A repeat guide

I'd repost this. In honor of our debate today.

A Learning Tool:

To begin, what I have to say is: this is not meant to attack anyone. If anyone actually reads through this, I hope they do so with an open mind and really think about what is being said.

One important fact to start this off: Homosexuality is naturally occurring. People seem to think it's not, and decide they can therefore condemn it. This is a point made by Jon Stewart when talking to Mike Huckabee about this, he said the main issue is how they view gay people. Whether they believe it's a choice or not. This multitude of articles discusses it. To summarize current research: homosexuality most likely develops in the womb. The hormones children are exposed to likely affect which gender they're attracted to. Sure the researchers are not certain of the causes, but they are certain of the fact that it's not a choice. Even if it's not biological and is environmental, it's not a choice and is harmful to attempt to change. There may be a rare few who it was a choice for, but the majority of homosexual people are simply attracted to people of their own gender and not the other gender. Simple as that. (Well almost. If you're actually interested, look up the Kinsey scale for another theory)

http://www.libchrist.com/other/homosexual/natural.html

http://sujaiblog.blogspot.com/2006/10/is-homosexuality-natural.html

http://www.seattlepi.com/national/275425_gay27.html

http://www.boston.com/news/globe/magazine/articles/2005/08/14/what_makes_people_gay/

http://www.economist.com/science-technology/displaystory.cfm?story_id=2121955

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/5120004.stm

http://www.mentalhelp.net/poc/view_doc.php?type=doc&id=28531

http://aappolicy.aappublications.org/cgi/content/full/pediatrics;113/6/1827

http://www.apa.org/helpcenter/sexual-orientation.aspx <-- I recommend this one. It's a legit site (the APA) and it explains things very clearly. People argue: "The Bible condemns it," but to quote someone who I just decided is crazy awesome, "The Bible says a lot of things. including, but not limited to : Homosexual men should be put to death, those who curse their mother or father shall be put to death, you should not eat pork, women are "unclean" during their period, you should plant your field with two different kinds of seeds, you shouldn't wear clothing woven with two different kinds of material, do not get tattoos, do not shave your face, do not work on the sabbath. but most people disregard those today. times have changed." The truth is, the knowledge we have today proves things are different than the Bible says. As it says, times are different now. So, if any one's reading this with an open mind and is still like, "Homosexuality is unnatural, you don't see animals doing it." Here are two links listing the animals who engage in homosexual behavior. There are tons. Are the animals behaving in unnatural and immoral ways? (I know, I know. "People and animals are different!" But that completely eliminates any bestiality correlation) http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_birds_displaying_homosexual_behavior

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_mammals_displaying_homosexual_behavior#Mammals

For those who are still like: "Hey. No. The Bible says." The below website gives alternative views to classic views on the Bible scriptures that condemn homosexuality. Also, a book called The God Box by Alex Sanchez is very interesting. It made me want to give Christianity a try. (It didn't succeed, be that fortunate or unfortunate)

http://www.religioustolerance.org/hom_bibl.htm

Also, even though I am positive it's not a choice, even if it was, there should be protections and equal rights. Because you know what is DEFINITELY a choice? Religion. If we can't discriminate based on religion, why can we based on sexual orientation? This country is based on religious freedoms, and the freedom for the pursuit of happiness, right? So if it was a choice, what business would it be of anyone else's anyway when it's not hurting anyone?

The truth is that it is only a choice as much as a man makes a choice to be with a woman. In that the man could have chosen to live a celibate life, or could have chosen a man, but he choose a woman. Why? Because he's attracted to women. The same way homosexual men and women are attracted to people of their own gender. It's the same concept exactly. But not matter how much evidence I fling at people they don't seem to understand. By that I mean they're too stubborn to understand. And trust me my logic is sound and there is NO logical reason not to allow same sex marriage and full equality for gay people. I do understand the Bible argument with faith and all that, but the truth is people don't interpret every word of the Bible literally so I don't know why they choose homosexuality to focus on.

That's all I can do for you. Evidence. Logic. Facts. No Christianity bashing. Civil. Take it as you will.

Yep. So I added some stuff, but...Yep. :)