[calyman]

Originally Posted by angus58

But it already is, so what on earth is the problem FFS? If, as you point out, the Church has been corrupt through the centuries, why are gay people bothered whether such an antiquated "homophobic" institution sanction their union? Specifically, how can they claim to believe in a faith which does not condone homosexuality? It is not after all a requirement of marriage that you marry in a church, a mosque or a tabernacle. If you insist on doing so then FFS have the honesty to admit you are doing it just to prove a point, not because you share the beliefs and values of that faith.

Personally, I see no merit in organised religion since it inhibits commonsense and common decency to others, and promotes division and conflicting ideologies. For that reason I did not choose to marry in a religious ceremony, where I would be required to pay lip service to a doctrine in which I did not believe, just so that I could have the pretty wedding pictures taken dressed in white outside a picturesque church. I had a civil ceremony which did the job just fine.

FFS!
I think you're missing the argument I'm making. Generally it'sL:

1) The church is well practised at changing the spiritual and athical goalposts when it suits.

2) Marrauge is NOT just a union blessed by some geezer in a frock

3)Spiritual organisations should be given no special dsipensations by the state to enforce it's prejudices upon the rest of us

4) No spiritual organisation should be involved in the Government of this country.

5)If spiritual organisations take it upon themselves to pontifcate to the rest of us about morals, ethics etc. Then as a Humanist, I see no inherent respect should be given to them for real or unintended offence given to others. basically, if they can give it out, they can damn well receive it back.

I would further argue that any special privileges they receive from the state should also be withdrawn. Let their message of superstition rely on it's own merits, not through avoidance of paying taxes etc, not through special provisions enshrined in Law which privilege's them against other worthier organisations.