Jingoist also used this argument, that government is too involved with marriage already. The problem with it is that it's a cop-out.
It's not a cop-out, though it
is a rather unpopular position within the conservative "ranks," but I do feel that it has genuine logic behind it, and will come to be embraced over time. Logical arguments like the one you posted, above, can help to make the case in the meantime. My only issue with it is the piling on of *more* legislation, rather than the repeal of the existing stuff...similar result, different approach.
It's an ideological difference. More government vs less.
Actually, the fact that there were two of us, on this site, who would use this generally unpopular argument does seem a bit suspicious. I can better understand, now, why a correlation between us was drawn.
Did Jingoist also self-identify as a redneck, or as an asexual? Are his posts still around, or were they deleted? You've got me curious, now...may have to look them up, and see for myself.
Saying that one cannot support gay rights because he actually believes straight people have too many marriage rights is BS unless he refuses to vote for a candidate who doesn't promise to remove marriage rights from straight people.
There *are* no conservative candidates who say that, right now. Nor, I believe, are there any Democrat candidates who hold that position.
Of the current Republican hopefuls, Ron Paul, with his right-leaning libertarian views, *might* have the courage to say something like this. His general theme is "get out of my life, and stay out," so this would be consistent with his beliefs over 30 years of public service.
I don't believe that marriage is a religious construct. If it was, then so many non-religious people wouldn't want to get married. There are obvious personal reasons and practical benefits for it, if one is straight, and gay people deserve to be treated the same way.
Let's use an analogy. I presume that you are over 18, which means that legally you are an adult. And, likely, you were excited or happy about becoming a legal adult.
Did it occur to you to demand a bat mitzvah? It's the Jewish "becoming an adult" ceremony...after all, you want to be an adult!
Oh... It's precisely
because the language is different! As I said before, words matter.
Being joined in a legal union is great. Establish a pair bond with anyone you want. I fully support it. And, the same benefits that come from a heterosexual marriage would be extended to a homosexual/bisexual/transsexual/whatever marriage. No problem. But, being *married,* despite the overlap in the language, is significantly more than just the legal recognition, and that is where we likely differ.
If you don't believe in legalizing gay marriage, then you are a social conservative.
Because that is the *only* issue in the entire world? And, that's the *only* approach to solving it?
I
am socially conservative...said that early on. I am not so far to the right that I am a member of the "radical right," any more than I believe that you are *so* far to the left that you would be part of the "looney left," based on your posts in this thread. In fact, you come across as rational, reasonable, and thoughtful. For that I thank you.
And, just for reference, I'm a member of a sexual minority, too. Asexual.
At least other people know what gay means...most people don't even accept that "lack of attraction" can exist!