Jeez, you guys are cracking hard on the conservative folk. Like it was stated, it's a matter of belief and as much as we may tout separation of church and state, it's still inexorably linked. The "sanctity of marriage" is at stake because allowing gay marriage would demean the meaning of its popular interpretation. There are numerous parallels to this issue throughout history which receive the same treatment: status quo; people begin to question it; there is a counter-movement; the two ends collide for some time with legislation usually leaning towards one end; eventually the reformist movement makes way and gains some of its aims. I would assess an acceptable parallel to be the Black Rights Movement.
Also, to the anonymous poster above, judging a religious individual to be instantly ignorant (or to assess that religion consociates with ignorance) is, in itself, an ignorant statement. Religion can be an excuse for a variety of socially deviant acts, but by and large that is a minority (you read about the hundreds of thousands that fight over religion, but consider that there are 6.5 billion people on the planet, the vast majority alleging some religious affiliation). Religion oftentimes creates ingroups and forges communities based upon common goals and ideas. Again, the majority of the principles preached are socially endearing (not stealing, solidarity, etc. etc.). Perversions of these principles are another matter, so consider that when making assessments.
With that said, I am not a religious person and am pro-gay rights/marriage (especially being that marriage serves a tax function among other things, making it more than a mere spiritual thing) and have no doubt that we will gay marriage become socially, and legally, acceptable over time.
Also, to the anonymous poster above, judging a religious individual to be instantly ignorant (or to assess that religion consociates with ignorance) is, in itself, an ignorant statement. Religion can be an excuse for a variety of socially deviant acts, but by and large that is a minority (you read about the hundreds of thousands that fight over religion, but consider that there are 6.5 billion people on the planet, the vast majority alleging some religious affiliation). Religion oftentimes creates ingroups and forges communities based upon common goals and ideas. Again, the majority of the principles preached are socially endearing (not stealing, solidarity, etc. etc.). Perversions of these principles are another matter, so consider that when making assessments.
With that said, I am not a religious person and am pro-gay rights/marriage (especially being that marriage serves a tax function among other things, making it more than a mere spiritual thing) and have no doubt that we will gay marriage become socially, and legally, acceptable over time.
Reply
Leave a comment