Quote Originally Posted by apb View Post
If people are not being treated equally, then they are being deprived of their civil rights.

Define "natural". Over 125 different species (various mammal and bird) have been documented as having at least a small part of the population living as same sex couples. Sounds like homosexual behavior is a little more "natural" than some would admit. Personally, I find the idea repulsive. Interesting thing is, every gay person (both male and female) that I have discussed this with says the same about heterosexual relationships. Again, it comes natural to them, its not something that they choose.

If you don't want to allow gay marriages to be legally recognized, then come up with some other way to legally give the same rights to all couples, gay or straight. For example, a gay couple could be together for 20 years. One goes into the hospital and is in a coma, the partner can be denied the right to see them and has no say at all in any treatment. The same would not be the case for a male-female couple. How is that fair?

How about serving in the military? If someone admits that they are gay, they will be discharged. Again, unequal treatment.

As to DH's comments on generous: if you look into that further you'll find that its pretty even. Conservatives tend to give more money, however, a lot of this is given to their church. Some of this makes its why to people in need, a good deal of it is for things like a new basketball court for the church. Liberals tend to give directly to the source.


Andrew
One definition from Merriam Webster is: occurring in conformity with the ordinary course of nature. I'm sure there are documented cases of same sex cohabitation in the animal kingdom, but I've never heard of anyone observing those relationships actually being uh consumated. Doesn't matter, humans are free in this country to engage in those type relationships if they want.

It is not a civil right to serve in the military. You are accepted based on your ability to positively contribute to whatever capacity you are assigned. One would assume they consider you living with the gender you're sexually attracted to a distraction. I'm pretty sure if I showered and slept with an all female unit I'd be 'distracted' most of the time. Gay people have no more right to be in the military than people who are discharged because of a heart condition or flat feet.

I know gay people who I consider friends. They are generally honest productive members of society, and I'm not opposed to them having hospital, insurance, or other rights. I am however strongly opposed to legally redefining marriage to accommodate them.