By publicly cedeing the entirety of the religious debate to the conservatives we allow the impression to exist that there is only one religious opinion on these matters (and that the only religious rights needing protection are those of the conservatives). People need to be taught that there is religious debate surrounding these issues and that merely viewing themselves as “religious” doesn’t automatically determine how they should feel, or provide an excuse for their actions.

“From the beginning of human memory, marriage has always been understood as the union of one man and one woman,” Cardinal Adam Maida said in a video distributed to parishes prior to the vote. “Let us do our part here in Michigan to preserve that sacred understanding and definition of marriage.”

Christian-based religious groups persist in spreading this myth. There is no doubt that Christians and other religious groups have co-opted the concept of marriage to restrict it to a union between a man and a woman, but marriage in its original form was never intended to be so.

Marriage was originally a property contract in which a man took OWNERSHIP of a woman or women for purposes including procreation and domestic slavery. I know Christians have a fondness for rewriting history, but they’re really taking the piss now.

Since Christians adopted the concept of marriage and integrated it into their faith, the union has NORMALLY been between a man and a woman, though some Christian faiths have in the past, and continue to, supported polygamous unions. However, I will accept that the Christian concept of marriage is a “sacred union” and will allow them to restrict their brand of marriage to between a man and a woman.

However, they do not have the right to claim dominion over marriage. They can set their rules for the followers of their faith and their followers only, not for the rest of us.

Religious opposition does not require a religious response, particularly when the religious opposition has no moral, legal or rational foundation. Marriage does not belong to Christians or any other religious group. Simple as that.

Bugger arguing with them. They have taken something that does not belong to them. It is time for us to take it back.

“There is no sound reason to simply ignore these interpretations and cede the ground to uber-conservative Christians. It’s about time they heard what the Bible REALLY says about homosexuality.

Religious bigotry is the basis of ALL the anti-gay rants and ramblings of the Right. We have the tools, so let’s take them on. Religion should be on OUR side in this debate. Let’s tell them why.”

Get Bishop Gene…and HRC’s faith group…and give them $$$$ to make them loud, Louder, LOUDEST… if possible.

Especially because to ‘devout’ Christians their ‘FAITH Values’
DO mean more than Equal Rights for ALL.

Yes, it’s viewed as being ‘tough love’.

Nah, if you look in the Bible the idea of equality doesn’t really exist.