by Jericho Garrett

Created on: May 21, 2007   Last Updated: January 19, 2009

The reasons people give for being against gays and gay marriage are arguments based on personal prejudice, and not ones of merit. There is no viable reason two adults of sound mind, whether gay or straight, should not be allowed to commit to each other in a legal union.

Jerry Falwell and his brethren made homosexuality a crime of Biblical proportions. They quoted passages in Leviticus against man lying with man, and used this in their crusade to vilify gay people. However, there is a major problem with the buffet style of Bible thumping...when you pick and choose the verse most suitable to your needs, you forget there is more than likely a verse that contradicts it. A prime example of this is the commandment regarding adultery. When this commandment was given, it was in reference to property laws, not societal norms. A man who slept with another man's wife was damaging the husband's property, and therefore became responsible for the loss.

However, Jesus made it very clear that a religious marriage was the union of one man and one woman, and if either party violated that contract, then he or she was guilty of adultery. Not only did this destroy the concept of women as property, but it gave women an equal standing in the marriage; he could be held just as accountable as she was. Another thing Jesus emphasized was that if a person believed in him, he, or she, would enter the Kingdom of Heaven. He did not differentiate between rich or poor, black or white, or gay or straight, and society shouldn't either.

(Leviticus also prohibits the eating of shellfish; makes a person wonder how many of those esteemed Biblical leaders remember that while enjoying all you can eat shrimp at Sizzler.)

Furthermore, even though the Bible is mentioned, it really can't be used as a basis to form law regarding marriage. Despite what people like Falwell, Pat Robertson and Ralph Reed would have everyone believe, the United States was not founded as a Christian nation; to use Christianity as a means to determine law would be a clear violation of the First Amendment. Not only that, but denying gay people the rights the rest of us enjoy, as well as protection from hatred and harassment, allows the destruction of the real foundation on which this country has built. This is a nation of freedom, and all should have the right to be free.

The homosexual community has become a convenient target for politicians who don't want the public to know what is really going on with the government. Casualties mounting in Iraq? Take a stand against gay marriage! Corporate greed forcing gas prices through the roof? Take a stand against gays getting protection under the law! It is time the nation sees this for what it is; using a segment, a very vital, integral segment, of our population in order to draw attention away from the reprehensible acts of those in power.

What is so funny about this is for all of their Biblical knowledge, Falwell and his buddies conveniently forget Matthew 6:5-6:

"And when ye pray, you shall not be like the hypocrites. For they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the corners of the streets, that they may be seen by men. Assuredly, I say to you, they have their reward.

But you, when you pray, go into your room, and when you have shut your door, pray to your Father who is in the secret place, and your Father who sees in secret shall reward you openly."

Or Matthew 7:1:

Judge not, lest ye be judged.

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