Christians and Catholics, how does it hurt you in any way that gay people get married?
914707
It's not only Christians and Catholics that think that way but anyways, I am a devote Christian and I think that some Christians have tried to take the role as God.  God gave everyone that right to choose and God understands that everyone is not perfect, not without sin, and wants his children to be happy.  Therefore, I have no problem if they do or don't get married.  I think that those Christians out there that believe they are the ones without sin should cast the first stone because everyone here is a sinner and should not cast judgment.  They need to grow up and stop acting like they are God.
813901
Oh, but I thought it was just so "impossible" to be gay and a Christian, too...\n\nI feel bad for people like that who live their entire lives ashamed of who they are.
836713
Most Christians oppose gay marriage for unrealistic reasons.\nActually, I'm straight, been married to the same man for 37 years and I know a few gay/lesbian couples and I can assure America and this democracy that none of those unions have hurt my marriage in the least.\nIf only Christians would support the human race as a whole instead of picking those they "think" fit their mold, we really could have peace.  \nLook at the horrific wars fought in the "name of God" that only bring death and destruction.  Gays and Lesbians are just another notch in their pompous belts.\nWe all have freedom of religion in America.  We also are supposed to be protected by the separation of Church and State, but it just isn't happening.\nChristians have destroyed our rights.  The government gets blamed because they follow the polls like sheep to slaughter.
177964
i saw this really interesting show (daytime talk show)(could've been oprah...)in which people with different stances on gay marriage spoke their minds. the guy who really left an impression on me was an older gay man (40-50)who said he was with the same man for like 20 yrs or something and he in no way had any desire to ever marry,  period. obviously it wasn't a fear of commitment, he simply stated that marriage is a union between a man and a woman and so he was not a part of that equation. he also said, in lieu of the insurance arguments(ie: not being able to acquire insurance through your partner because your union is not recognized by the law), get a job! i thought this to be kind of bold because in some instances you have people with disabilities in relationships with others who are capable of going to work every day and insuring them; but if they are in a state that doesn't acknowledge gay marriage, they are in a state of S.O.L., if you know what i mean... i think that it's a shame when two devoted partners can't enjoy the feeling of finality that i felt once i became married. and the divorce rates are so high i don't know why the conservatives are so concerned with whether or not gays marrying threatens the sacredness of marriage. nothing really is sacred anymore (don't mean to sound hopeless but let's face it) babies are having babies, every day people make empty promises to each other and "god", and every day people break them. people go on t.v. and advertise "i'm hot and want to marry someone rich and hot" selling them selves, but 2 people with legitmate feelings for one another are not allowed to cement their union with a formal term and ceremony... just doesn't seem right at all... just sharing my thoughts, great question though!\nhave a good day!
784499
considering the high divorce rate you've already mentioned, there's also the infidelity, the abuse, the children born out of wedlock and the blase' attitude some people have towards marriage (i.e., Britney Spears' drunken 55 hour Vegas marriage, and now, big surprise!, she's getting divorced from K-Fed), how could us getting married do any more damage than straight people have already done? \nMissouri, where I live, was, shamefully the 1st state to amend the state constitution to ban gay marriage...even though there were already laws on the books to prevent it.  Thankfully, I do live in one of the large cities, St. Louis, where I have at least been able to register for domestic partnership with my partner.  We've also had a commitment ceremony.
542642
Pwerhaps it's the lure of the pretty little chapel and all, maybe we need atheist wedding chapels in all cities these days. \n\nI don't mind where I wed my gay partner when we decide to go through with it, as it's only been an option since last December here in Britain ...we are not rushing into it all of a sudden just because civil marriage is suddenly available to us, now it's an option we can think about it.
646371
It doesn't. I'm all for happy couples, and I don't care whether they're heterosexual couples or homosexual couples. Our society is improved when an individual is free to love the person of his/her choice, regardless of sexual orientation. I've heard it positioned that condoning homosexual unions somehow deteriorates the "sacred" institution of marriage. How is that? Heterosexuals have already done that, with no outside help!
1024726
I have a number of gay friends who do - one is even the Australian leader of a worldwide christian youth movement. It was hard for them to reconcile the two lifestyles though. They are all Catholic and have been told they are wrong for a large part of their lives - luckily they found support within the church. I don't go to church myself but support them as I know how.
721804
I think your right.  Christians have this outright hatred (something else Jesus condemned) for homosexuality, but turn a blind eye at 'traditional' sex outside of marriage.  The apostles said that if you can't remain unmarried and pure at heart then get married.\n\nI think the message of Christianity and Jesus has been wildly distorted.  And, its a lot simpler than most Christians would have you believe.
1148080
Our government is doing it because there are a few people out there that don't want something to happen because its in their point of view that something is a "SIN" . So they are going to try to stop them from committing a sin, just because they don't like it. In my personal opinion I think that you should be able to be married if you are straight, gay, lesbian or what ever. I mean it's not like it is really any of anyone eles's business what you do with your life.
580173
Marriage is a religious "Christian" institution. Gays should be allowed to join in legal "unions" that have all the same benefits of marriage. But to call it marriage is like a buddhist claiming he wants to have a Bar Mitzvah.
161220
I am a homosexual. My partner died of AIDS in August. Even though we had been together for 12+ years I walked away with nothing. I was not allowed to be by his bedside as he lay in a hospital, I wasn't allowed to handle any of his funeral wishes, and I was evicted from my home that we had shared for many many years. So I think civil unions that grant everyone, regardless of sexuality, equality are a necessity. Look into the past regarding marriages and you will find that certain races weren't allowed to marry at one time. Now that would be unheard of. But homosexuals are still stigmatized as the unnatural people, and once that is cured then perhaps we shall all be free.
587544
Whats wrong with gay people? They are just PEOPLE. Just because they happen to be attracted to the same sex doesn't mean they shouldn't be able to get married. What if someone told you you couldn't get married because your right handed. Its not your falt your right handed so why should you suffer for it? It is the same way with gay people, they can't help it.
83930
It could be that the person they are planning to marry may be of another religion.  Such as catholics are only supposed to marry catholics.  It could also be that they had a bad experience with their prior religion and looked into different religions and found one they felt was more "in tune" with their personal beliefs.
937303
Yes. \n\nThe Catholic Church allows marriage between Catholics and non-baptized persons. \n\nThey will have to get permission from the bishop. This is because the Church recognizes the tremendous challenge they have ahead of them.\n\nWith love in Christ.
1140244
Marriage is more of a legal issue than it is a religious one.  While many people do get married through a church of whatever their particular religion is, the church in no way makes the marriage official in the eyes of society, just in the eyes of the church.  What really makes you married is the certificate that you get from the state when you tell them you're getting married and go through the whole paperwork thing.
57526
Yes...although I'm thinking this wasn't the place to ask this question...unless you're looking for a fight.  You will invariably get rude and hateful answers.  Since you don't have any history, it's impossible for me to guage if you asked this to see others' views on the subject or if you are gay and wanting to marry.\n\nI am a strong advocate for gay marriage.  I'm straight myself, but I have quite a few gay friends and I like to think of myself as somewhat liberal.  Who are we to define who should and should not get married?  Granted, anything within a family is sick and wrong (although I'm sure there are some people out there that will beg to differ with me - but I've seen in places that the result of children from incestuous relationships often have severe abnormalities)...and I agree with NoMorLuv that anything involving animals (beastiality) is also wrong.  They can not speak for themselves.  Multiple partners, not okay either.  \n\nThat remains simple.  Set a law establishing that a marriage is a union between 2 persons - be it a man and a woman, 2 men or 2 women.  That's it.  1 union per 2 people, not related by blood.  There ya go.  Solves that.  Why can't 2 guys get married in most states?  Why can't 2 women?  Why does it matter?  \n\nI'll tell you why - because you have the religious types (nope, not quite sure where my faith lies) that say that it is wrong in the Bible.  I thought God was supposed to love you no matter what?  No matter what your sexual orientation?  I've seen people post here that if you repent for your sins (ie homosexuality - I saw it on a post concerning lesbians going to hell) that God will forgive you.  Why should you have to repent for loving someone of the same sex?  That implies that it's wrong, when it's not.  So what if you're the same sex?  As long as you love each other, that's what's important.\n\nIn my mind, I think that a marriage should be just as stated above.  It's a commitment to love and honor your spouse, no matter what.  I have a very close friend at work (he lives in Massachusetts - where gay marriage is legal) who is married to another man and he can't be happier!  And you know what, I can't be happier for him!  \n\nPeople say that by allowing gays to marry, it will destroy the sanctity of marriage.  Will not.  Like said, it shouldn't matter as long as there is love and commitment there!  \n\nPlus, there's the whole children thing.  Just because Mary has 2 moms (or 2 dads) doesn't mean that she will grow up to be a lesbian.  It's more important to show a loving relationship than the sex of the parents.  Homosexuality is not something that is induced by surroundings or peers, it's just something that happens.  Nor is it an abbhoration, as I've also seen people post here.  Damn people and their closed minds.  It's actually been seen in young children, sometimes they just don't know it yet.  I believe it's something that is just predetermined...a lot of gay people (mostly men) that I've talked to said they always knew.  Actually, my married friend was married to a woman once...he thought he might change!  (I saw that here too...someone said with enough of the right counselling they can "become" straight!)  So it really doesn't matter who your parents are, as long as they're happy.\n\nBesides, why should they be denied the benefits of being married just because they're not man/woman?  Gay people need health insurance too!  (No smart comments, future posters, please!)  Life insurance?  Then again, some plans might let you place a sibling or what not as a beneficiary.  There's the tax break (although that's not as big of a reason but it is still a reason)...\n\nSo all that being said...YES.\n\n\nPS - Thanks for the clarification.  I'm all for it.  If you don't live in a state where gay marriage is legal yet, lobby for