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I doubt seriously that many people would choose to live a gay life style in this society, especially in the more conservative areas of the country. The life is hard, and people are brutal to those who live it. This implies to me, perhaps wrongly, that there is little choice in the matter, at least in most cases. I think the vast majority of people will make rational choices when given a choice and the rational choice in this society is clearly to be straight. Where is there any economic, social, or political benefit in being gay?
If you agree with the nature position, it is hard to argue that gay people (like other minority groups) should not be protected from discrimination, even if that discrimination is based on strong religious belief. Religion has been twisted in many ways to argue against (and for) many things, including racisim, slavery, women's right to vote, prohibition of alcohol, etc. Racist viewpoints are generally regarded as "wrong" at least by most of society, but not many years ago, racism was taught from the pulpit as something the Bible endorsed. I think this is something that will change over time, just as very few churches now would condone the racist sermons of the civil rights or slavery eras.
Institutions and people will adapt... Racism is still present, but much different than it was 100 or even 50 years ago. I think the negative feelings on homosexuals will fade over time.. but it may be generational time.
All of this being said, I respect that religious feelings are truly and deeply felt. I also don't intend to imply that they are wrong, I just think they will change and evolve over time as a realization that people who have no choice in the way they are should not be "punished" for being. Especially when no harm to society is caused by their actions (I suspect this is where this position may be most forcefully argued, but I have a hard time recognizing the harm.)
In the interest of full disclosure, I have an immediate relative who is gay and I've watched them struggle with the societal challenges presented. This has certainly colored my thinking in this area.
Regards,
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