by Eric Dondero

We Libertarians are the most tolerant people around, particularly when it comes to Sexual Freedom issues, and more specifically Homosexual Rights.

Consider:

* We Libertarians fiercely oppose any and all Anti-Sodomy Laws.

* We Libertarians are about the only ones out there who favor complete Legalization of (adult) Prostitution; Escort services, Brothels, even Streetwalkers.

* We Libertarians are viciously opposed to zoning regulations, liquor licensing laws, and other attempts by local municipalities to outlaw or severely restrict Gay Clubs, Bars, and Discos. Consider, it was the Libertarian Party of Georgia earlier this year who came to the defense of a downtown Gay Bar that was raided by the Atlanta Police Chief on orders from Democrat Mayor Sheila Franklin.

* We Libertarians are totally cool with every variety of (adult) Gay Pornography, and fiercely oppose any attempts at censorship.

* We Libertarians stand up for Human Rights around the World, particularly Gays who are persecuted and killed in Muslim nations like Iran, Uganda, Nigeria, and Somalia.

But the whole Gay Marriage issue, has left us Libertarians scratching our heads. Why is the Gay Rights movement clammoring for the State to give sanction to their Love Life? What's stopping Gays from going to some public park somewhere's hiring an attorney or two to work up a contract, invite all their friends, and have a priest or rabbi conduct a ceremony?

And since when did the Gay Rights movement become so Traditionally-oriented, when in the 1970s and '80s they were precisely the people railing against the institution of Marriage?

Now we have the answer...

From Fox News:

This year's legislation, sponsored by Rep. Tammy Baldwin, D-Wis., an openly gay lawmaker, and with 138 cosponsors, would allow for homosexual partners of federal employees to receive the same benefits as married spouses, which include health insurance, survivor annuities, compensation for work-related injuries and travel and relocation benefits.

President Obama has indicated his support for the measure, which is still awaiting a vote in both the House and Senate. The Senate Homeland Security and Government Affairs Committee voted Dec. 16 to forward the legislation on to the full Senate. The House Oversight and Government Reform Committee approved it in November.

You see, it's all about the Cash $$$. And after they force the Feds to cough up the cash, they'll no doubt go after private corporations and then small businesses, as well. It's only fair, right?

Then the shocking price tag to the American taxpayer is revealed. Fox continues:

Extending federal benefits to same-sex couples will cost taxpayers $898 million over the next nine years, according to an analysis of "domestic partnership" legislation released last by the Congressional Budget Office.

The CBO said in its Dec. 17 report that the House version of the Domestic Partnership Benefits and Obligations Act -- H.R. 2517 -- would cost $596 million in direct spending and $302 million in discretionary spending through 2019.

The independent nonpartisan agency found that "providing additional health insurance benefits through the Federal Employee Health Benefits (FEHB) program" -- for active and retired gay federal workers with spouses -- "causes the largest increase in both mandatory and discretionary spending -- $590 million and $266 million, respectively."

Ouch! In other words, your Gay buddy, or that Gay chic who works with you at the office, wants to stick you - the American taxpayer - with this enormous bill for his/her partner's living expenses, health care, survival benefits, and even burial expenses.

No doubt, conservative Republicans in Congress will be staunchly opposed to the legislation. And many of them, social conservatives that they are, may approach the issue from a traditionalist point of view.

They may soon be joined by fiscal conservatives and libertarian Republicans in fierce opposition to this proposed legislation. Not because we're uncomfortable with homosexuality.

You're Gay and you want to get married? You want to have a Big Fat Gay Wedding? Invite all the friends. Get drunk. Sing Judy Garland songs on Karaoke. Dance the night away. Well then, Mazaltaf! I raise my glass to you and your partner and wish you eternal happiness.

Just don't ask me - the American taxpayer - to pay for it.