I think we differ on defintions, as one poster suggested above, by respecting people as people, I simply meant that we should treat others with kindness and respect regardless of what we think of their lifestyle.
The use of the word is inappropriate. It implies that one should "show deferential regard for" and that one should "relate" to as well as "avoid interference with".
I am quite sure that their use of the word is not meant to convey #2.
You may certianly hold homosexuals in high esteem, there is no requirement for anybody else to. Liberals choose words very carefully. Tolerate morphs into respect, "clump of cells" dehumainzes and "choice" means killing babies on the way out.
I'm not buying what you're selling.