lahimatoa wrote:
Okay, here's an interesting outgrowth of recognizing gay relationships as equal to heterosexual ones. There are roommates of the same sex applying for work benefits (and others) afforded to gay couples. Now HR staffs are saying that you need to be in a "committed relationship" with the person you apply for benefits with... how do you define that?
It's an interesting conundrum... I suppose in the end companies will just to have to give benefits to anyone who wants them. A possible negative outcome.
Now, to explain my position on the issue of homosexual marriage: Logically I see little to nothing wrong with it. If two consenting adults want to be recognized as legal partners with the same rights afforded to heterosexual couples, okay. I do not see how this harms me, logically.
However, I believe that God has ordained marriage to be between a man and a woman. That's it. He has created us so that only males procreating with females can create life. Only heterosexual marriages have any chance of being recognized in the hereafter.
With this light, I do not know why some people have an innate sexual attraction to their same sex. I do not believe that all homosexuals become that way through certain behaviors, but I believe some do. I do not hate those who are homosexual. They, like everyone else on the planet, are my brothers and sisters, and deserve respect, kindness, and love, which I seek to give everyone.
I'm not willing to debate my beliefs, however, as there is no logical way (that I can see) to do so. There are other examples of things God commands that are not logical to our knowledge right now, Abraham being commanded to kill Isaac being one of them. I believe that one day I will know the reason, but I do not now.
I especially respect people like PianoManGidley, who fight for their rights in a respectful, optimistic way that encourages all to see his point of view. I've learned a lot from his posts, and in no way has he influenced me to think that his rights are better than they are.
That is all.
But that's the problem; you can't debate your beliefs logically since they aren't really logical. This is why they're beliefs and not true political views, but they're still illogical even for beliefs.
Someone made this point elsewhere with racism - not sure if it was on this forum, but if there truly was a lack of homophobia in the way you live your life you wouldn't need to assert your tolerance except when it is absolutely and directly relevant. It shows that you have other conflicting values you need to cover up or else people will see you as a less acceptable person socially, or a general discomfort that you chose to work around instead of dealing with.
The real reason people respect PianoManGidley is because he doesn't make them really think. He's an extremely rare example and rather annoying for people who do want to keep a decent balance between respectful and rebellious. If you see someone who's obviously gotten hit hard - it makes you feel guilty and think you may have to rethink or your ideals or some small aspect of your life. With PianoManGidley, he makes you think it's okay so you don't have to be on the defense.
It's pretty hard to deny this. The difference between me and PMG, some anger issues aside, is that PMG puts forward who he is, but he doesn't challenge what's already out there. I do. Soceity is more accepting of homosexuals if they don't challenge it's homophobic values. Society has always liked minorities who "know their place". Because of this many of you react in this manner. And of course you'll deny it. But it's pretty well known that most oppressers don't have a problem with the oppressed - only those among the oppressed that may end the oppression.
I'm sorry, but I'm going to take what psychology tells me over what people themselves tell me. And I'm pretty firm this is why PianoManGidley is so much better "liked" than me. He's made my time hear harder than anyone with an opposing view - the people who can hurt you most are the ones on your own side. I'm strongly thinking of leaving now as I'm afraid to say anything without him "debunking" it because he's gay and he's in Texas so obviously everything is perfect for gays. The fact is he is rare, but it still makes arguing my case near impossible.