Age: 44
Gender: Male
Sexuality: Straight
Marital status: Married over 15 years
Where do you live (Country, County)? - MN (still 'blue' country)
What religion are you (if any)? – I'm between religions.
(If you are Christian) Do you disagree with same sex couples because of what the bible says? - N/A
What are your views on same-sex relationships? - Life is hard enough on this rock we call Earth. If you find someone to love who loves you,
What are your views on same-sex marriage? –
The US Constitution, Bill of Rights and precedence of law will some day make same-sex marriage legal. Maybe not right away, but the end result is as inevitable as the sun rising. The Netherlands approved same-sex marriage after almost a decade of hard work and continuous dialog. Many in this country believe that the movement advanced too soon, or was coerced into pushing the agenda into the election year. The result: a divided populace, a demoralized movement and an energized Conservative base ready to remove all gay rights, make being gay illegal in the US and cripple a large and loyal faction of the Democratic Party in the process.
What are your views on same-sex couples adopting children? –
Straight people have issues with this for two reasons: 1) the children are in danger due to 'unwholesome' views and, 2) same-sex couples cannot breed like hetero couples, ergo they are not ‘real’ couples in the traditional sense. Children who grow up in same-sex households learn to accepts differences in others and they are no more likely to realize they are gay than any other child. As for traditional marriage or traditional families, historians throw up there hands and ask
“When and Where?” Once same-sex marriage is legal in this country, this question will become moot.
What are your views on how same-sex relationships are accepted/not accepted by society? -
I find it reprehensible to watch politicians use this social policy matter to denigrate a class of people for their own gain. I understand it from a ‘winner take all, no holds barred, win at all costs’ objective approach, yet the impact is to real people and that gets lost in the rhetoric. Most ‘red-stater’s don’t understand gay rights because they have never met a gay person. This needs to change. There needs to be dialog showing that same-sex relationships will not ruin the fabric of society any more than after Loving vs. Virginia ruled interracial marriage was legal in 1967. Given time and discussions, we should be able to push forward within the next decade. To do so sooner would likely jeopardize those rights currently held, since I expect the label of “Un-American” will be used effectively for gays who do not conform.
Do you know anyone that is a homosexual? –
I know several people who are gay. I know gay males, gay females and gay couples who have been together longer than many marriages. I have family members that are gay, friends that are gay, internet acquaintances that are gay, bi or questioning. I’ve lost contact with some, had arguments with others and the rest I keep in contact. Pretty much like I do my straight friends, actually.
Has knowing they were gay changed your views on them? -
Of course. As a straight person growing up Catholic, gays were against the Bible and were to be shunned. But family who ‘came out’ will alter your perceptions a lot. If you love your family more than your religion, the choice is an easy one and so I turned away from religion for their unwillingness to stop their hatred for those who are ‘different’ and therefore an abomination. Remember, the Bible was effectively used to promote slavery and prevent interracial marriage. Times change, folks. Get over it.
Do you think homosexuality is unnatural? –
No, I do not. Homosexuality has been on this planet longer than the written word and will continue to be here long after we are dust. Homosexuals do not ‘choose’ this lifestyle – why choose something that will ostracize you, your mate, and anyone who supports your views? Not that long ago, death or psychological experimentation was commonly proscribed for ‘degenerates’. When you see homosexuals fighting hard for their rights, it is often with an eye on what can happen if their vigilance slips, even a little.
More than any other time in history, mankind faces a crossroads. One path leads to despair and utter hopelessness. The other, to total extinction. Let us pray we have the wisdom to choose correctly. Woody Allen (1935 - ) 
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Out 
. I think same-sex couples will be well aware of possible problems, since getting a child into such a couple takes much more planning and preparation.
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