Tolerance

I've been thinking a little about the word tolerance. I was recently informed that I'm intolerant and ignorant because of my opposition to homosexuality. Let's review those words.

Tolerance: a fair, objective, and permissive attitude toward those whose opinions, practices, race, religion, nationality, etc., differ from one's own; freedom from bigotry.

Ignorant: lacking in knowledge or training; unlearned

Now, allow me to elaborate on my opinion of the said subject. I believe, and always have believed, that homosexuality/bisexuality is wrong. I believe it to be unnatural. By unnatural I mean contrary to the laws or course of nature. I do not believe that people are "born that way". I do believe ,however, that people have more of a genetic disposition to become gay. That is, because of their genetic makeup they are more likely to live a homosexual lifestyle when circumstances give a nudge in that direction.

This genetic disposition I'm talking about is the same as any other inherent trait to be a certain way. For example: alcoholism, anger, sex addiction, drug addiction, etc. All of these traits are influenced by genetic factors. An individual can choose how to react to them. Just because you have a disposition to become an alcoholic doesn't mean you have to be an alcoholic. Should we allow alcoholics to drink and drive? I mean come on, they were born that way. We shouldn't try to change who they are. No, a man who's genes make him more likely to be an alcoholic should probably not drink. In the same way an individual more genetically disposed to become a homosexual does not have their choices taken away. They still choose their own lifestyle.

That's how I feel about the lifestyle itself. People will call it ignorant. I disagree. I am informed. I know what homosexuality is and I still oppose it. Liberals have a lot of tricks to help them seem on the side of good. They call their acceptance of something different "progressive". As if everyone who opposes their point of view is not as enlightened as they are. All those bigots who believe differently just need time to be swayed over to their side of thinking because they're making progress. Everyone fights change, but hey, progress will win out. You know, maybe your idea isn't "progressive". Maybe it's just plain wrong. Maybe people have thought homosexuality is wrong for millenia because homosexuality is wrong. How's that for an idea?

Ok, next point. You tell me that my opposition is based on religious ideals and that religion has no place in legislation. Very well then, tell me whose idea of right and wrong should we use? Everyone has a concept of what is right and what is wrong and they try and alter the laws accordingly. So what is your opinion of right and wrong based on? There has to be a general standard. If we can't use our morals to make these decisions then you can't tell me that anything is wrong. Our country is built on the Christian morals of our founding fathers. Those Christian ideals are what all of our laws are based on. That's why you women are allowed to walk around without your whole body covered in layers of clothes. That's why we're allowed to kill and eat cows. That's why we don't have a caste system. If you take religious ideals out of the lawmaking process you will get chaos. They define our ideas of right and wrong.

So what do I want to do about homosexuals? Nothing at all. It's not my business. Live how you want, do what you want, I don't care. I don't hate homosexuals. I think what they do is apalling and repulsive, but I don't hate them because of it. I've had gay friends and we got along fine. I believe every person has the right to make their own decisions about how they are going to live. We shouldn't lock them up because they're gay.

That being said, I cannot in good conscience support any sort of legislation that is in favor of gay marriage. If I were to support such a law it would be the same as saying that homosexuality is right and good. It would be saying that I think it's the exact same thing as heterosexual marriage. I cannot give that recognition. Homosexuals are already allowed civil unions. "Parties to a civil union have all the same protections, responsibilities, and rights as partners in marriage." I got that quote off dictionary.com. So those of you that say we're stepping on the rights of homosexuals are incorrect. They have all the same rights, they just can't call it marriage. The fight to be allowed to call it marriage is somewhat baffling. I mean, you've got everything you want. Everything except the recognition of everyone else saying you are right. Why is that recognition so important? I'll take heat for this comment, but I think it's because deep down homosexuals know it's wrong and they want validation from everyone else that what they are doing is right and good.

Now, you say that I have no reason to oppose homosexuality other than my moral objection. That isn't true. Although I think my moral objection to such a practice is enough to justify opposition I also have other reasons. Marriage has always been between a man and a woman for good reason. The union of a man and a woman allows the creation of a child. That child can then be raised by the biological parents. The home can be a safe haven from the stresses and trials of the world where father, mother, and children love each other. The traditional family is the foundation of our society. Without it our entire socioeconomic structure will crumble.

A homosexual union cannot create children. It's impossible. Even if a surrogate is found only one of the pair is the actual biological parent. If a child is adopted into a homosexual home they are deprived of either a father figure or a mother figure. Men and women are different and contribute different things to their children. When a child is deprived of having either a mother or father it hampers their development as individuals. The same goes for a single parent trying to raise a child alone. They can't be both mother and father. Despite the intentions of gay parents, they can't replicate the traditional home. It's not the same thing and the child will suffer for it. I believe that if homosexual homes are accepted as the norm it will bring about the eventual destruction of the traditional family.

If legislation were passed that made gay marriage legal it would mean that it would have to be taught in society as the exact same thing as traditional marriage. That means my children would be taught in school that homosexuality is good. Remember sex ed class? You want your kid being shown that stuff for homosexuality as well as heterosexuality? I mean, going through that class in just hetero style was enough. I think it could seriously screw a kid up to go through it again in homo style. My point is, I don't want the next generation being raised on have sex with who you will because there are no rules or boundaries. There are rules and boundaries. We're not animals. We can't just do what we feel when we feel it.

I believe I am tolerant. I think everyone should be allowed their own beliefs and ideas and as an American I believe they have the right to the pursuit of happiness in whatever manner they see fit as long as it doesn't stomp on the rights of others. I will defend a homosexual as readily as I'll defend a heterosexual. They are people the same as me. I will not agree with their practices however. I have my right of opinion too. That doesn't make me intolerant. It makes me opinionated. So don't go tearing me down and saying I'm intolerant and ignorant because I won't believe the same as you. That makes you intolerant for refusing to allow me to live by my beliefs.