Empty Arguments

Okay, so I admit that when it comes to the issue of same-sex marriage I have a very bias opinion. I'm 100% supportive of it for various reasons that I think make perfect sense. Actually that's being too diplomatic. If I were to say what I really think I'd say that I have various reasons that I KNOW make perfect sense, but that's not the point I want to make. My point is that just as much as I think my arguments are strong and undeniable and make absolute sense, those against same-sex marriage believe the same about their arguments. I try to listen to both sides of any dispute. Usually no matter how strongly I feel about something I'm able to understand the opposing side on some level. I don't agree with you, but I get where you're coming from. It's like that with the issue of abortion. I'm pro-choice, but I understand why pro-lifers believe what they do. I mean there's usually some logic to an argument right?
But then articles like the one in the Augusta Chronicle show up and just remind me how this whole "anti gay marriage" thing is completely alien to me.

The first argument opponents want to pull out of their hat is the "the bible says..." defense. "The bible says that two men shall not lay together", "The bible says that "...For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh." I get that they believe the bible is the word of God, but shouldn't logic kick in at some point and make them realize that the bible is more accurately a loose interpretation of what God said translated by man. Besides the bible is full of so-called rules that even the most devout don't follow. I would never claim to be an expert on the bible, just moderately familiar with it... and most of the time confused by it. I get how it is the foundation of a faith, but there are just so many other decrees that they could focus on. Instead of putting so much energy into the whole "homosexuality is wrong and you're going to hell" thing why not focus on "Love thy neighbor as they self" or "Let he who is without sin cast the first stone"?

Then there's the arguments that are just flat out lies, like the one that says legalizing same-sex marriage would strip people of their religious liberty. I've tried to figure this one out and it's just not true. There is nothing in these marriage bills that would make it mandatory for churches to perform these marriage. They wouldn't even have to recognize them under their faith... unless they want to. I doubt a law that would be approved in the first place because it goes against everything America is supposed to stand for. People are very sensitive to being seen as "that country" when it comes to the laws they pass. Besides, these movements around the country are very focused on separation of church and state. I actually think the counter-movement to redefine "marriage" as a union between a man and a woman is more oppressive (religiously and otherwise). They are actually trying to make it a law that nation, state, individual adopt that belief.

I think my favorite arguments are the ones that are just ridiculously twisted facts. I love that the article claims there will be even more children being raised without a mother and a father, but fails to recognized that these children will be living with two loving committed parents rather than products of a broken home. And the idea that tax payers will have to fun same-sex marriages is just mind boggling. I can't even figure out how that would work.

Granted this publication writes for a specific audience that doesn't necessarily include an individual such as myself since I have already decided my stance on the issue. But then again I do believe in God so does that make me a member of their target audience? Perhaps I am a Christian who's gone rogue. One of the things I remember from all my years of religious private education is that God supposedly gave us free will when it came to what we believe and what we do. He/She may prefer we believe in certain things and behave in certain ways, but it's our choice, right? You may not like what I choose but it's still my choice.

If nothing else what happens between two consenting adults in the privacy of their bedroom/home, that's not illegal, is no one's business but their own.

Rant complete.