[Livia]

Originally Posted by lily.

They want the option, just like everyone else has it. They want to be treated the same, not better, not worse, than heterosexual people.

One day we'll look back on the things that happen today, and we'll be astonished at the narrow-mindedness and bigotry that exists.

When I read about the everyday things that happened in the deep south 50 years ago, I can't imagine living in a time where someone was treated differently because of the colour of their skin.

This is exactly the same. It's prejudice. Plain and simple. Eventually society will move past it, and that includes the churches. I hope it's sooner rather than later. I personally couldn't give a **** about anyone's sexual preference and I'm pretty sure nobody gives a **** about mine. It's completely irrelevant.

I have said this before in another thread, but I don't think you were around at that time lily, so sorry if you were and I'm repeating myself...

When I married my husband, we could not marry in a synagogue because he was not a Jew. I didn't feel marginalised, victimised or any less Jewish because of it. I understand that it is a rule of my religion. It didn't occur to me that I should demand an Act of Parliament to force Judaism to change their rules. I do agree that if gay couples want to marry then they should absolutely have the right to marry in a civil ceremony the same as heterosexuals. But I don't agree that religions should be forced to marry them if it goes against their doctrine. If some churches choose to, then that is their own decision and not one that I feel should be made compulsory.