Christian Homosexual Referendum (beliefs, minority, homosexuality, choice, evolution)

[linwood]

The topic of homosexual marriage rights is getting extremely hot in this forum.
I myself am responsible for fanning many of the flames and at times may have come close to if not crossed the line.

There are implications of bigotry and intolerance abounding around here and I just wanted to take a poll based on a statement Mr. Emu posted that at first went entirely unnoticed by me.

...while I believe that homosexuality is a sin, it is up to a person to make that choice and it is a person's life to live.

Here`s my point.

Considering this topic is becoming so divisive that I believe many of us are letting our emotions get in the way of understanding the other persons statements I would like to take a moment to clear the air.

I don`t care that most Christians in this forum believe a physical homosexual relationship is a sin.
They have that right and I will not argue it.

To paraphrase Mr.Emus statement above what I want to know is whether or not you agree with a persons choice about homosexuality would you truly allow them to make that choice for themselves?

If a referendum were to be polled today and you had a ballot in your hand would you vote for or against homosexual marraige rights regardless of your religious beliefs in order to allow these people the right to make that choice for themselves?

I`m really only looking for Christian votes in the poll but anyone can comment here on the results.

this is an anonymous poll with a 7 day time limit.

[DrM]

Marriage - no
Unions with rights - yes.

[linwood]

Originally Posted by DrM

Marriage - no
Unions with rights - yes.

Whats the rationalization for that DrM?

[DrM]

Originally Posted by linwood

Whats the rationalization for that DrM?

Marriage, as defined, is a holy and legally-binding union between a man and a woman. They have all the rights of society including life and health insurance, pension plans survivor's rights, hospital visiting rights, etc. Homosexuals who wish to enter into a legally-binding agreement paralleling marriage should have the right to do so. I see no reason why a union between same sexes should not be honored.

[skills101]

In my opinion, same-sex marriage is a huge revolution in America's history. I know that I'm not Christian, but all the Christian's I've encountered claim that they are against same sex marriage, but don't discriminate against gays and lesbians. But you know? It is discrimination; discrimination is picking a minority of people who have not commited crimes, and taking away the rights the majority has. Now, I know it is against the Christian religion, but not all gays are Christians! They do not believe it is a sin, and they find the lifestyle amazingly beautiful. As to regards that marriage has historically been always between a man and a woman, then slavery should still exist and then women shouldn't have political power!

[linwood]

Originally Posted by DrM

Marriage, as defined, is a holy and legally-binding union between a man and a woman.

Whose definition is that?

[Jaymes]

If same-sex unions were to have the same rights as marriages... every law that has the word 'marriage' would have to be edited to add 'and same-sex unions,' would it not? It'd be a lot easier and more equal to just let us have marriage.

Besides, I don't want to be same-sex unioned. I wanna get married.

[Bright-ness' Shadow]

Originally Posted by DrM

Marriage, as defined, is a holy and legally-binding union between a man and a woman. They have all the rights of society including life and health insurance, pension plans survivor's rights, hospital visiting rights, etc. Homosexuals who wish to enter into a legally-binding agreement paralleling marriage should have the right to do so. I see no reason why a union between same sexes should not be honored.

I'm sorry, DrM, marriage is defined by the state. The marriage ceremony may be civil or religious and when religious may be considered a holy ceremony. A ceremony is not marriage. Marriage is the expression of intention witnessed by an agent of the state and duly recorded

-pah-

[DrM]

You're correct pah.

[The Voice of Reason]

I'm not a Christian, but my comment is this: Anyone that would deny the rights to a minority that the majority enjoys is guilty of discrimination. You may claim it on religious grounds, or you may argue that it is moral for this reason or that, but in the end, it is discrimination. Have the integrity to say that you discriminate.

To thine own self, be true. - William Shakespeare

TVOR