Are the Anti-Gay Marriage movement people really Nazis in disguise?

There's been a lot of talk lately about gay marriage: why it's wrong, why it's immoral, why we should allow it, or why we should outlaw it with a constitutional amendment. It all seems slightly absurd and more than a little ridiculous to me to spend such inordinate amounts of time debating something as basic as one person being in love with another. In preparation for this paper, I have visited the websites of anti-gay legislation groups. I have studied their arguments for anti-homosexual legislation, and, being a well rounded free thinking individual I would like to share with you my thoughts on the subject of gay marriage and why I believe these groups are spreading unfounded lies and propaganda and why gay marriage is not a threat to this country.

Personally, I am a supporter of homosexual unions. I cannot see any one reason, or combination of factors large enough to enact a constitutional amendment barring gays from being married. Perhaps in order to understand their objections, we should define what a marriage is. In theological terms, it is the union of two individuals, as well as their souls, as one. It is the forming of a lifelong partnership in which each partner supports the other and together they provide a untied front against life's challenges. It's a best friend for life, a trusty companion and is a serious commitment that should never be taken lightly. When it comes to marriages, anti gay supporters are definitely proponents. As long as those marriages fit into their pre-established definition of what a marriage should be. To them, a marriage can only be between a man and a woman. Any other variation is unacceptable and threatening to their way of life.

Anti homosexual activists would have you believe that a man marrying a man is immoral, based on their interpretation of the Bible's statements that homosexuality is a morally bankrupt practice¹. But marriage goes deeper than just a joining of two individuals as one in the eyes of the Lord. In the eyes of the law, marriage is an accepted; federally protected and encouraged practice. Married couples receive tax benefits. It's easier for married couples to qualify for a home loan. Married couples are considered more stable in every area of life than non-married couples, whether it be financially, socially, or spiritually. Why should gay couples be denied these most basic of marital rights? Though the Bible explicitly mentions homosexuality is a sin, I feel many on the religious right place too much stock in these literal translations. It is my belief the verses referenced are to be seen for what they are: reflections on the author's personal tastes and fears rather than the literal words of God.

The Bible is full of antiquated, outdated, and insane "laws" and conflicting statements. One example would be the stoning of adulterers or the execution of witches. Yet, in the most holy of laws, the Ten Commandments, it clearly states that murder is one of the deadly sins. It does not say "with exception" or "on occasion", it simply states that murder is wrong. These are the direct words of God to Moses on Mt. Sinai! Even though the Bible is full of such point / counterpoint laws and doctrines, there is one reference in the Bible that is absolutely crucial to this debate: "Verily I say unto you, whatsoever ye shall bind on earth shall be bound in Heaven: and whatsoever ye shall loose on earth shall be loosed in Heaven"³. In essence this means that the laws of man and church shall also be upheld in Heaven thereby making man's law God's law. It is also Catholic doctrine that the law of the land is the law of God and that the law of man must be obeyed. Perhaps this is the reason that many religious groups are pushing so hard for an amendment to the Constitution permanently barring gay marriage in all 50 states. If this were to take place, not only would it become punishable by law to perform homosexual unions, it would also be a hell worthy trespass in the eyes of God. And God, being perfect would have to uphold this law.

In the Bible, it also says that Man was made in God's own image. What, exactly, is that image? Is it the image of wickedness portrayed in child murderers? No. Is it the image of perversion that lies in pedophiles? No. God is absolutely kind, loving and benevolent, which we ourselves frequently have the opportunity to be on a daily basis. It is simply to say that man, though imperfect, was modeled after God himself². This does not mean that we physically look like God. In fact, this is unlikely, as the Bible also states in the book of John, chapter four, that God is the spirit, and does not have a physical body. However, spiritually, we are modeled after God Himself. Therefore, if one is as God made oneself, he must be made perfectly. God is infallible. He is the epitome of perfection, the omniscient being. He knows everything that has been, everything that is, and everything that will be. Logically speaking, this creates the paradox that if God is infallible, he could not create naturally immoral beings. Which brings us to another point of the anti homosexual agenda: that being gay is a choice.

If you were to ask any homosexual if their orientation was a "preference", you would understand that being gay is not a choice. If being gay was a choice, who would choose such a life? A life in which an individual must keep secret their most basic of instincts and feelings for fear of persecution not only from the outside world but their own family and friends. A life in which one is frequently harassed, attacked, degraded and shunned simply for their unalterable preferences in sexuality. I do not believe that being homosexual is a preference or a choice. I do not believe that one can simply "choose" not to be gay. If it were that simple, it seems to me, that the alternative of living a so-called normal life with the "proper" partner would be a much simpler choice. Yet those on the opposite side of the fence see it from a different point of view. It is typically their belief that gay men and women are gay men and women because they choose to be so, thus compounding their wickedness. Of course, homosexuality as a choice is not their only reason for wanting to permanently refuse gays the right of marriage. In fact, there is an entire myriad of reasons, each as ridiculous as the other.

For example, one anti-gay website states a reason gay marriage should be outlawed is this: "Foster-care parents will be required to undergo "sensitivity training" to rid themselves of bias in favor of traditional marriage, and will have to affirm homosexuality in children and teens." This implies that as heterosexual people we should be naturally biased against gay marriage, thereby encouraging the practice of intolerance in future generations.  Other arguments include the fear that divorces will be granted instantly due to the "destruction" of the "typical" family unit, that adoption agencies will no longer be able to discriminate against gay couples in favor of man-woman couples, and that social security will not be able to support the millions of additional dependants entitled to survivor benefits. Not to mention they believe that homosexual families will pave the way for polygamy and of course, the Armageddon. The parallels between this type of thinking and propaganda seems oddly familiar to me... Perhaps there is a slight parallel between the anti gay movement of today and the Nazis of 1930's Germany.

The Germans of old attempted to eradicate an entire culture of human beings from the face of the planet for their beliefs and practices, and it doesn't seem a far cry for the anti gay movement of today to want the same for homosexuals. If given free reign, I believe that members of the anti gay movement would attempt to remove homosexuals from society if not through imprisonment or relocation then through flat out genocide. After all, if they are true to their cause, they would be forced to put any homosexual man or woman to death.¹

The reasons behind these groups' motives are extremely vague. From what I can see they have no basis in fact, but more a propagation of a stigma that makes them extremely uncomfortable. In my opinion, gay couples getting married would only be beneficial to this country. It is not unreasonable to think that if married, more gay couples would purchase homes thereby raising property values and stimulating our stalling economy. It is not unreasonable to think that if married, gay couples would adopt children into loving, structured homes thereby ending the endless cycle of foster care that many children are forced to suffer through effectively raising them to be productive, tolerant adults. From my point of view, gay marriages would have no negative impact on this country at all, and it is irresponsible for these anti gay groups to continue spewing their propaganda of lies and intolerance into our communities.

In conclusion, it is apparent to me that the absurdity of the arguments made by the anti gay movement, and the homophobic religious right is based on nothing more than a deep, ingrained fear of the unknown. If these haters of homosexuality were to reach out for the branch of peace and understanding as opposed to the shotgun of hate and fear, they may be able to see what any rational, free thinking person sees: that homosexual couples are not a threat to our way of life, country, religion or our souls. The idea that gay people will adopt and raise gay children is absurd. You cannot "make" someone gay, just as you can't "make" someone straight. The outrageous claim that Social Security will be unable to support so many additional benefits recipients only underscores to me the extent to which the Social Security program is flawed and broken. That homosexuals will pave the road to polygamy, the Armageddon and instant divorces is possibly the most interesting trifecta of accusations of them all. Steeped in stupidity, these laughable "arguments" play on the fear that traditional families will be torn apart by drive-thru divorces, the uncontrollable desire for multiple wives, and of course, the end of the world.

Being a straight man myself as well as a republican, I am not asking you to change your stance on gay marriage. I am, however, asking you to take a moment to challenge your own beliefs and see if they still hold true. Sometimes, we hear things that inspire feelings of fear within ourselves that causes a belief, no matter how untrue or wrong, to become cemented in our psyches and way of thinking. Often, as members of society we hold true many beliefs that we know deep down are not true, yet never take the time to examine them in order to make progressive change toward peace. As a country founded by free thinking visionaries who felt the need to be free of oppressive rule, I feel the least we owe our forefathers is a moment of serious thought to inspect our own radical beliefs.

¹ Leviticus 18:22-23:

"You shall not lie with a male as one lies with a female; it is an abomination."

Leviticus 20:13:

"If there is a man who lies with a male as those who lie with a woman, both of them have committed a detestable act; they shall surely be put to death."

² Genesis 1:27 : "And God created man in His own image."

³ Matthew 16:19

 http://www.nogaymarriage.com/tenarguments.asp