ALTRAV,

Very true. However, we are at a stage in history when tuning out is a good idea. Speak up by all means, but avoid arguments with the idiots. They love you to react to them so that they can keep up the silly harassment and abuse, based mainly on second-hand drivel they get from the internet. Their one aim is to bully you into silence.

Hey rehctub,
You can support them as friends but stand your ground on your beliefs, which is fine.
But if you don't go to the wedding you might not be thought of as one of their 'close friends' anymore.

It seems you kind of have to go to weddings to be included in couples 'close friends'.

What if you don't receive an invitation? You don't really know what is going to happen. You have allowed your life to get complicated uneccessarily. The are some areas in life where you have to stick to black and white. I don't see how you could have got yourself into this position. You seem to be luke warm. Be honest with yourself and these friends of yours. Whatever comes of that honesty will be what is best for everybody. You don't have to chew yourself up over something you know is totally unnatural and, totally unnecessary. You represent the norm; they do not. Sorry. You didn't ask for my advice but I sense that you are a nice person who doesn't need this homosexual crap, you really should do what you want, not what some very strange people might want you to do. Of course, like most people with their predilection, they might not want to 'marry anyway. The only two I currently know think it's a bad joke, and voted NO.

OP2 you present as a confused and conflicted person. How can you and any heterosexual person argue for SSM when you have not the knowledge nor the credentials of at least being queer to comment and debate the case for the queers. You arrogant imposter. You have NO idea what it is to be queer. You have been mis-leading us this whole time. Are you one of those lonely people who latch onto anyone who will listen to you because you are so desperate for social intercourse. Now the truth is out. You irresponsible person, all that you have said on this topic is now moot. I suggest you become a queer first then your comments might be relevant. We in the NO camp are not bigoted or homophobic or any of the titles you attempt to categorise us in, we are trying to explain why this SSM thing is a 'NO GO'. Don't bother barking back, your comments will ring hollow now we know the truth.

[Deleted for abuse and poster suspended.]

Dear rehctub,

You have asked us what should you do if
you get invited to the same-sex marriage of your
friends?

You've made it clear that you would not feel
comfortable going so don't go.
I'm sure that you can find an appropriate excuse.
(a pre-booked holiday - that can't be concelled
is just one suggestion that would let you off the
hook). I'm sure that you can think of others that
would be acceptable. Of course, you'd still be
obliged to send a gift along with Best Wishes.

I hope this helps.