Today, I've spent the better part of the day arguing with an acquaintance of mine regarding the concept of freedom of religion and gay marriages. He has been stating that the legalization of gay marriage would be an attack on the freedom of individuals to practice their religious beliefs as they see fit. Since trying to talk some sense into him has been as about as fruitless as trying to get water from a stone, I couldn't end the day without putting some thoughts regarding this into words.
First off, let me say that my view of the matter is what I assume most gay men's is. We don't care how we're allowed to get married, as long as we're allowed to do so. I'm not asking for the government to dictate that the Mormon church, the Baptist church, or any other religious organization (especially those who hate us so much) be mandated to performing a union between two people of the same gender, but what I am demanding is that the state be required to perform and recognize such unions. This would effectively put gay marriage into the same category of other such things as gambling, drinking, dancing, and other things that are considered a sin by various religions. Don't want to go to hell? Don't do it, but you've no place to tell me I cant.
At this point, he is stating that a law passed mandating the recognition of such unions would punish religious organizations who refuse to perform them, yet he can not provide me with any evidence that this is the case in places where it is legal already, or any evidence that it will be the case in the event that it becomes recognized.
It feels to me like just more whining that religion isn't able to control and manipulate people like they used to be able to do, and now are grabbing at straws in an effort to be able to maintain control over the lives of those who don't choose to follow their dogmas.
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