor homophobic people now have to acknowledge that the LGBTQ community are actually people 😱

[@geoffreyr2356]

This serves as a reminder as to why I was happy when she, Ms. Hasselbeck left the show.

[@liamfeely]

Why ? Lol you hate looking at that ?

[@two-toneblue7455]

Melissa Etheridge has written some of the greatest songs in rock 'n roll. Hasselbeck is a refugee from 'reality' tv. Why are they on the same stage?

[@two-toneblue7455]

K Deloris You're welcome! Yeah, that's me, alright. I gotta spread that funking joy everywhere I go.

[@Polishwm]

Name a few??Dont compare her to the Beatles.

[@two-toneblue7455]

Communist Hater "Mothers tell your children: 'Be quick, you must be strong. Life is full of wonder. Love is never wrong.' Remember how they taught you. How much of it was fear? Refuse to hand it down. The legacy stops here." "We all live in a yellow submarine, a yellow submarine, a yellow submarine. We all live in a yellow submarine, a yellow submarine, a yellow submarine." I didn't say "hits". I said "greatest".

[@hoanhhonh3690]

Two-tone Blue e

[@marlenaroyster9827]

lmao @refugee

[@CanadaYo]

Nobody's business who you marry.

[@EdsLorraine]

The fact that we still have to fight about whether gay marriage should be legal or not just shows you that we aren't as advanced a society as we think. It's a free country. People should be able to do whatever they like. It's not hurting anyone, let them get married.

[@imasharky]

And here we are. 2016. Where we see Elizabeth on the wrong side of history. Please people. ALWAYS be on the right side of history.

[@WhatAboutUs]

Yesssss!!!! Amen!!!!

[@ericlencher2356]

You might want to rethink your post, stupid. This was back in 2008, when both Barrack Obama and Hillary Clinton opposed gay marriage. I guess by your standards, they were on the wrong side of history too! I just love schooling libtards. kzbin.info/www/bejne/hGeuapeJbtyfbbc kzbin.info/www/bejne/o5Kop32Hd697atU

[@jaywest3734]

imasharky She never really said anything wrong, just that the people should decide on issues in America, and I think she's more or less correct. I'm gay myself and see the damage that could be done if federal law were to override state law at all times.

[@realbobduncan]

Jeff Sharp uWu if you disagree with me youre a TRIGGERED LIBTARD

[@adamage1766]

@Jeff Sharp nationalism is not going to last if the swamp currently in power keeps giving everything to the ultra rich. But, Republicans never talk about that or the fact trump is a proven liar.

[@brainboy109]

Ah yes, the conservatives were cheering in victory that Prop 8 passed in liberal California. But here we are 6 years later and not only does California have gay marriage, but so do some of the most conservative states in the country. :-)

[@greatspirited]

Sucks don't it?

[@newipad]

Yeah. It's all over now. All that remains is for the fat lady to sing.

[@majorshipper5311]

greatspirited Tell me how it sucks? How does it affect you?

[@majorshipper5311]

greatspirited What system? Disease promoting? No. Regular marriage has higher divorce rate, making it sinful also. It is natural, just wait till we find the gene theres 3 that might relate to it.. There have been homosexuals in society since we started recording it.. including ancient Rome. If you say marriage is only for conception some heterosexuals would be unable to marry. You have a right to say so, and I have a right to say you're wrong. If something is declared unconstitutional it doesn't matter who wants it..

[@majorshipper5311]

greatspirited Our votes for president? Hardly mean anything with the electoral college.

[@tatortfanforever7321]

Why are so many people still discussing tolerance? Tolerance implies two classes of citizens: The 1st class (tolerators) and the 2nd class (tolerated). Equality trumps tolerance. If everyone is treated equally, nobody is a 1st class citizen who tolerates a 2nd class citizen. All are equal.

[@marcelltoth3750]

+TatortFanForever Exactly, thank you. I am a person and not a bad person as far as I know. I'm not dogshit on your shoe. I am not to be tolerated, I am to be accepted, respected and protected just like every other human being.

[@nostromo7928]

+TatortFanForever Nicely put.

[@caspmct]

+TatortFanForever Perhaps 'acceptance' would be a better word. I don't think of tolerance as implying a hierarchy in this sense. We should all learn to tolerate (accept) those with views that run counter to our own. It is unrealistic to expect everyone to embrace every point of view, but we must learn to tolerate them.

[@ShadowinaCave]

+TatortFanForever Good point, but I think it's obvious that's precisely why the word is employed by the "no" side of the debate: it implies that the power and decision still resides with them, and that it's within their remit to withdraw their generosity at any time. Here in Australia, in our own election year, we're facing this same problem. Our current reactionary conservative government (ironically named the Liberal Party) is proposing the issue be handled (i.e. dismissed, they're hoping) through a national plebiscite -- precisely the dilemma of an entitled majority determining the rights of a denied minority that Etheridge (and Jefferson) were warning against when this video cut out.

[@protectorofillinois3]

I can sum up 2 words - Elisabeth Hasselbitch. She's obviously judgmental and seems to always force her religious beliefs down people's throats. I fully support Marriage Equality 100%.

[@brainboy109]

+protectorofillinois3 , Hasselbitch X-D think you started a new meme

[@WeeeWriter]

Exactly-love knows no gender.

[@protectorofillinois3]

I wasn't trying to be disrespectful, but she's always arguing over specific subjects with the co-hosts, always forcing her religious beliefs on others. I'm so happy they gave her the boot.

[@protectorofillinois3]

Yes. It doesn't matter who you love. Love is love.

[@protectorofillinois3]

Then tell that to some other religious talk show host.

[@michaelzito3170]

Hasselbeck does not get it. You can't compare with voting for President to voting to deny a group the right to life liberty and the pursuit of happiness.

[@weswahlig5908]

You must remember that when you live in the bubble,knowledge can't penetrate!

[@nickculton4938]

Melissa and Elizabeth handled themselves well. It was a good conversation. I loved what Melissa had to say and felt she represented us well.

[@AussieMusicRocks]

Melissa, you are not a Lesbian, you are not a homosexual, you are not gay, you are not straight, you are not bent, you are not twisted. AS NONE OF US ARE! You are a person. An individual that loves another individual. Is that not what it should be about? LOVE? ... I'd rather see two girls in love or two boys in love than see those individuals persecuted based on someones foolish idealisms.

[@babysmomma2009]

I get the sense that you mean well in your comment but I kind of thing it's up to Mellisa to decide what she does or doesn't consider herself...

[@AussieMusicRocks]

I'm glad you get the sense of what I mean. I hope you understand the sense of what I mean is that we need to stop labeling people. Even Melissa should never label herself, no one should. We are all individuals and should except each other as such.

[@davidreyes1336]

AussieMusicRocks So same goes for religion. No Muslim label, no Catholic labels, no illegal alien labels, no labels at all.

[@ericrivers8883]

Those labels are an American thing..my Europe on friends don't use gay or straight they just say, a man who loves a man ora woman who loves a woman..America is a backwards country..I speak three languages my European friends speak four yet many American only speak one and make fun of those who speaks more...like that dimbulb Sarah Palin says, we should all speak American, which isn't a language..

[@PhoenixMinistry]

Um, what? Melissa is gay. She is a lesbian. It’s not a label, it’s a term to describe a difference in sexual orientation. There is nothing wrong with using a term that gives understanding. That’s why we have Words. That’s what Words and definitions do. They grant understanding.

[@kathywong4319]

the black lady between them looks so uncomfortable lol

[@bradley583]

Sherri Shepard lol.

[@LR3ONNEJ]

Say who? Kathy Dragos the green one?

[@lamb9770]

she’s pretty too

[@dannyyspencerr]

bahaha Sherri's hand on Melissa's leg at the end like "hey shhhh it's okay"

[@ijustineapplestore]

Wtf why does another persons marriage concern you?! Deal with it and get over yourself smh

[@greatspirited]

Hate the sin but love the sinner. There's no doubt in my mind. Just sayin'

[@newipad]

greatspirited The problem is, we don't all subscribe to your religion here in America. If it's a sin to marry someone of the opposite sex in your belief system you absolutely should not do it. But the law cannot be used to enforce your religious beliefs on the rest of us.

[@greatspirited]

newipad No, that's not a sin to marry someone of the opposite sex. LOL One nation under God. So, I'd like to believe in God's laws. I am not sinless. I work on being respectful and obedient

[@Cork_UO]

greatspirited One nation under God? Are you referring to the phrase that was added to our pledge of allegiance in 1954 by some religious zealots?

[@greatspirited]

Grignak01 It's not just the nation that is under God.

[@abcabc-sn7kw]

I absolutely love Melissa. I grew up on her music. I find her so talented and knowledgeable. I had a chance to go to one of her concerts back in the 90s but my family would allow me to go because of her asexuality. WTF were my parents thinking? LMAO!!!!

[@GregLynn]

I love how whenever a judge acts against any so-called conservative views, they are deemed "activist."

[@periwinkle943]

I thought there was separation between church and state.

[@kerronthedon9306]

Are you dead???

[@lilahhart7630]

Yeah, and people used to think that the issue of slavery should be up for a vote! Equal rights and protection should be a GIVEN, regardless of how popular or unpopular they may be.

[@keithhh2892]

It's very clear from this that Hasselbeck has no fundamental conception of how the Constitution works. Civil liberties are never supposed to be put to a vote, they are guaranteed, hence "inalienable rights." The democratic system in the U.S. is simply the method for electing representatives, and ballot initiatives like Prop 8 are unfounded. In addition, judges are not "activists"; it is their job to decide on constitutionality, and so they are the only ones who should be involved in determining the legality of same-sex marriage.

[@chucknchar]

Melissa said all that must be said"Equal protection under the Law'

[@ROWLURES]

Thanks Melissa for standing up to Elizabeth!

[@paulacanty8820]

They didn't argue....

[@matthewluck9077]

my question is: why was it ever even something that needed to be voted on? why couldn’t people just... get married. why hasn’t this been allowed for centuries? it boggles my mind that people think they should dictate who somebody marries.

[@emilioandres1000]

The Church and state are separated to their convenience. 🙄

[@Tiberius291]

"The View" created in 1997 and still going strong 25 years later. 📺

[@nathaliaporras3553]

Elizabeth back at it again being an upper middle class Christian lady. What more could we expect 😅🤷🏻‍♀️

[@Shalayah2010]

Nathalia Porras this is almost 10 year old clip lol

[@Sakkiuh]

Dang, Whoopi looked slimmer with that top on. o.O

[@ThaiChinaMalay]

excellent post! You finally articulated something at the level one would expect from a person such as yourself... keep up the good work.

[@stevefowler5970]

didn't seem like an argument, more of a discussion

[@bubujooestes1499]

Why can Whoopi dress like this now.She looks like a human being here.

[@chica476]

Swedish law is not the same as American law, Ms. Hasselback. In Sweden, they have a state religion which recognizes marriage and gives marriage license. In America, there is no state religion.

[@ddland45]

People who comment on this subject and refer to their religious beliefs or what 'God' said are missing the point. This is not a religious argument. 'cmcneill60' bases his/her argument on religion. The RIGHT to marry is protected by the CONSTITUTION which provides equal access to all citizens. The last time I checked, homosexuals were still citizens regardless of their sexual orientation. Those of religious proclivity are free to consider it wrong, however, religion does not and should not dictate legal status or who is or is not worthy of rights. Slavery is mentioned AND SUPPORTED in the Bible, so it is interesting that some make the comparison of slavery and homosexuality. It isn't about being black or being gay. It is about how one is treated UNDER THE LAW. Slaves weren't considered to be equal to 'regular' people; they weren't even considered to BE people. Gays are thought to be 'abominations'. Both cases dictate a "less than" stigma. The CONSTITUTION protects all citizen's rights, which aren't up for a vote. Marriage as a LEGAL contract, falls under that protection. So if heterosexuals can marry LEGALLY, then so can gays. No church can be forced to recognize or support gay marriage, BUT, no church or religion can deny or prevent the right of two citizens to marry LEGALLY.

[@jkrizzyboston]

Well put sir

[@blurredacuity4017]

At last there is hope!

[@tuningin4fun]

Well stated in regards to the legal aspect of same-sex marriage. But I wonder how the churches in Texas who are being forced to remove teachings against homosexuality in the pulpit would respond to your statement, "No church can be forced to recognize or support gay marriage." What about their LEGAL right to believe the scriptures that identify homosexuality as a sin and to vocalize that belief? This is why many people are afraid of homosexuality. The campaign for same-sex marriage has somehow turned into the campaign for "make-people-like-me-and-take-away-their-freedom-to-disagree-with-me." It's like we've entered the era of the thought police, and yes, religious freedoms are being threatened every day.

[@blurredacuity4017]

***** Texas has always been behind in everything!

[@ddland45]

***** The basic problem is that of EXTREMES on either side. I personally don't give a shit what your religious beliefs are, as long as those beliefs don't discriminate against people who don't hold the same beliefs. As an example, suppose the situation was reversed? What if your views and beliefs were in the minority? Would you want to be forced to comply with laws based in a belief that you didn't agree with? What if homosexuality was the majority view? What about Islam? The point is that there is a clear division between what you may believe personally, and what we ALL should agree to publicly. If marriage is a LEGAL contract sanctioned by the STATE, which it is, shouldn't ALL citizens benefit from that law?

[@katjames7601]

It doesn't really rise to the level of an argument because this clip cuts it off before we can see exactly where it's heading.

[@ThaiChinaMalay]

Finally, you articulated thought at your level. Good job!!!!!!!! Please do post more.

[@caydeecat6942]

Go get em, Mel! Keep fighting, pretty girl.

[@Misaelito1991]

The issue of gay marriage and gay rights is becoming a little outdated. Those who oppose it just like to twist their religious verses around to convinced people that it is wrong and unnatural but in fact homosexuality has been around since the dawn on mankind. It amazes me how when conservative go out and protest same sex marriages but yet i never see them go out and protest against child abuse in this country or the amount of people in this country going hungry. about 60 years ago we saw the same exact conservatives protesting interracial marriage and calling it unnatural, if someone did that today we will find them mentally disturbed so imagine how stupid you conservatives protesting against people who just want to marry the person they live, are going look like 60 years in the future. God made you for who you are, he doesnt make mistakes and gay or straight he loves you and knew you since you were in the womb.

[@Misaelito1991]

Danny Kroll I am an American in fact and all those reasons you just posted are mostly done by straight people! Besides you cannot honestly believe God will let you enter his kingdom with that kind of attitudes and beliefs, because if you do then you need to pop out that bible and read where it says to "Love Thy Neighbor" He says to love your enemy and you are doing the exact opposite.

[@NightinMadrid]

Every one has a right to their opinions in behalf of their religious views,so you cant condemn those who opposed Gay marriage or anything because their views does not align with yours. No one has to all agree in one thing and be condemn with disagreeing,or we become no better than those who are intolerant..

[@shiva6lin]

Selena Madrid You tolerate bigoted opinions and condone discrimination. You're the worst kind.

[@shiva6lin]

Danny Kroll lol you speak as if heterosexual people never sleep together only for sex. Get real girl.

[@shiva6lin]

Danny Kroll Distorted? Lol, says the person who is so angry and judgemental. You need to chill, girl.

[@mrexecutive]

10 Years Later ❤️💯🙌

[@Msloopylotus]

they didn't argue about gay marriage. Elisabeth was just going around the fact that she didn't believe in gay marriage

[@mehreencharania]

Elizabeth- our system of democracy is a smart one, because it allows for people to govern, but also safeguards against "tyranny of the majority." The majority is not always right, or just, and therefore, our Bill of Rights were put in place to ensure that neither the government nor the people could infringe open basic rights the Constitution grants. Any amendments to the Constitution are there so that rights of citizens, including MINORITIES, will be protected regardless of an establishment that disagrees or a "majority" that disagrees. American constitutional democracy is more complex that just voting and "majority wins." That's why it works.

[@truthinspector6390]

You are an idiot....thats why slavery proliferated

[@CJ-id7qy]

By the way, a civil union IS recognized by the law (no one here is disputing that), but it still is not the same thing as marriage under the law and that's ultimately the argument. A civil union does not hold the same legal rights as marriage. To make matters more complicated for gay couples, civil unions are not honored by all states. This means that their union becomes invalid if a couple crosses over into another state where it is not recognized.

[@danhorne3582]

Canadian here , A long time ago Prime Minister Pierre Elliot Trudeau famously said . " The Government of Canada has No business in the bedrooms of its people " .

[@chloecusimano3710]

I was one of the couples who got married in California during proposition 8 & my marriage was null and void... 12 years later it’s all good I’m now with a man and have a child so in my situation it worked out

[@ashalily5]

Are christians who are against gay marriage, also against other religions? Like should Judism no longer be a recognized religion because it goes against christian beliefs? No? Well thats the same thing with gay marriage.

[@villard64]

love is love I hate that some people go out of their way to inhibit It.

[@Lizwindsor]

I get such a knot in my neck when hateful hasselbeck speaks

[@courtney2323]

How did we have so many years with Elisabeth on the show. Jeeeeeez

[@FearFanatic86]

For people who are constantly trying to defend the "traditional marriage" concept, why don't we just round up all the families that include gay parents raising perfectly happy and healthy children, and let's tell those kids why you think that their two daddys' or mommys' relationship are not worth being called a marriage and they shouldn't be considered a family, even though they have done all the right and good things straight parents have done for their children. That's basically what you're trying to do, and I find it so unbelievably hypocritical because your words and actions are moreso destroying families rather than helping families, which is what you claim is that ultimate goal! Also with gay marriages being legal, and this is especially interesting to hear from heterosexual married people, please give me some good reasons how it changes your marriage, or straight marriages in general?...

[@MyMojo13]

...when a gay couple has been together for 30 years - they shared everything - then one is dying and in a hospital E.R. then room, the other half wants to visit their loved one and the nurse asks "who are you, are you family" most people won't lie and they tell the truth then the next thing they hear is "only family or spouse can see her" you want to lie but it's too late... because for a brief moment you thought compassion would allow you in.!!! How wrong you are to not accept the rights of others - how f--king dare you decide, judge and push your own beliefs on others.!

[@MyMojo13]

...love isn't weather you have a piece paper or not, common law marriage!

[@MyMojo13]

Thank you - that's how I roll - live and let live...!!!

[@newipad]

Maria' MyMoJo Most states in the US are not "common law" states. But even if they were, same sex marriages would only be "common law" if they were recognized. I live in a common law state. We're also the 4th US state to recognize marriage equality. So here, common law applies to same sex marriages, but that would not be true in a common law state like Texas.

[@MyMojo13]

newipad TY - for that info...

[@lovettuduebor1902]

Wait a second, the clip just started getting good, then ........... clip ends.

[@lanagrey7460]

Notice how Elisabeth changed the conversation when Etheridge brought up Jefferson's paper-she knew she didn't have an argument.

[@brandyfifer688]

I'm severely shocked by reading what smc2673 said. Being gay IS something you're born with. Same as skin color. Do not ever suggest for one moment that it's like your clothing...something you can change. For those of us fighting the battle for unity every day, do not come to our corner and suggest you know anything of what it feels like to be gay or suggest to anyone that it can be changed! Incredible ignorance!

[@weswahlig5908]

Don't be shocked by what uneducated,hateful people say! Be shocked when they're not a complete dumbass!

[@BobbyinNashville]

I think Melissa was very respectful.

[@spinny418]

me too. this was not heated at all. it was a good, healthy conversation

[@user-mp4zs2by9m]

Melissa is so wise & an excellent educator. Lord knows, we need those qualities!

[@janjr165]

Typical Elizabeth. She’s asked a direct question, and she responds by not answering the question at all. 🙄

[@ndjarnag]

Let the gays marry. What's the big deal?

[@CJ-id7qy]

Hey, for what it's worth...there are rational (and compassionate) human beings like myself who think you are completely normal, and know you are equal in every way. I honestly believe that through continued education and support, this issue will dramatically improve in the (not so distant future). Never let someone like this let you lose sight of that exciting fact for even one minute.

[@michaeljha4860]

I love this! And you were so right! 🥰

[@ryanbarrett96]

I'd hardly call that an argument. Probably the most civil Hasselbeck has been on that show

[@Whittness]

No. If a bakery were to deny me a cake, I would move onto the next. Its as simple as that. Just as if you went to a bakery and got denied, you would just walk away. But what if EVERY bakery denied you. Then what? Simply for wanting your day to be special or make your wife the happiest you possibly can. Imagine trying to just live life and plan a special day, and everything falling apart simply because of who you are marrying. It isn't fair. Plain and simple. We just want to live our lives.

[@RealKungFu]

God dang it. I love Whoopi!

[@Romatic32005]

Melissa E, why are you afraid that some people do not agree with your views or lifestyle? lesbian and gays contradict themselves when they say they would like freedom to live as they wish but then, they censored people like us that don't agree with your lifestyle. Respect my freedom to disagree and not vote for your own selfish motives, my convictions and values will remind the same whether you like it or not. Although i don't hate or wish lesbian and gays harm, i will live to my convictions that a marriage should be betwee a man and woman.. Period!!!! Respect my point of view....

[@ahuyx]

It’s crazy how different the world was just a few years ago.

[@carter7937]

I don’t see any arguing here at all, just a civil conversation. If it were two men then no one would even use the word argue.

[@ccc-fd3ls]

I don’t condone gay marriage, but I would never take that right from an individual. We need to respect people’s differences and as long as no one gets hurt it’s whatever

[@skyavalanche]

Your position is hurtful, and ill informed. If you’re heterosexual, it’s not for you to “condone”.

[@billyo3915]

@ccc I don’t condone your right to marry either. Or to have children for that matter. But I wouldn’t take that away from you either. Respectfully.

[@AutisticBeaver]

Who cares what you condone or not

[@LouisianaCityboi]

Followers of Jesus Christ who are against homosexuality...my God, you people make me laugh. You do realize you think a certain group of people are going to Hell because they LOVE the wrong person. Am I the only one who realizes how ridiculous that sounds?? Isn't LOVE the one thing that's never wrong? How can LOVE be wrong? I'm so confused...

[@redwhitentrue]

Elisabeth Hasselbeck puts out some good points. Wow!

[@allanjacquadro870]

Note end of clip when Sherri places her hand on Melissa’s thigh to calm her. Thoughtful gesture

[@tinhunter256]

Thomas Jefferson wrote not to take away the rights of the minority ....But GOD said a Man is for a Woman and a Woman is for a Man! There is no such thing as Equality in this world! Face it!

[@atheistsrnumber1]

prove god exists

[@tinhunter256]

when u go to hell, you ll see!

[@Rosannasfriend]

If you live in America, you should care what Thomas Jefferson said. If God wants to punish gays fine, but unless they're hurting someone else, it's not our right to interfere.

[@tinhunter256]

***** Wat d fuk r u talking about ? who said God wants to punish gays? Lady go swallow someone’s load… ur a waste of time!

[@alumbo]

TROLLL!!! Here endeth the lesson.

[@darthba11er]

that's a cop-out by Elisabeth to say that this issue should be decided by popular vote. Typical conservative. She will give you her opinion about all kinds of things but when asked weather she favors gay marriage, she will take the easy way out and say it's nothing personal for me and that it should be voted on like a democracy.

[@rohadtanyad8908]

***** dear ignorant moron. human right issues are not a popularity contest. never have been in this country, learn some history. the constitution is exactly about protecting the rights of the few from the majority. if majority would rule, interracial marriage would still be banned and segregation and many other things would still be in effect. this country is not a democracy, it is a constitutional, representative republic. unfortunatey idiots like you make america special. special ed that is. doesn't matter if 99% votes for something if it violates the constitution and/or human rights. america is great for the reason that religious morons can't force their views on the people, they don't get to legislate their bigotry. are you a homosexual? if not, gay marriage does not effect you, and this is not my opinion, it is the scotus' ruling. get an education, and learn how the u.s.a. actually works dumb fuck.

[@rohadtanyad8908]

you are ignorant alright. first, you'd have to demonstrate that god exist. religion has nothing to do with it. you don't get to legislate your nonsense you get from a book. polygamy is certainly legal in many places. how does homosexuals getting married effect you? marriage did not begin with god, and how would you know it did? why do you pick the bible, and not the mahabharata for example? i have read the bible in 8 different translation and 2 different languages. but the bible has no more validity or authority than any other book. traditionally marriage has been a business and political institution. your ignorance is dangerous. to assert that you know what god wants, does or says is arrogant and idiotic. what reason is there to follow the bible in anything? god doesn't tell us anything. and you have no right to try to govern marital relationships based on your superstition.

[@Harvey3rdman]

***** "Marriage itself is not a human institution devised in the dim past of human history as a convenient way to sort out social responsibilities." How do you know this? Where is your proof? "If marriage were a human invention, then different types of marriage could have equal value." They do. "Polygamy, the taking of several wives, may serve an agricultural society better than an industrialized society; polyandry, the sharing of a wife by several husbands, may prove to be more efficient and economical in a highly technological society. Monogamy, the lifelong union of one man to one woman, would have no more intrinsic value than any other type of marriage." You are actually arguing against yourself with this statement; All of these things are true. "Some could legitimately argue that monogamy has served its purpose as the ideal norm of society and should now be replaced by serial monogamy, the taking of a succession of husbands and wives. In fact, for many today the latter better satisfies the quest for greater self-fulfillment and gratification." Again, very true. There are people who believe in God and that Christ is their Lord and Savior [a representation of a feudal system for Souls I personally have always found repugnant and patriarchal-but I digress] who understand and agree with this. Again, you are arguing against yourself. But you continue to state some delusional idea that God 'created' marriage but fail to mention that He also allowed for concubines, polygamy and in certain extremes incest with His blessing. Please stop using your misunderstanding and pathological misuse of God's word to legally perpetrate your christo-fascist ideologies on the country. Your 'Peter Pan' fantasy of Christianity, God, religion and the Bible are the true enemies of a great and free society. A free society where you are allowed to practice the religion of your choice and live the life you choose. For you to think a society allowing for something as benign as same-sex marriage is an interference with you and your lifestyle is insolent and selfish. And Jesus wouldn't want you to be insolent and selfish, would He?

[@rohadtanyad8908]

Harvey3rdman very well said. stephanie did do a great job debunking her position.

[@rohadtanyad8908]

i am not angry, and those are not insults. just observations of your mental capacity. as you notice, i don't capitalize anything (shift key broken), but why would i ever capitalize god?

[@raym.778]

I mean... I wouldn't call it an argument per se.

[@123HappyMad]

The way Sherri places her hand on that lap at the end 💀

[@rd4454]

It’s ok Elizabeth, it’s ok to feel compassion for the LGBTQ community.

[@khav11]

why would she? why would everyone be forced to feel compassion for a community because you want to? dumbass

[@The_A_Cast]

As a openly proud gay man who is 29 years old, nothing grinds my gears more than the term “gay marriage.” Whether it’s being said by someone in my LGBT community or someone who is not. I don’t shove my sexuality down anyone’s throat so no one should shove their beliefs down anyone’s throat. Period!

[@djmixnmagic]

What about just opening loving for someone of the same sex? That was largely criminalized in the past, and is still not opening accepted in many corners of the country and world today.

[@louieporcarelli2959]

Shoving it down my throat🤭😂😁

[@larryross4024]

Yeah sure but heterosexuality as the only way of being has been shoved down peoples throats for years upon years through ridicule, hate crimes, religious indoctrination and imprisonment of gay people. People trying to have marriage rights isn’t really shoving their sexuality down someone’s throats it’s just a basic right and there is nothing wrong with saying so.

[@kiwisoup]

You're right. It should just be called marriage. FULL STOP.

[@conciousenergy79]

why did they cut this clip right when it was getting good?!!!!

[@philippeparent616]

"All, too, will bear in mind this sacred principle, that though the will of the majority is in all cases to prevail, that will to be rightful must be reasonable; that the minority possess their equal rights, which equal law must protect, and to violate would be oppression." Thomas Jefferson

[@SouthOCmixdown]

Although I'm a conservative(fiscal conservative/social moderate), the more I hear M. Etheridge speak, the more enamored I become of her as a earnest articulate person, with a heart of drop-forged platinum. She does make a substantial interpretive error however, on her representation of the American political system. And it errantly colors her views on the gay marriage issue.@3:15, she refers to America being a 'direct democracy'. It is not. It is a constitutional republic, bordering on a laterally-empowered confederacy of states. States have ample but not absolute authority, over federal authority. And with devices like the electoral college, it is intended that no state will have undue authority over another, regardless of their comparative populations. This is why gay marriage is largely being debated and temporarily decided upon on a dispersed state level, rather than a ovearching federal one. The issue has not reached enough relative maturity and relevance to be engaged from a federal level, as of now. So Etheridge's notions of the majority ruling over the rights of the minority, are in fact not the way our government does business. Minority rights can be introduced, lobbied, legislated, codified and later adjudicated by the 3 houses of federal and state governments. But there is no absolute guarantee of minority rights being inherently or reverentially protected against the interests of the majority, built into our political infrastructure, as Etheridge incorrectly asserts. I would posit as a lateral example of this dynamic, the issue of slavery and the rights of the Confederacy to uphold it. The North was the majority population and opposed slavery. The Southern Confederacy(by an notable margin), was the relative minority that supported slavery. In the end, the South was unsuccessful in using standard political mechanisms to keep slavery lawful. And eventually they resorted to letter of the law unlawfulness, to defiantly maintain it by secession. We know how history turned out and just how invested the Union was, in maintaining the rights of the majority over the minority. People should be careful to separate their emotions on a particular issue, from the hard political realities and the founding procedural machinations that actually shape them in regard to the American political system, imperfect as they and it may sometimes be.

[@togaroc345]

she never said it was a direct majority, she said the majority shouldn't be directly voting on the rights of the minority, which indeed is the founding fathers concept, for the representative democracy, in which we live.

[@leverage1976]

mark scirocco as the op indicated before, we do not live in a representative democracy. we live in a constitutional republic, with democratic mechanisms. and miss etheridge most certainly did imply that we live in a direct democracy where minority rights have the same weight as majority ones. on both counts, she is wrong, as are you if you believe as she does.

[@petrahansen7067]

leverage1976 I fully support gay rights. But it's pretty obvious by now that if the Fed govt had the authority to simply make gay marriage legal across the board, they probably would. The Founders, from what I understand believed in minority rights but let's face it- for the 1st 30 years of the colonies existence, most of them were the minority in their own land(in terms of income and status). They did protect their particular 'minority rights', but they did not stand up for other religious sects like colonists that were COE supporters or other cultic religions that landed at Plymouth Rock. So it's a mixed bag of influence and action. As much as I admire the founders, I'm highly dubious of any political cause, Left or Right that invokes the blessings or intention of the 'Founders', to legitimize it. Based upon social norms, mores and the unknown factor alone, I'm fairly certain most ppl at that time would have likely rejected the concept of gay rights altogether.

[@thespookyone65]

so...melissa can say "fruits and nuts"...but WE can't? but they want equality, right?

[@taiiraaven9796]

See, if you are the person that's being slandered, you're more then allowed to use the slurs against yourself, because if you claim it, it can no longer be used against you. If you ever were in the situation that you were slandered, then you would understand. "Never judge a person until you've walked three miles in their shoes"

[@darellgrant8753]

That's ur fuckin takeaway...wow

[@kiwisoup]

Wow. She said it in a self-deprecating joking way. If you said it, I can guarantee it would not be in a light-hearted joking way.

[@Sandragoldenlee]

Oh Charley. That stung. Not!!! I am glad you know me so well and my children too.

[@jegca]

i really don't understand the arrogance of a person that will deprive other people of something they enjoy when it literally has no effect or impact on their own lives.. it's like saying I don't like apples and therefore, I will not allow anyone else to eat apples.

[@KenJohnsonMusic]

I'd almost forgotten how evil Elisabeth Hasselbeck was. She was racism and homophobia wrapped in this cute (eek) little blonde package and you can't imagine how much pain she caused so many millions of people during her time on TV. It's just so freaking sad.

[@joncampos5551]

Whoppi was so slim back then. She went from Goldberg to iceberg.

[@radarsock]

It's "misled", not "misleaded".

[@sa6298]

Why is the US so backwards with gay rights, healthcare, gun rights. I’m so thankful I live in Canada

[@layla89james]

i sorta miss hating elizabeth. she is so ridiculous.

[@kennethdodge919]

Let's have a vote on Elisabeth Hasselbeck not being allowed to vote. majority rule :)

[@truthinspector6390]

I vote for her libtard

[@rhondafortson5205]

MARRIAGE IS A FARCE!! Look at the vows, "forsaking all others, until death do us part" (loosely interpreted). Marriage DOES NOT GUARANTEE "forever". When/Find/Connect/Know/understand/& Truly Love this Person (as much as you love yourself), then GO FOR IT...LIVE A WONDERFUL LIFE@!! ..

[@GilbertGTV]

Elizabeth, who I sometimes agree with, just doesn’t get what Melissa is so patiently and eloquently trying to explain here. Elizabeth keeps saying “let the people decide this” (democracy), and Melissa is saying, “This isn’t about picking a President! This is about human rights. You can’t vote on human rights. That’s not American!” and I agree with Melissa. You can’t vote to just enslave black people because a majority of white people “voted”. In the same manner, you can’t have most straight people just decide “by a vote” that a minority of gay people shouldn’t be allowed the same rights to marry that they have. I don’t understand why this concept is so hard to get. I love that Melissa even referenced Thomas Jefferson’s paper about the subject.