Friday, November 21, 2014
Unlike robbery, homosexuality is neither a crime nor a choice
A few weeks ago, a gentle- man wrote a letter to the editor opposing gay marriage. The following is a quote from his letter: “The gays are to be discriminated against as far as marriage, the same as murderers, robbers, rapists and child molesters.”
First, what a frightening, hateful statement to be made by someone who considers himself a Christian. Once again, someone is confusing a legal right (marriage) with a church rite (e.g. the sacrament of marriage in the Catholic Church). The legal right to marry has nothing to do with religion.
My main issue with this quote, however, is that the author lumped homosexuals in the same category as murderers, rapists, robbers and child molesters. Those are crimes that people choose to commit. Homosexuality is neither a crime nor a choice.
Furthermore, is the author aware that murderers, rapists, robbers and child molesters can still legally marry if they wanted to? So why would you restrict marriage to a homosexual if people who have committed horrific crimes can still marry?
The author further states that our system of government is based on the Ten Commandments. (It really isn’t, by the way). At any rate, none of the Ten Commandments states, “Thou shalt not be gay.” If you jump ahead to the New Testament and see what Jesus has to say about things, he talks a lot about love, acceptance and kindness. Jesus also reminds people not to be judgmental hypocrites.
Ohio will soon have the opportunity to vote on legalizing gay marriage. I’m hopeful that we will follow the example of many other states and extend the right to marriage to all of our neighbors, gay and straight. Those who oppose it are certainly entitled to their opinions; I just wish they would get the facts right and not feel the need to infuse viewpoints with anger and hatred (which always seems uglier coming from someone who calls themselves a Christian).
Janet Misel, Youngstown