Gay marriage – yes or no?

[naomi24]

On the news tonight, both a representative of the Church of England and a spokesman for Islam said that since it is in direct contravention of God’s law, marriage between same sex couples must not be legalised. I don’t believe we’ve had a discussion on the subject in this section, so your thoughts?

[craft1948]

I suppose gay marriage doesn't mean a thing to atheists, who seem to be in the majority in this section of AB.

[Answerprancer]

"God's Law" - then god can arrest him ! (where tf did that come from? remembering O Level English lit).

[Mojo-Jo-Jo]

Well no, Craft, it doesn't. We live in a modern society where we intelligently accept that people are different from each other. Being gay should not be a preclusion from anything.
If theists choose to follow the word of someone I just can't believe in, that's fine. I have no beef with that, but when that belief spills out into affecting everybody else in society, the line needs to be drawn. Who's God is right anyway?

[LazyGun]

Defending marriage by claiming gods law in this day and age is outdated and ridiculous.

Any couple that love each other and want to make a lasting, publically acknowledged commitment to each other should be allowed and positively encouraged to do so. Why does there need to be a distinction between heterosexual and homosexual?

In this issue, secular law should trump religious feeling,.

[RATTER15]

"suppose gay marriage doesn't mean a thing to atheists"

yes of course it does, it means the same as a heterosexual marriage, the union of two people in love!

[grasscarp]

Why do same sex couples feel the need to go inside the church and have a marriage? They can have a partnership with all the same legal repercussions. From what I have read on this thread nobody with any intelligence should believe in the mumbo jumbo and fairy stories that are (in their opinion) religion. So why bother with marriage, or church ceremonies or commitment. Doing your own thing and living your own life as you want is the best way. At least that is what people on here write each day. Keep well away from religious ceremonies. Do your own thing and call it anything you like. That way we will all be happy.

[tinkerbell23]

Its got feck all to do with me, if gay people want to marry then by all means go for it they should have the same righst as straight people...we are all people afterall...no difference...

Wheres my hat! X

[naomi24]

Grasscarp, apparently churches will not be obliged to marry gay couples.

I suppose the question is why should people who don't believe in the God of Abraham adhere to his laws?

[Jeza]

Have not read all the answers. To me marriage is between a man and a woman. I am of the old school. I have come round to the opinion that gays exist. Years ago they were jailed for it. I wouldn't go that far. I still don't like it though. So I say live and let live. One man's meat and all that.

[sir.prize]

Jeza, that is it in a nutshell. There's nowt so queer as folk.

[naomi24]

AP, 'A Man for all Seasons'. I googled it.

[Answerprancer]

Jeza re "I still don't like it though" - don't knock it 'till youve tried it :-)

[Answerprancer]

Ah yes ! Thankyou Naomi :-) I seem to remember the answer being "sophistication upon sophistication".

[tinkerbell23]

Not meaning to offend but i just cannot understand why anyone would have a problem with it!? Honestly i cant xx

[Jeza]

I had several relatives in the past who went to mass every Sunday and Holy days of Obligation. When they died they left every thing they had to the Catholic church. Their money, their choice.

[karenmac60]

Marriage is a union of two people who love each other and want to commit to one another in front of friends, family and loved ones. What that has to do with either the church or gender I do not know. Why shouldn't we all have the same rights and why should a bunch of holier than thou old fuddy duddies get to say who does what?

[Answerprancer]

...their loss. My condolences.

[Jeza]

Answerprancer. Why would I try mince when I have steak.?

[Answerprancer]

Mariage is an onion, it has many layers. I think I'd better go to bed.

[Answerprancer]

Just ensure you don't make a mince-steak ;-)