Though a moderate democrat, my views regarding same-sex marriage may seem liberal. I am a mid-aged heterosexual and I do respect the rights of homosexuals as I do anyone else. I do believe that two people who are in love with each other, unconditionally, should be allowed to wed and have the same legal right as the State grants any marriage. Some of you feel that marriage should only be between a man and a woman as if they are more righteous than homosexuals.
There is no evidence, that I am aware, that homosexuals are more violent or aggressive than heterosexuals. In fact, the reverse is true. Heterosexuals are the instrument of mockings, beatings, and slayings of homosexuals.
Who's to say that homosexuality is wrong? Religious activists claim that the bible declares homosexuality a sin. Regardless which verse you may extract this information from to defend your own prejudices, it will and always be up to one’s interpretation. The bible was written by man (claimed through god's dictation), in a different era (B.C.) and of a culture that modern man can barely comprehend. One would be stoned/tortured for adultery, faith in a forbidden religion, censored utterings, or any other number of offenses the king would disapprove of. Thus far, we have no clear evidence to support that god despises gays. In fact, god created gays in the first place. Being a spiritualist, I do not focus on sin but on self-improvement, which is a more constructive state of mind as opposed to focusing on fear-induced “sinning”.
I feel that the real issue here is that the American culture is not yet comfortable with “gay” open affection. Thus, it is only acceptable for a man and woman to kiss in public, though men thoroughly enjoy lesbian viewing. I personally do not subscribe to public displays of affection. Gay and lesbian affection would take some “getting used to” in the same way the public adjusted to racism and interracial marriage.
Some blame homosexuals on the spread of AIDS. There is no conclusive evidence that gays caused or spread AIDS. The first AIDS case was actually traced to a Bantu man who died in 1959. One theory supporting the fact that Africans eat monkey may explain how such a virus may have been initially transferred.
What, heterosexuals aren't promiscuous? Heterosexuals don't prostitute their bodies? Heterosexuals don't contact STD 's? Heterosexuals don't engage in anal intercourse? Only homosexuals?
Now let’s discuss the ongoing argument of nature vs nurture, whether homosexuality is an environmental contamination or a genetic mistake. You heard of kids who experiment and decide to go “gay”. You rationalize that they got into the wrong circle; they’re just playing games; and they will grow out of that “phase”. Do you think gays are masochistic in this way, choosing a lifestyle that would make them an outcast for the rest of their lives? Why choose to suffer?
Yes, homosexuality may well be genetic. Homosexual behavior has been found in other species including ducks, lions, dogs, peacocks, and chimpanzees. Just as prostitution is the oldest profession, homosexuality is the oldest controversy. Same sex relations have been referenced throughout history. During the Greek civilization, the first democracy, it was noted that in preparation for marriage, same sex youth were encouraged to gather together to prevent any copulation accidents before the wedding.
The saddest aspect of this debate or any prejudice is that this culture is fighting over nothing more than a human being's sexual preference. The majority of these targeted, innocent humans are tax paying, law abiding U.S. Citizens. Some are religious, others hold college degrees and pursue prestigious careers. A few are geniuses. Others have made a large contribution to the country, either by serving in the military or through entertainment, etc. How many actors and performers do you know are gay? Ellen DeGenerous and Adam Lambert to name a couple. Some are politicians and teachers, and a few save our lives as police officers, doctors, and nurses. Many of which make fine parents, raising open-minded well-balanced children.
They are just like us, aren't they? The majority of the homosexual population are not rapist, sex maniacs or pedophiles. They are us. They are merely human beings struggling through life's challenges just as we are. What makes us cry, may make them cry. What angers us, may anger them. Likewise, what makes us attracted to the opposite sex, may draw them to find a desirable same gender mate. They have feelings, eat, and sleep just like we do. Homosexuality is an altruistic behavior of expressing love to another human being, nothing more, nothing less.
If anyone needs to change their attitude and behavior, it's us, the heterosexuals. We need to learn acceptance and respect, and teach this to our children. Prejudice fuels hatred, not love; and hatred destroys, not builds. This nation needs more nation-building and love.
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