Welcome to Gaia! ::

Okay, for now I think I'm going to make this a pretty open thread. I'll add info and specifics as I see how the thread progresses.

Topics:
Is homosexuality of moral concern? Is it good or bad? (this isn't meant to be a loaded question. I'm not trying to say it's either.)
Is homosexuality natural? (in any sense of the word)
Should gay marriage be legalized? (mind you, I live in the states)
Should religion impact the gay debate?
Why are people homophobic?
Other related topics?

Topics:
Is homosexuality of moral concern? Is it good or bad?
Not to me. It's easily morally defensible. (Does that even make sense grammatically? Heh...)
Is homosexuality natural?
In my mind, yes.
Should gay marriage be legalized? (mind you, I live in the states)
Why shouldn't it?
Should religion impact the gay debate?
It's OK to believe what you want to believe as long as you don't persecute others for it.
Why are people homophobic?
A number of reasons.

On a side note, shouldn't linaloki's mega post be in here?

I think I invited linaloki, but I dont think he joined. I dont think it'd be right to just steal his post.

I think everyone should be free to choose how they want to live and free to reap the consequences thereof. That goes for just about every sexuality and though I might be a hypocrite and say I'm against *****, the sad truth there remains that they certainly don't need my permission to go ahead and do the deed.

As for whether or not religion should impact it, the truth there is that whether it should or shouldn't, it does. Regardless of what the Constitution says, this country was founded by Christians and it was assumed that the religious tolerance would pertain only to the various sects that believe in the Judeo-Christian god. I very much doubt that if we could go back and ask those founding fathers that they would give the thumbs up to Satanism, Wicca, or any of the other religions vying for their right to exist.

That said, this country stopped being theirs the minute they dropped dead and the fact remains that their ideas are much like the Bible is today, being open for interpretation.

Also, I don't think people are homophobic simply because someone or thing says it is 'wrong'. I think it is because people are afraid of change. And it isn't so much the homosexual issue as what it entails, which for many of the Bible thumpers is yet another sign of the moral decline in society. I mean if homosexuals are allowed to screw and marry as they please, then what's next? Televised Satanic sacrifices in place of the national anthem? A female president? God forbid!

Nope.
Neither.
All signs point to yes.
Along with polygamy.
It's not a matter of "should". It will if the people are religious. You can't really expect religious people to ignore their religion. As far as what that entails, it's always a matter of heated debate.
Because it's different. Old people give me the willies because I'm rarely around any.

Is homosexuality of moral concern? Is it good or bad?
Not IMHO.

Is homosexuality natural?
I suppose so... nature-wise?

Should gay marriage be legalized? (mind you, I live in the states)
No. However, civil unions should be reformed - Marriage is between a man and a woman.

Should religion impact the gay debate?
It will anyway, even if you ask nicely.

Why are people homophobic?
Hm... I'm not sure. I guess fear of different things, but thats pretty vague. I'll think about it.

Here's my view on gay marriage. I'm going to try and word this as best as I can, but when I've tried to explain before people seem to get offended.

I think gay marriage should be legal in the US. A lot of Christians believe homosexuality is a sin, but I've done some research and I don't believe the Bible says that. However, people will be people, and while I don't believe there's anything wrong with gay marriage, I think churches should have the right to refuse gay marriage ceremonies if they think its against their religion. (This does not mean I think homosexuality is against any particular religion)