"What does marriage equality for all citizens of this country/state say about your marriage?"She still doesn't have an answer because, most of the people who responded were already in favor of equality, and those who are against it, spoke of everything but the question asked. Here are some of the answers she received along with a little response from me:
"The act of homosexuality is an abomination and sin many times over."Doesn't answer the question at all. Naturally.
"Why do you feel entitled to enjoy the benefits of marriage when you have proclaimed the basis for this marriage is based on being a homosexual? Why should everyone be forced to confer legitimacy on that which is historically against human nature? You are completely free to live your life as you see fit; but don't try and proclaim that everyone must accept your definition of what normal is. Have a really great day, unless you have made other plans!"Again, that's an opinion about gay folks, but not an answer to the question at hand.
"May you know no peace in this life."Ouch. For asking a question?
"At the end of every speech that an American president makes he says, ‘God Bless the United States of America’. The law of this land is that God rules here and not the deviants who support homosexuality."Actually, the country is not run by God's law, so this non-answer is moot.
"A pox on you and your house!"And she apparently also heard from a time traveler who flew in from the 1600s. Who says 'pox' any more?
"You and all like you will burn in hell for eternity."Ah, a lovely Christian sentiment, from someone who missed that part of the Bible about judging folks.
Carolann McLoughlin noted that aside "from nasty comments and quotes from the Bible, no one ever answered the question" though supporters of separation of church and state and/or marriage equality were able to form a coherent thought and respond to the actual question at hand:
"As far as I can determine, no one has ever come up with a valid reason to oppose same sex marriage. First, all religious arguments are invalid. We have separation of church & state, so what the bible or any other religious document says must not be considered. Religious institutions can make any rules they want for their members, but they cannot affect others, so no one should even bring them up.Second, whatever anyone else, gay or straight, does in their marriage has no affect whatever on my marriage. Third, the institution of marriage is under attack by many factors, such as divorce, cohabitation etc. Gay marriage is not one of them."For the record, Carolann McLoughlin is a Christian, and a gay woman, which is why she posed the question in the first place. But, she was a bit taken aback, I assume, as one might be, to hear some of the views expressed by those who call themselves 'Christian':
- I heard a Catholic bishop say, “Heaven help us if gay marriage is approved.”
- I watched the evening news in horror as Christians lined the streets in protest bearing signs and posters that said horrible un-Christian-like things at the funeral of an American soldier who gave his life for his country. The chants include rants that state that this death is God’s punishment for homosexuality. This act has been repeated on several occasions.
- Christian people show up in Trenton to protest the passing of a marriage equality law and many of the accusations shouted at those in favor are cruel and repulsive. Not really ‘Christian behavior’.
- I have witnessed or been the recipient of dubious behavior on the part of many Christians who condemn me because of who I am.
It looks like Carolann McLoughlin never got an answer. At least not from those who don't support marriage equality. And why do you think that is? I mean, if you firmly believe something is wrong, bad for society, ruinous to your own matrimonial union, you'd be able to come up with one coherent reason.
One that doesn't involve telling gay folks to burn in hell.
Carolann McLoughlin 's full article HERE.
