The problem as I see it is thus:
You ostensibly argue for complete equality with respect to society's acceptance or tolerance of heterosexual and homosexual behavior. Presumably it is based on a general a priori principle/assumption of the right to equality of homosexuals v. heterosexuals.
The truth is that others are unwilling to accept, emotionally, and often intellectually that gays should have rights equal to heterosexuals.
I will give you two examples to support this point.
First, imagine that an expeditionary group of students had spent a year isolated from families and loved ones in Antarctica and upon their return they were met by a proud group of supporters at the dock or airport. I feel fairly certain that you wouldn’t seek to oppose a boyfriend / girlfriend or husband wife from kissing on the lips in front of the group. Neither would heterosexuals or homosexuals be dsiturbed by such a display
On the other hand, I believe you fully realize, and perhaps even agree, that such a display in front of the families attending the arrival ceremony, by two homosexuals, for the identical display of affection (i.e. a prolonged kiss on the lips) would, or even should, not be perceived with the same tolerance.
Similarly, family TV shows, as for example the Cosby show, regularly stage displays of affection between husbands and wives without any moral indigestion, yet the identical display by say Ellen Degeneris with a "lifetime partner" would evoke strong negative feelings amongst most heterosexual individuals, including many if not most liberals, and particulary from those with children.
Why is this?
On the one hand we have been inculcated with the notion that we should treat everyone equally, and to not do so is an abrogation of that individuals basic rights, yet in our hearts, we feel that there is not true equivalence. Something about two guys kissing in prime time just isn't right, no matter how hard we try to make it so, and no matter how hard homosexuals attempt to convince us otherwise.
Even if we are not able to put the reasons for such feelings into words, we nevertheless experience them. Perhaps the reason is nothing more than an innate understanding of the unnaturalness of homosexual behavior. It is difficult to ignore the fact that a penis and a rectum were not made for each other- and never will be, no matter how many liberals think otherwise. In a very real sense, such behavior must at the very least be termed unnatual or a deviation from the norm.
But you say, much worse things than two homosexuals kissing are shown in prime time. True, however such displays (murder, violence etc) are not choreographed so as to legitimatize them or to suggest normalcy.
No, whatever else homosexual behavior is, it is not natural and regretably despite any desire for metaphysical egalitarianism, it is not normal, and as such should not be legitimized and therefore can not be made normal.
Of course it is not normal. Nor am I suggesting that it be accepted or tolerated by others, in terms of their private associations.
In a society which values rights, men are free to accept or reject homosexuals as they see fit. If they do not wish to engage in commerce with homosexuals, the state has no business forcing them to. If they do not wish to allow homosexuals access to their clubs, homes, or businesses, that is their right. If they believe homosexuality is evil, they are well within their rights to state so emphatically, and to protest against homosexuality.
What they are NOT within their rights to do, is to prevail upon government to restrain the private sexuality of consenting adults at gunpoint.
I sure wish people would read the thread so I didn't have to type the same thing over and over.