Reply #38: Gay Marriage [View All]

The poster offers the simplest reason in the second paragraph to allow gay marriage: “After all . . . no one else is likely to be hurt.”
But, in reply to the argument:
The first point: gay marriage would “cheapen” conventional marriage is specious. Since marriage is by definition a bonding between 2 individuals, it therefore applies only to them and not anyone else. Ergo, one marriage has no affect on another.
The second point: the slippery slope argument. Part 1-“polygamy has been outlawed primarily because many of the women are coerced and abused.” What that implies is abduction and slavery through warfare and conquest. Do we still do that? But, in fact, polygamy is still practiced in many cultures. The reason it was outlawed in Western culture is due to the Judeo-Christian construct of marriage as being between two people, and only two people. Part2- Relatives unable to conceive: So what’s the problem? Part 3- “In fact, marriages between close relatives have been and still are common in some places and times.” I would offer the European aristocracy as Exhibit #1. Again, so what’s the problem?
The third point: competition for adoptees. Again, a specious argument: There are far more children in need of parent(s) than all the perspective adopters (no matter what the relationship) COMBINED!
The fourth point: The “Not Normal” argument. This person obviously has no knowledge of societal constructs in the animal kingdom. Homosexuality is common in almost all species from mice to chimpanzees to humans. A major factor in homosexual behavior is the parameters in which the individual finds themselves. Therefore, homosexuality is a natural response to social parameters and cannot be considered abnormal. Forcing someone into “treatment” (read brainwashing) is abnormal, reprehensible and fascist.
The last point: good old “sin” – You might point out that back when the old testament was written survival of the species was everybody’s business. Infant mortality and life expectancy made prodigious reproduction of offspring the most important factor in the survival of the clan, tribe, village and nation. And, still they had homoes, else why would they have mentioned it? Also, didn’t they invent the concept of guilt way back then? Its been shown to be a most effective control mechanism.
You should suggest they seek “treatment” for themselves. It’s their problem, not mine and not yours. I believe it was Eleanor Roosevelt who said, “You are the only person who can make you feel inferior.” Or some such thing.
Now, go forth, armed with truth, and with all humility- rip ‘em a new one!