Gay Rights

You can't stop love.

Not really THAT important. Yes, we're talking about civil rights, and I know that's a trendy thing among most of you people, but this is an issue which only affects a small percentage of the population. There are other issues at hand which should rank much higher on the scale of importance. Reestablishing the economy and funding education should really take precedence over this one.

5 stars 1st, homosexuals are people just like you and me. There is no sound basis for denying them the right. All such reasons are fallacious. 2nd, denying them marriage licenses harms them by blocking them from ~11,000 privileges directly related to marriage. 3rd, homosexuality is NOT immoral. It violates no principles of morality, and for those who want to quote Leviticus here, just remember that Leviticus also calls for death to adulterers and approves of slavery, along with many other things considered immoral nowadays. I have more points in favor of my position, but unless someone contends, I believe my case is strong enough to rest. .

i see no problem why people cant be on love with some one of there same sex it doesnt bug me and i dont see why people freak out over it most people say its agaisnt gods will well if it si why did god make them gay in the first place???? So as i said before there is no probelm with gays so people get over yourselfs!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Sex and Politics make strange bed fellows, just ask Larry Craig.

Now, this is a good representation of the priorities of RIA reviewers. Of all the important "political issues" that we are facing, this is the #1 issue on the list. (and "gay marriage" is #2.) Not hungry children, not the economy tanking, not environmental catastrophe, but this? tsk.

Has that pic been doctored in any way? MSpaint masterpiece...

Update: Obama administration appeals gay marriage ruling. http://www.reuters.com/article/idUSTRE69B63U2010101 2 Update 10/10/10: The "special rights" argument is really someones personal moral argument. The Defense of Marriage Act is an unconstitutional law. It should not be based solely on "what is in the state's interest" but more about equal protection under law. The long held belief that heterosexual marriage encourages family and is a compelling state interest gets weaker every year. There is a lot of heterosexual relations in the inner city (and in the suburbs) that never end in marriage. The degradation of today's moral values can't be laid at the feet of gay people who want to join in union. And there is no data that shows allowing gays to marry will cause a decline in hetero marriage. The government position that "heterosexual relations encourages family and is a compelling state interest" is a bogus argument as well when the hetero couple can always kill the baby.

gays are @$$ holes and to tell you the truth president obama said that a marrage should be between a man and a women you gay are all disrupting nture you fin fags

In my opinion, this is a matter of personal choice and nothing more. I don't care one way or the other whether a person is born that way or they decide to become gay after a being married to some psycho-bitch (or bastard) from hell. I can understand my ex-wife leaving me for another woman, but I can't imagine a woman's ex-husband leaving her for another man...lol! The way I see it, there has always been gay people in the world and there will always be gay people in the world. As far as I'm concerned, they have just as much of a right to life, liberty, and their pursuit of happiness as the straight, and bi-sexual people of the world do! Besides that, you just can't fill the world full of zombie clones that all think and act alike. BORRRRINNGGG! As far as what right wing religious wackos say about gays and lesbians, being abominations doesn't matter either. Hey Christian’s...Yeah you Gerry Falwell looking, cross bearing, bible thumping, fire breathing, abortion clinic bombing, gay bas... Read more

I am 27, female, college student, punk rocker, loves movies (horror movies are my favorite), I love my family, I have a puppy, I have a sister getting married to the neighborhood boy from back in the day, I help my dad and mom when they need me too, I never been arrested, don't drink alcohol at all (no need) and don't do drugs. Sounds pretty typical to you right just a normal person (give or take the punk rock music I listen too lol). What makes me different than you? Nothing really I mean we don't judge people based on the movies they watch or the music they listen to right? So I am "normal". Think again I am a LESBIAN. I am a proud lesbian as well. I don't go around telling straight people (who alot of my friends are) who they can and can't marry. I don't go telling them that their rights should be violated because they are straight. I have no problems with "straight people". I don't judge. I feel sorry for the ones who say that we shouldn't have equal rights and that we c... Read more

First, I must address the people who imply that homosexuality is the gateway to things like bestiality. I won't inquire as to what sort of logistics can generate such a thought but instead will merely say this: gay marriage is not a sexual deviancy. It has to do with love. Gay people don't want to get married for the sole purpose of having sex just as straight people don't want to get married for the sole purpose of sex. In truth, marriage would seem to be a pretty counter-intuitive means to such an end. But quite frankly I don't really care what people do. My main concern with this issue is that it's rated the number one political issue right now. ARE YOU PEOPLE NUTS?! One, it's not a national issue. AT ALL. In my opinion anyone who thinks it is is far more hazardous to political advancement than two married dudes. This should be argued and decided locally because there is no common solution to such a personal issue among 400 million people. Two, of all the things threaten... Read more

Homosexuals should have equal rights as anybody else. People should be able to do whatever they want in this life outside of things that unwillingly affect/influence other people. If there's a pride parade, I choose not to watch it. However, the indoctrination of ANY sexual preference should be kept out of public education.

The Bible says two people of the same sex shall not be together like a man and woman. On the same page it also says A man can't be with his sister or mother or an animal and a woman can't be with her father, brother or an animal. All I can do is pray that they'll see the light and realize that their sexual choice is an abomination before it's too late!

If you are a citizen of the United States the You deserve the same Rights that Citizens have. I don't get it, what's The issue?

While this issue is of primary importance to gay people, I'm going to give this a *5* because what we're really talking about here is human rights and basic respect for harmless differences.

UPDATE: Amazing that four people disagree that the words of the Declaration of Independence apply to gays. Tell you what, since most of the comments are directed against gay marriage, why don't we move that discussion to the topic "Gay Marriage," which is listed as a separate topic under the same subject, "U.S. Political Issues." Now, are there any other rights besides marriage that people think gays don't have? Parenthetically, those who suggest that the U.S. is governed by Judeo-Christian morality not only omit the morality of other religious groups that constitute sizable minorities in the U.S. but also the morality of non-believers, another sizable minority. Morality is not confined to the religious alone, nor to Jews and Christians alone. ORIGINAL COMMENT: Can anyone remember where the following words came from? (Paraphrased, i.e., not an exact quote): All men are created equal. They are [provided by God] with [specific] rights [that cannot be taken away], [includin... Read more

Why do people get so irate because someone is rightfully complaining who doesn't have the same human rights simply due to something so simple as their sexual orientation? Seems a bit of an archaic ideology to deny someone the basic right to marry, adopt children or even just live due to people's ignorance and prejudices wouldn't you say? I bet if gays had the same rights as heterosexuals this thread would be non-existent and none of us would be arguing. I bet some of us wouldn't even care as this issue wouldn't be brought to our attention giving us a reason to judge and complain about something that doesn't even drectly affect some of us. We just want a reason to complain because some of us feels it's not "right". Some of you have no idea what it's like to be on the other side of the fence concerning race, sexual orientation or even creed. If you did I'm sure that you wouldn't put the same vehemence into what your saying as your doing right now.

Gays want to be treated like a race of people! People do not choose to be black or white, but they do choose to be gay. They should have no special rights. They are under the same civil laws as minorities. That is plenty! As for you Ahexomega! You said that the bible was not a reliable source to our forefathers! What a pathetic and not nearly true statement. George Washington said, "Do not let ANYONE claim to be a true American if they attempt to remove religion from politics." George Washington also said, "It is impossible to reason without arriving at a supreme being." "Religion is as necessary to reason as reason is to religion." John Quincy Adams said, "I have for many years made it a practice to read through the bible once every year." Don't tell me the bible was not a source for our founding fathers!!!!!

Amen!!! Perfectly stated! I have a gay stepson who is the most wonderful guy in the world. He treats me better than my own two children sometimes.. Thanks for voicing exactly how I feel. Carole

This is a tired loser of an argument. Why don't some of you people explain why this is one issue where Bill Clinton, Rush Limbaugh, and Obama all agree? Nope....it is just easier to act like children and throw around terms like "jesusland". How special.

This really is a tired argument. If people want to inherit property from each other, all they have to do is make out a will, simple as that. Throughout the ages it's been understood that marriage is between a man and a woman and that the primary purpose of marriage is to bring children into the world and raise them in a stable marriage with the father and mother present as role models. I really don't care what 2 consenting adults do as far as the bedroom or whatever, but I don't think they have the right to demand that everybody (which is the other 90-95% or more) change marriage to suit their alternative lifestyles. I've worked with gay people and had gay people as friends and I have nothing at all against them. But, I said over 20 years ago that the gay activists will never be satisfied until everybody considers them EXACTLY the same as heterosexuals in EVERY respect and it looks like I was right.

The right to transfer property, wills, and adoption is not asking for 'special favor'. . .it's asking for the same rights as a citizen that I have along with mah luvly bride. There is no legal justification for holding these rights from gays- it's a loser in court hence the flat-earth states pushing laws that will eventually be overturned by a higher court because (surprise, kids!) denying legal rights to some citizens is a loser once the case gets to the Supreme Court. If you don't support rights for others you don't deserve them for yourselves. Eight years of jesusland-Dubya has only moved public opinion to the legal and correct side of this issue- you're for civil rights for all or you're not. . .if not, enjoy considering and expending considerable effort and calories explaining to the rest of us how we just don't get it. . .

The government shouldn't accept homosexuals' tax money until it agrees to give them the rights other taxpayers have. I find it unbelievable that people on this site can say they have no contempt for homosexuals in one breath and then condone the disparate treatment of homosexuals in the next.

Everyone is Equal. all people created equal in the constitution. if they are gay or not they should do anything they want including adopt, marry

The least important thing on this list.

Important issue, and Gay Americans need to have access to equal rights However, we need to make sure that we don't infringe on the rights of other institutions in the process, i.e. - churches in the process of leveling things, and affirmative action can not be a part fo the plan.

I can't believe the utter ignorance and intolerance of some of you people. As I've observed, gays really are a widely discriminated group of people. Still. I've said it before and I'll say it as many times as I have to: you are not being forced to agree with a lifestyle but so long as they are good PEOPLE, you will respect them. If not, that's your own hatred. And I know religion doesn't condone hatred.

We have no right to criticise the sexual orientation of a homosexual, it's not a choice. It is morally reprehensible to even consider depriving a human of rights on a basis as trivial as sexual preference. 'Nuff said...

GAYS HAVE NO RIGHTS! THEY GAVE UP EVERY HUMAN RIGHT THEY HAD WHEN THEY DECIDED TO COMMIT THIS SUB-HUMAN SIN AGAINST NATURE! THEY WILL ALL BURN!

Very important. Gay people need equal rights.

Hmm more concentration on appreciating fags mental disorder? Lets marry people to dogs and sheep while we're at it huh?

SPECIAL RIGHTS?  Don't assume that gays have the same rights as everyone else already and are asking for something extra, special or different.  A gay couple in most states cannot visit one another in a hospital if they're sick.  A gay couple can't inherit property, decide what to do with their partner's body if they die.  There are literally hundreds of such "special rights" that heterosexual partners get if they marry each other, but are denied to gays based on religious intolerance.Quit hiding behind the religious right's coined phrase, "no special rights"!

Ladies.... there was a time when you didn't have the vote for being "second class citizens" and couldn't divorce either -- and giving women the vote would "ruin the world as we know it." Wow... sounds familiar. We are all HUMAN, outside of laws, state, religion and social class. 50% of people that posted on this list are going to get divorced. Take your time and energy and save your own marriages... isn't your family worth it? Stop being afraid.... In 30 years when the people over 50 on this list are dead and gone, Gay marriage will be the norm... perhaps even sooner. Fight a fight which is worth it people... like world hunger, cancer, or sex trafficking... something which will HELP the world -- all of this is a waste.

i say go for it! gays should be able to be married if they want to and no gays dont choose to be gay. they let them adopt children and yet they cant be married? what's up with that? only ignorant people would say no gay should be married. in the declaration of independence, it says "life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness".. PURSUIT OF HAPPINESS PEOPLE! im 15 and i have many many gay and lesbian friends i love them all just because they are attracted to the same sex you guys grumble!? theres many bigger issues in the world that make us unhappy like the wars and genocide so let gays be happy let them marry eachother if they want ven if they like the same sex their still american citezins and they have their right to find happiness. call me an ignorant kid or whatever but im the next generation and i want a happier, better world with no discrimination twords anyone.

Here are my two cents on the issue. No one particular group of people deserves to have special laws created just for them. That is absurd. We are all equal under the same laws, case closed! If you feel you are being treated wrongly by someone or some business for who you are then get up and walk away...it's pretty simple.As a Southern Baptist I will say there has been a bad relationship between the denomination and gays. We Baptist' over the years have demonized this group and have somehow justified in our own minds that homosexuality is the worst sin one could imagine. We who attend church sometimes forget the sin in our own lives and fail to understand that all sins are equal in God's eyes.Homosexuality is a sin, but so is the lust in a mans heart, greed for money, stealing what doesn't belong to us, or whatever. We sin every day and don't even realize it. It's time people of different groups find ways to heal the man made seperations we have created that hurt others for the sake of ... Read more

Yeah, I gotta say that I believe in the rights of everyone, but lets not go handing out privlages above those rights. I also must agree that its something I don't care to be bombarded with, and while I won't give gay people any crap, I'm not a bigot just because I don't like what they do. UPDATE: People sure didn't like my original comment about it being immoral, did they? 11 unhelpfuls? I must be good at pissing people off. UPDATE: ...and so the unhelpfuls pass away. Mark it funny, then!

I've heard some out there say that to allow gays to marry ruins the sanctity of marriage and it makes me sick!  People like Britney Spears and her 24 hour marriage ruin what being married really means not two people who love eachother and want the same rights as every man and woman.  I feel like the government should have no right to tell people how to live and feel.  If gays were allowed to marry maybe our divorce rate would drop and people would see there's no difference in marriage being between and man and a woman or two people of the same sex.

gay people should have the same rights as straight people i dont really care that they want their own rights they should have them. if people oppose of them then they should stay out of their business everyone should be treated equally no mater if they are querr or not i would just be freaked out if some lesbian chick hit on me then i would have a problem

I feel that there are far more important issues than "gay rights". The whole idea is actually morally and NATURALLY repulsive. They don't equal enough votes to do anything. They just seem to show up throwing hissy fits in the media. Give me a break. I want "straight rights". Meaning, I don't have to listen to a bunch of queers bitch about how they are discriminated against.

I personally dont know ONE person who gives a damn what ANYONE does in the privacy of thier own bedroom. But, what I hate is the "gay movement" being shoved down our throats. The "we will become part of your world, whether you like it or not" attitude really pisses me off. I have gay friends, and frankly, you'd never know it unless they told you. Its the freaks.... and yes I mean FREAKS, who's whole purpose (it seems) is to offend everyone else. You know the ones I'm talking about.... they take part in the so called "gay pride" parades, and make complete asses of themselves. Those people make it extremely hard for straight folks to accept the rest of them who dont act like that. Even the gay folks I know are embassassed by them, yet this is the imperession they seem to want to give to the rest of us. Why is it they all seem to want to act like a rude, obnoxous, in your face Rosie O'Donnell, when its Ellen DeGeneres we love.

for shits and giggles...tho it is sad that people use these as REAL excuses as to why they think gay marriage is wrong.....by the way................................................ ....(read this)

UPDATE: Doorgunner: I think it is a real shame that they would allow someone like you to actually teach in a public school with your foul mouth. Get your mind out of the gutter with your disgusting comments...the Peter Pan Syndrome isn't funny or impressive. Grow up. Wiseguy- Just because something is an opinion does not mean it isn't HATEFUL...and my feelings are far from hurt. When you get beat up in the street for being straight..then tell me it is just political... OLD REVIEW: Too all of you who do not feel this is an important issue...just keep on dreaming...it is far from over. Just because we all don't breed doesn't make us bad people..and we will get rights eventually. And don't even bother sending any hate mail to me...I never realized all the hatred on RIA before...I mean there has always been some...but this is atrocious...

This is an increasing problem in America. Thirty years ago the homosexual movement wanted tolerance, that was all. Now that movement wants approval and even dominance. Any society in history that has allowed this to happen, rots out, totters and falls. The United States is well on that route. I defy anyone to read history and show me differently.

i will say gay ppl should have the same right us straight ppl do. i do believe they should have the right to marry like anyone else. we cant help who we fall in love with so why penalize them for falling in love with the same sex?

It is not at the top of the list yet but it is well on its way.  I quote Barney Fife when I say we need to "nip this in the bud",no gay rights! if God wanted a male to be with a male he would have made two Adams.

Why is this something that you people think is a big deal!? Who cares. The only people that make a big deal of such an issue are people that are blind followers that have to be told what to believe by people that will gain personally from the support of the followers (vote hungry terrorists...i mean politicians). Look at more important issues like abortion (massive killing), genetically altered crops (massive starvations all over the world and this could save millions, if not billions of lives), and pretty much anything else (one starving kid that needs food is a bigger deal than this). Marriage, unless it is because of religious reasons, which this is mostly not, is something that is a big deal when the country and the world are stable and have all of their needs met.If you want my view (which you probably don't), it's this: marriage shouldn't be a state or government concern at all. No benefits, No taxes. And one last thing: MASLOW'S PYRAMID YOU SELFISH EGOTISTIC PIGS!!!

Pretty soon people will be having sex with farm animals in the street and this will become the accepted norm. Enough is enough. What legally mature adults want to do with their own genitals behind closed doors is their own business, I am just tired of all of this crap being shoved down our throats by the Hollywood machine, especially. The idea of two big bearded sweaty truck drivers cornholing each other in a truck stop bathroom in Norman, Oklahoma makes me want to puke, personally. However, if that's your thing who am I to tell you what you can and can't do with your own body as long as no one is being raped, both parties are of legal age and both parties consent to it I don't really care. I JUST DON'T WANT TO SEE IT AND I DON'T WANT TO BE FORCED INTO ACCEPTING IT AS 'NORMAL' BEHAVIOR, OKAY?!

Alright, I am fully supportive of gay rights and gay marriage. Why shouldn't they have the same rights as anyone else? It -is- supposedly a free country after all. I mean, we do keep bragging about how great we are for being a land of opportunity and rights. I have plenty of gay and lesbian friends. They deserve rights and love as much as any straight person. There is one thing I don't like, however, and it's how many people think that Christians are automatically straight, homophobic conservative idiots. 95% of my family is Catholic, and even though I'm Agnostic, I live by the basic values presented in the Bible. Not this "Gayness is wrong" bull, but rather the "Thou shalt not kill" bit. Not all Christians are bad, people! There are plenty of gay Christians out there, after all! Sorry, just something that's been bothering me.