Gay Marriage

[PKRWUD]

Jill, I read your article on RHC, and didn't read anywhere in it that young, impressionable kids were being forced to do anything against their wishes. I did read where students of all ages, through college, were choosing to support the issue. I guess it just goes to show how the same words can be interpreted so differently.

Hi Jim, long time, no see!

Personally, I find this whole topic rather scary. Marriage, while a religious union to some, is a legal union to everyone else. As long as it involves legal ramifications, religious opinions should remain just that; opinions.

I used to feel the same way as most people do these days. In fact, I was even worse. I actually hated gay people, or at least I thought I did. It took me actually meeting a few, and becoming excellent friends with one, to realize how stupid I had been.

I have never met a gay person that "chose" to be gay. I've met several that wish they weren't, but there's nothing they can do about it, including therapy. The funny thing is they each came from different backgrounds and environments, too. I learned a lot by becoming good friends with a gay guy. I learned that the world is a very insecure place. I learned that if you're not gay, being around someone who is isn't going to change you. In fact, if you are secure in your sexuality, nothing is going to change you. It's not going to change your kids, either. I also learned that it wasn't "gay" people that I hated, it was the stereotypical flamboyant behavior that so many seemed to embrace. The idea that just makes me laugh, however, is that being gay is a choice. If you really believe that, then you've obviously never been good friends with someone that happens to be gay. But, for the sake of argument, lets say that particular opinion is 100% correct. Every single one of us woke up one day, and said 'hmmm, I guess I better decide if I'm gonna be gay or straight'. Well, I never had to make any choice because I've been straight as far back as I can remember. Do you remember making that decision? Still, let's say that's correct. So what? If they are over 18, it's their right. We don't have to like it, but just because we don't like it doesn't give us the right to make it illegal for them to be married. It is discrimination. Discrimination against someone that's gay is no different than discrimination against someone that's black. Or anything else, for that matter. Besides, how is it going to affect your life? What in your world will be different as a result? The AIDS argument is pretty weak, because married couples rarely cheat, and if they don't cheat, they won't be able to contract or spread AIDS, do of simply being gay. In that case, the whole AIDS argument should actually be in favor of gay marriages.

Now, the idea of a couple of guys physically getting together still makes me sick, and I haven't hung around my gay friend when his boyfriend is around. That would make me uncomfortable simply because it's repulsive to me. But regardless of my feelings about it, I do believe they have as much right as anyone else to marriage. If the idea offends you for religious reasons, then gather with your congregation and have a group hate, but don't try to justify religious beliefs getting any further into the law books then they already are.

BTW, my understanding of the legal issue at hand is that they are constitutionally guaranteed the same rights. It's those opposed that want to "change the laws", and pass amendments, not the other way around.

All I can say is I truly wish that the same thing will happen to you that happened to me, and you become good friends with someone that's gay. You'll be shocked that you were ever able to feel the way you do now. Really.

Differing opinions aside, it was good to see you again, Jim. I hope your wife is well, and life is treating you fantastic!

Take care,
~Chris