[calyman]

Originally Posted by Shasown

Its not only Daves view, nor any particular churches view, its the law of the land. Homosexuals are allowed to commit themselves in a civil partnership ceremony. This isnt marriage. It treats gays in a separate legal status from opposite sex couples. Although it does actually give them the same rights and responsibilities it still has not altered the Marriage Act.

I dont see how you can call Dave hypocritical for following his religion, surely the hypocrites are the ones who know that in the eyes of some churches a homosexual liaison/relationship is sinning yet expect that church to perform a marriage to endorse what they regard as a state of sin.

What next rapists asking the local minister to bless the bottle of rohypnol, or their hammer?

You need to consider what the Church has condoned through the centuries, it's attitude not just to Gay people, but also women, slavery, it's involvement in genocide, it's Inquisitions, it's murdering those who'se scientific enquiry challenged the Church, it's selling of salvation for money. The Church has done all of that but mostly changed it's stance. Is it such a major step to do likewise with regard to Gay marriage?

A marriage is a union, a construct, a social or legal agreement. it does not exist in some rarified exalted place that only certain people who meet unnaceptable standards are entitled to. Marriage is and should be open to all.