Hey Foxy, I loved the comment about men loving Jesus! Lol!

Woulfe, also loving the comment about Leigh and his wife- very clever!

Can I join in with the tolerant poster's group hugs too? :)

I too am happy to see Celivia back, and to read the confident, wise posts from Severin on this subject.

We will never change the narrow-minded, ancient, and intolerant views about homosexuality from Runner, AGIR and Leigh, but gee it is fun trying!

As for Vanna and his continuing love affair with female university academics - well, I really think he needs to get some help......

Ritchie10, you seem a nice person, the sort of person I would feel happy to say is a true 'Christian'.
I agree that if there is a God, I am sure he/she would love all people on earth, no matter their colour or sexuality.

Maybe the other so-called Christians ranting and raving about their particular brand of hatred on these posts would do well to take a leaf out of Ritchie10's book?

Jason, ignore people who are prejudiced against another's lifestyle, religion, sexual orientation, for the basis of their prejudice, such as Leigh's is all FEAR. He/she is to be pitied, as you rightfully pointed out, Leigh's prejudices have dictated his/her life. Indeed a sad situation.

Leigh you posted: "Like all people with odd-ball ideas and abnormal practices, you have been fooled into believed that by denigrating human standards and societal mores, held dear by the majority of human beings, you will somehow become more acceptable".

You were incorrect assuming and speaking for the Australian population,in addition to being wrong regarding the above. How many heterosexual people enjoy anal sex? Many do: believe me. Married men, single men, guys with female partners, single and married women; many enjoy anal sex without their spouses ever knowing.

Why are you not out there judging heterosexual couples regarding anal sex if you feel so strongly about gay people? Fear? That a male will latch onto you? If you have been abused at some stage, do not blame gay males. The high percentage are NOT paedophiles and are or have enjoyed long term relationships.

Those Aussie ocker blokes who feel the strongest anti gay emotion are often the most likeliest to either become gay or enjoy some of the benefits of a gay relationship.

Note the term: some of the benefits. A gay relationship is NOT about sexual intercourse/the physical.

A gay relationship is an emotional and intellectual loving profound relationship exactly the same as a heterosexual relationship.

Btw: whether a couple adopt a child is not your business or anyone else's business; other than the adopted child's families.

An uncle of mine used to take a similar stance to you Leigh, until one of his sons arrived home to inform his parents that he was gay and enjoying a wonderful loving relationship. Love won out and my uncle's fears and [behavioural patterns] evaporated.

A confident intelligent beautiful person is one who is not fearful of people from all walks of life.

Suzanonline,
Perhaps you could help me with something.

If marriage has "done nothing to improve the lot of women", then why is gay marriage good for straight women?

Perhaps that is a little over my head, but how would a heterosexual, married male be treated in an Australian university, considering no Australian academic can seem to write anything positive about men or heterosexual marriage.

And if heterosexual, married men are not greatly welcome in an Australian university, (considering the hatred directed at them by university academics such as the author), then why do university academics still want their money.

Dear Pynchme,
The good book says that we must take the whole book not just the pieces we agree with, for if we add to, the plagues are added to us, and if we cherry pick, our part of the blessing is taken from us. But thanks be to God Jesus has paid the penalty for our sin and if we believe we live under grace which is an unearned favour, for All have missed the mark (sinned) and fallen short of Gods best (glory). You are spot on when you say men miss the mark. But it was not a hetrosexual man who raped my 8 year old and destroyed his self esteem so now he can't enjoy Gods greatest blessing, children of his own. God hates divorce because children get hurt. But until we suffer enough we refuse to humble ourselves and God only resists the proud. I was really blessed on another thread here for all put aside their differences and where united in sharing the joy in researching family history. I get the same kick in searching out the hidden truths of the bible, but my starting point is always God is good and wants the best for us all, for who among you who love your children would give them a snake when they asked for a fish. God is a loving father, But like any good dad the buck stops with him.
Regards Richie 10

Aw Shucks, Suzeonline

You flatter me.

Consider yourself hugged as well.

However the people who need it (hugs) most are the most prickly to reach. But here goes, Vanna I wish for you find a person who truly cares for you and understands your pain. Leigh I can only hope that you have a 'road to Damascus' experience like that of WAU's uncle.

Richie 10, I know you mean kindly, you need to understand your religion is but one among many. Please, I am much interested in you and your thoughts than I am in your proselytising, however kindly meant.

Woulfe

Love that sense of humour - whenever I see a post from you in my email I always check it out. And good to see you post on a variety of topics, sometimes it is easy to get caught in that which affects you most personally and deeply, however you produce some great thought on a variety of topics.

Why is gay marriage good for straight women? Because it means we are a more tolerant, accepting and equitable society.

"" homosexuality is a perversion, and if you are part of that perversion, that’s your business. ""
Posted by Leigh, Monday, 19 July 2010 10:40:53 PM

Leigh, homosexuality is not a choice for most homosexuals - it is probably an innate feeling or desire, in most (Monday, 19 July 2010 5:51:21 PM)

Homosexuality is a variation on the continuum of humanity, just like other variations such as physical intersexuality (aka hermaphroditism), two wombs, two aortas, or one kidney.

Richie10 - debasing sex to toilet function is a little simplistic.