Gay Couples

[BeefSupreme]

I am not gay myself, but I see no problem with gay couples being married if they're in love. Religion has bashed the homosexual community for far too long and I think that's much more "evil" than anything that homosexuals are doing.

So, my question:
Why do most religions deny gay people the right to get married if they're in love? Why would an all-loving "God" allow this kind of hatred towards homosexuals?

[whatifidogetcaught?]

I think the main reason it is frowned upon by religion today is because of how hard it is for a religion to shake core beliefs. For the anti-homosexual religions, anti-homosexuality is something they have believed in since its existence. Also, the people raised in these religions have been taught since they were old enough to comprehend anything that homosexuality is wrong. It is just too hard to break away from this for most people.

It parallels to slavery in that aspect. The South before the Civil War and after believed in slavery and the domination of the white race. This is because it was how they were raised, and there was no one else in their society to tell them otherwise.

[ARTHANASIOS]

As far as I know, most of religions view marriage as the beginning of a new family. Funrthermore, they view reproduction within a married couple as a needed and blessed aspect. Since they believe giving birth to children is one of the main reasons of marriage, they view gay marriages as abnormal (gays can't reproduce).
In my opinion, it is ok for gay couples to exists, but do these couples really need to get married? I mean, you can't possibly be a truly religious person if you are a homosexual (your religion itself is against your homosexuality, so you do!) and gay marriage may cause bureocratic issues, so can't gay people just be living together in their house without being married and be happy like that (just asking)?

[Pella]

I mean, you can't possibly be a truly religious person if you are a homosexual (your religion itself is against your homosexuality, so you do!)

This is an assumption based on lack of knowledge.  For example, the main tenet of Wicca is, "If it harm none, do as you will."  Homosexuality fits very well within this religion; ergo, the "truly religious" Wiccan CAN also be homosexual.  Wicca is one among dozens of religions that do not oppose homosexuality.  Therefore, the quoted statement is false at its core.

[BeefSupreme]

I think the main reason it is frowned upon by religion today is because of how hard it is for a religion to shake core beliefs. For the anti-homosexual religions, anti-homosexuality is something they have believed in since its existence. Also, the people raised in these religions have been taught since they were old enough to comprehend anything that homosexuality is wrong. It is just too hard to break away from this for most people.

It parallels to slavery in that aspect. The South before the Civil War and after believed in slavery and the domination of the white race. This is because it was how they were raised, and there was no one else in their society to tell them otherwise.

Well, that's not necessarily true.

In the Mormon religion, the head of the church can supposedly "communicate with God" and "God" has "changed His mind" about many things (black people, caffeine, etc.), so "God" could just as easily change his mind about gays, but "He" doesn't.

In the Christian/Jewish Bible, it straight out says that gays shouldn't be married, so it's impossible for those churches to turn away from the belief without discrediting their God and the Bible.

[ddevans96]

In my opinion, it is ok for gay couples to exists, but do these couples really need to get married?

Does anyone need to get married?

[Pella]

Does anyone need to get married?

Originally, maybe not.  It was more a way of announcing to the world, "We chose each other."
Today, governments grant rights and privileges to married couples.  Without the government-issued Marriage License, no such rights or privileges are granted.  As long as governments grant such rights and privileges to some and deny them to others, the answer will be yes.

[Absol]

Though i don't usually post demotivator (double that when it's from anime), i think everyone can forgive me.

[Fireleaf]

As far as I know, most of religions view marriage as the beginning of a new family. Funrthermore, they view reproduction within a married couple as a needed and blessed aspect. Since they believe giving birth to children is one of the main reasons of marriage, they view gay marriages as abnormal (gays can't reproduce).
In my opinion, it is ok for gay couples to exists, but do these couples really need to get married? I mean, you can't possibly be a truly religious person if you are a homosexual (your religion itself is against your homosexuality, so you do!) and gay marriage may cause bureocratic issues, so can't gay people just be living together in their house without being married and be happy like that (just asking)?

I happen to have a friend who is both Christian and homosexual; sexual orientation and religion are two different things, and some people choose not to believe that their religion would tell them that their sexual orientation, a major part of their identity, is "wrong" or "unnatural". People interpret things differently, and for them it can work out perfectly fine.

Secondly, aside from the sense of security and longevity that marriage gives a relationship, it has various financial and societal benefits as well.

[Naesala]

As far as I know, most of religions view marriage as the beginning of a new family. Funrthermore, they view reproduction within a married couple as a needed and blessed aspect. Since they believe giving birth to children is one of the main reasons of marriage, they view gay marriages as abnormal (gays can't reproduce).
In my opinion, it is ok for gay couples to exists, but do these couples really need to get married? I mean, you can't possibly be a truly religious person if you are a homosexual (your religion itself is against your homosexuality, so you do!) and gay marriage may cause bureocratic issues, so can't gay people just be living together in their house without being married and be happy like that (just asking)?

I happen to have a friend who is both Christian and homosexual; sexual orientation and religion are two different things, and some people choose not to believe that their religion would tell them that their sexual orientation, a major part of their identity, is "wrong" or "unnatural". People interpret things differently, and for them it can work out perfectly fine.

Secondly, aside from the sense of security and longevity that marriage gives a relationship, it has various financial and societal benefits as well.

This^. I consider myself to be Christian and am technically going to be in a gay relationship (I am a MtF transgender and my partner is female). I personally believe that the ban on gay marriage is not "the will of god" so much as advice given relevant to the times. Gay sex was more likely to spread disease, much like eating pork could cause without more recent breakthroughs in proper cooking. I could be happy with my partner without being married, true, but I dont want to be denied my civil rights of being with her. And I want a ceremony.

[ddevans96]

Does anyone need to get married?

Originally, maybe not.  It was more a way of announcing to the world, "We chose each other."
Today, governments grant rights and privileges to married couples.  Without the government-issued Marriage License, no such rights or privileges are granted.  As long as governments grant such rights and privileges to some and deny them to others, the answer will be yes.

Rhetorical question, but yes, that's what I was going for. If you're going to give rights to people for getting married, apply it to everyone.

[Annele]

The way it is written in the Bible is more about shaming a man to be as low as a woman, rather than the abnormality about it. In those days, when you got married, the man would then own the woman. For a man to own another man in that way would be the worst possible thing, and for a woman to have a possession (ie, another woman) would also be a horrific thing. Times have moved on now, and marriage is more about owning each other - being equal.

There is also the argument that marriage itself is religious. In New Zealand, instead of marriage, gay couples are allowed to get 'United' or be coupled in a Civil Union and have all the benefits of marriage except the title. It all comes down to what 'marriage' is classified as.