Does pro-traditional-marriage equal anti-gay? (beliefs, homosexuality, church, sin, sexuality)

[Apex]

Lately the words "anti-gay" and "homophobe" have been getting thrown around at everyone who believes marriage to be between a man and a women. I am curious how many people here truly do consider someone to be "anti-gay" simply because they may view marriage as between man and woman? To be a homophobe, is it only that someone consider marriage to be between man and woman, or is there more required? I will give some examples,

Person A: Believes marriage is only between a man and a woman. This person is completely neutral towards homosexuality.

Person B: Believes marriage is only between a man and a woman. This person considers homosexuality a sin when viewed within the context of their own religious beliefs but recognizes that homosexuals do not share their beliefs. Thus this person has no problem with homosexuals continuing living their own lifestyles.

Person C: Believes marriage is only between a man and a woman. This person considers homosexuality a sin regardless of if homosexuals share their religious beliefs.

Person D: To save space Ill just use a simple real life example. Westboro Baptist Church.

Which person, in your own opinion, is a "homophobe"? You may pick as many as you wish. Also, please explain your answers. However, it is not required as this is a private poll in the hopes people will answer honestly if they answer at all.

I also have one more question concerning the usage of the term "homophobe". This word is connected with phobia:
"an anxiety disorder characterized by extreme and irrational fear of simple thing
or social situations"
When you call someone a "homophobe" do you mean it in a pure scientific sense that the person has an actual fear of homosexuals, or do you mean it in a purely derogatory sense?

[Green Gaia]

Without further information I personally would probably use the terms "bigot" or "ignorant" in those cases.

BUT...

Homophobia:

1. Fear of or contempt for lesbians and gay men.
2. Behavior based on such a feeling.

I would say that denying gays and lesbians should have equal legal rights is showing contempt for, and perhaps fear, towards them.

[9-10ths_Penguin]

I think you've got a number of concepts all mixed together there.

In my mind, the term "homophobia" has also gained acceptance as a term for hatred of homosexuals or homosexuality, not just fear. However, I don't think every person whose actions are anti-gay necessarily hates homosexuals.

I also think I need to address something you alluded to in your title:

- being "pro traditional marriage" does not require being against same-sex marriage.
- being against same-sex marriage *is* anti-gay.

Personally, I'm very "pro traditional marriage": if a man and a woman want to celebrate their love with the commitment of marriage, I think that's great. However, if a man and a man or a woman and a woman want to do the same thing, I think that's great as well.

[MoonWater]

Which of the people in your examples actually wishes to keep homosexuals from having the right to marry. I don't care about a person feels about homosexuals, it's only when they try to deny them fundamental rights because of those feelings that I take contention. Though on what little information you have given us I would say westboro baptist church and those like them would fit the definition of homophobe as given by GreenGia. However, The last two options don't apply to me as I don't use the term.

[Green Gaia]

Originally Posted by MoonWater

Which of the people in your examples actually wishes to keep homosexuals from having the right to marry. I don't care about a person feels about homosexuals, it's only when they try to deny them fundamental rights because of those feelings that I take contention.

I agree. Good point.

[Elessar]

Where's the category for people who think that state-sponsored marriage should be banned?

[Apex]

Originally Posted by Green Gaia

Without further information I personally would probably use the terms "bigot" or "ignorant" in those cases.

Ok, vote for which ever ones you consider to be a bigot.

BUT...

Homophobia:

1. Fear of or contempt for lesbians and gay men.
2. Behavior based on such a feeling.

I would say that denying gays and lesbians should have equal legal rights is showing contempt for, and perhaps fear, towards them.

Then is sounds like you would choose the first option... right?

[Apex]

Originally Posted by 9-10ths_Penguin

I think you've got a number of concepts all mixed together there.

If you need further clarification on the question just ask.

In my mind, the term "homophobia" has also gained acceptance as a term for hatred of homosexuals or homosexuality, not just fear. However, I don't think every person whose actions are anti-gay necessarily hates homosexuals.

Ok.

I also think I need to address something you alluded to in your title:

- being "pro traditional marriage" does not require being against same-sex marriage.
- being against same-sex marriage *is* anti-gay.

This is the kind of response I was looking for. Thank you.

[Apex]

Originally Posted by Elessar

Where's the category for people who think that state-sponsored marriage should be banned?

That would be the ideal solution. But our government always goes for which ever solution is the least ideal.

[Green Gaia]

Originally Posted by Apex

Then is sounds like you would choose the first option... right?

Is there a purpose behind this exercise?