But you consider yourself an open-minded, rational person, correct? Thus, you are willing to consider new data as it becomes available--correct? So, in the future, if it were established that homosexuality is pre-determined by hormonal or chemical factors in our bodies which, obviously, we don't choose, then you would no longer object to bringing homosexuals under the protection of civil rights laws?
Meanwhile, however, I am still trying to figure out your scheme of things. Who should be protected by our civil rights laws? As I noted in my previous message, the Court decision in Alabama protected all civil rights demonstrators (irrespective of their "immutable" birth characteristics).
Do you oppose that Court's decision, i.e. do you think civil rights demonstrators don't genuinely fall into the category that should be protected because we aren't discussing any "immutable" characteristics that is "unchosen" behavior?
Why do you assume that heterosexuals are "afraid" of homosexuals or of homosexuals marrying? There are many other adjectives that may apply: disapprove, dislike, disgust, etc. I theorize that most people are simply uninterested until the issue is forced. Why did you assume fear?
That's not the case, and it will never be, but just for the sake of argument since you seem to be enjoying... If that was the case, I will reassess my opinion and get back to you.
Meanwhile, however, I am still trying to figure out your scheme of things. Who should be protected by our civil rights laws?
Oh man, are you always that difficult? If you read post # 392, I made clear that civil rights or natural rights are to protect people from discrimination due to the unchangeable characteristics they were born with. This is in accord with the perception of moral code. Homosexuality, isn't part of the moral code. You can't equate slavery with homosexuality. By the way, Ernie, in case you have forgotten, homosexuals enjoy all the rights and benefits every person has. What they want is special treatment beyond the rights they already have.