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Originally Posted by FoolThemAll
Well, first, unnatural does not equal negative and I tend to think that at least some of that mindset realize as much.
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Those would be exceptions rather than the rule. I disagree that a perception that something is unnatural does not contain a perception of something as wrong or incorrect. Stating something is unnatural automatically implies that its wrong. Its wrong because its unnatural, or at least that is the underpinning
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Originally Posted by FoolThemAll
Second, our views of what constitutes bigotry would likely diverge at this point. I view bigotry as a matter of disrespect. I don't think bigotry can exist if there isn't any meanness there. Reaching down for an old cliche...those "love the sinner, hate the sin" people can avoid bigotry if they strictly follow their self-proclamation. If they view practicing homosexuals as guilty of a moral wrong, yet treat them no less respectfully than others, then I see no reason why they couldn't be - and why one shouldn't assume that they are - devoid of fear or hate. It's in the behavior.
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However, trying to ban them from marriage seems pretty dis-respectful. It implies that they are not worthy of the same benefits as straight couples. Like african-americans weren't worthy of the voting rights.
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Originally Posted by FoolThemAll
Of course, they could still have hidden bigotry, and I'd certainly count some relatives as falling into this category. But I don't think that's the fair assumption to make. Benefit of the doubt, I say.
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I think the proof is in the pudding. If they didn't care, they wouldn't bother resisting it to such a degree. The fact that they do, regardless of their justification, smacks of bigotry. Its up to them to prove they are not once they have taken the stance that others don't deserve the same rights they enjoy.
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Originally Posted by FoolThemAll
And third, they could simply be against gay marriage because "it's not marriage" or because "it harms marriage", and explicitly NOT because "it's wrong". Believe it or not, I've heard essentially that view. Often. Those tend to be the people in favor of civil unions.
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What is the distinction for those that are against marriage? Why does one matter and the other not? If the church is willing to provide the service, why the heck should anyone care?
Veritas en Lux!
Jimmy The Hutt