en-us https://www.intensedebate.com/users/274466 Comments by Raytheist http://thenewcivilrightsmovement.com/breaking-largest-study-of-children-raised-by-same-sex-parents-shows-theyre-healthier-than-their-peers/politics/2013/06/05/68146#IDComment802820934 Why put quotes around it? And why do you make a false contrast as if gay parents are not normal? Your language seems to betray a negative bias. And I don't believe the claim is made that gay parents are better than straight parents. The study (if I understand the article correctly) merely says the children of gay parents are as well-off health-wise as children of straight parents, and on some measures (like family cohesion) even do better as a group. The reason we study these things is to combat and disprove the negative claims that children are somehow harmed by having gay parents, simply because the parents are gay rather than for some specific thing that sets them apart as "bad" parents (i.e., malnutrition, neglect, academic failure, etc.) Sat, 8 Mar 2014 15:24:46 +0000 http://thenewcivilrightsmovement.com/breaking-largest-study-of-children-raised-by-same-sex-parents-shows-theyre-healthier-than-their-peers/politics/2013/06/05/68146#IDComment802820934 http://thenewcivilrightsmovement.com/watch-dalai-lama-a-ok-with-same-sex-marriage/marriage/2014/03/04/83939#IDComment800977987 It says "He added that for people of faith, they should stick to their religious beliefs, but stressed that same-sex marriage is an “individual business.”" It does not say they should stick to the dictates of their spiritual traditions. It also doesn't say they should stick to their denominational doctrines. It says they should follow THEIR OWN BELIEFS. Just like Christians of all flavors have their own interpretations on other issues (should woman wear pants? can we use tobacco or alcohol? can we work on the Sabbath? etc.) and often will live their lives in ways their church might not approve, it is up to the individual to work it out in their own mind and faith. I have no problem with HH the Dalai Lama's statement. Tue, 4 Mar 2014 16:27:48 +0000 http://thenewcivilrightsmovement.com/watch-dalai-lama-a-ok-with-same-sex-marriage/marriage/2014/03/04/83939#IDComment800977987 http://thenewcivilrightsmovement.com/guess-who-nominated-activist-judge-who-just-ruled-ky-marriage-ban-unconstitutional/politics/2014/02/12/83096#IDComment794236843 Perkins claims he wants "live and let live", but he clearly has no awareness that it also applies to others. Wed, 12 Feb 2014 21:15:18 +0000 http://thenewcivilrightsmovement.com/guess-who-nominated-activist-judge-who-just-ruled-ky-marriage-ban-unconstitutional/politics/2014/02/12/83096#IDComment794236843 http://thenewcivilrightsmovement.com/homosexuality-is-not-a-civil-right-its-a-human-wrong-says-ok-gop-lawmaker/politics/2014/01/16/81851#IDComment785268829 "You tell a lie long enough, people start to believe it" - that's why so many churches still have members, and why so many people actually believe in Jesus as their "lord and savior". Thu, 16 Jan 2014 17:57:06 +0000 http://thenewcivilrightsmovement.com/homosexuality-is-not-a-civil-right-its-a-human-wrong-says-ok-gop-lawmaker/politics/2014/01/16/81851#IDComment785268829 http://thenewcivilrightsmovement.com/gop-congressmans-bill-would-strip-federal-recognition-from-same-sex-marriages/politics/2014/01/09/81489#IDComment782022495 So does this mean that his opinion is for a couple living in Massachusetts and gets married in Massachusetts but then next year moves to Texas, their marriage will be voided? Or is he only going after those who travel to Massachusetts or some place, just to get married? This needs to be clarified. Fri, 10 Jan 2014 00:14:57 +0000 http://thenewcivilrightsmovement.com/gop-congressmans-bill-would-strip-federal-recognition-from-same-sex-marriages/politics/2014/01/09/81489#IDComment782022495 http://thenewcivilrightsmovement.com/bob-newharts-latest-gig-headlining-conference-of-anti-gay-catholic-extremists/news/2013/12/13/80172#IDComment767045850 "Elf" was in 2003, not 1983. Fri, 13 Dec 2013 13:09:32 +0000 http://thenewcivilrightsmovement.com/bob-newharts-latest-gig-headlining-conference-of-anti-gay-catholic-extremists/news/2013/12/13/80172#IDComment767045850 http://thenewcivilrightsmovement.com/successful-lgbt-protest-uses-power-of-the-purse-to-force-bigoted-bakery-to-close/discrimination/2013/09/06/74540#IDComment715531090 That's not how the law works. Bakers (and florists, etc.) don't get to pick and choose and discriminate. They aren't selling a "religious" product, and they are not performing a "religious" service. They are only involved in baking (or floral arrangements, etc.). Their religious convictions about same-sex marriage have nothing to do with it. They probably have religious convictions about adultery or divorce or other alleged "sins" -- would they bake a cake for the wedding of a guy who dumped his wife and kids to marry some floozie half his age? Sat, 7 Sep 2013 03:41:54 +0000 http://thenewcivilrightsmovement.com/successful-lgbt-protest-uses-power-of-the-purse-to-force-bigoted-bakery-to-close/discrimination/2013/09/06/74540#IDComment715531090 http://thenewcivilrightsmovement.com/top-fox-news-culture-correspondent-stirs-the-pot-on-christian-hate-and-homophobia/politics/2013/07/16/71120#IDComment680999838 >>“Under no circumstances is the pastor to officiate, participate, or endorse any wedding ceremony that violates the belief and teaching of this church body in accordance with the Bible,” the statement read.<< So it appears that if the pastor wants to bless a union on his own, away from church property, the Leader of the Church (the Shepherd) has had his hands tied by the Followers (the Sheep). And yet the Christians keep whining about pastors being "forced" to perform weddings they don't agree with, this church has done just the opposite, forcing the pastor to restrict is pastoral functions to what the church wants him to do. Tue, 16 Jul 2013 14:23:42 +0000 http://thenewcivilrightsmovement.com/top-fox-news-culture-correspondent-stirs-the-pot-on-christian-hate-and-homophobia/politics/2013/07/16/71120#IDComment680999838 http://thenewcivilrightsmovement.com/indiana-law-makes-it-a-felony-for-same-sex-couples-to-apply-for-a-marriage-license/legislation/2013/07/08/70698#IDComment677060565 Actually, I think we are all (in this thread) essentially agreed on the principle of keeping the state out of clergy matters. Wed, 10 Jul 2013 15:42:48 +0000 http://thenewcivilrightsmovement.com/indiana-law-makes-it-a-felony-for-same-sex-couples-to-apply-for-a-marriage-license/legislation/2013/07/08/70698#IDComment677060565 http://thenewcivilrightsmovement.com/indiana-law-makes-it-a-felony-for-same-sex-couples-to-apply-for-a-marriage-license/legislation/2013/07/08/70698#IDComment676922243 yes, I know. That's what I said at the very start of this thread. Wed, 10 Jul 2013 10:30:20 +0000 http://thenewcivilrightsmovement.com/indiana-law-makes-it-a-felony-for-same-sex-couples-to-apply-for-a-marriage-license/legislation/2013/07/08/70698#IDComment676922243 http://thenewcivilrightsmovement.com/indiana-law-makes-it-a-felony-for-same-sex-couples-to-apply-for-a-marriage-license/legislation/2013/07/08/70698#IDComment676746427 so why would they want to fine a clergyperson for performing a marriage if the state isn't going to recognize it? It's a purely religious ceremony with value and spiritual meaning to the couple getting married, and perhaps among their congregation and the other people that couple socializes with. There is no need to impose a fine on clergy. Again, the state does not define marriage. Only the couple getting married gets to define or decide whether their relationship is a marriage or just boyfriends or something else. The only thing the state does is determine which marriages they will recognize. And if a clergy person wants to perform a religious wedding ceremony for the marriage of two people, it is of no matter to the state. Wed, 10 Jul 2013 04:10:24 +0000 http://thenewcivilrightsmovement.com/indiana-law-makes-it-a-felony-for-same-sex-couples-to-apply-for-a-marriage-license/legislation/2013/07/08/70698#IDComment676746427 http://thenewcivilrightsmovement.com/indiana-law-makes-it-a-felony-for-same-sex-couples-to-apply-for-a-marriage-license/legislation/2013/07/08/70698#IDComment676579560 A Holy Union performed in a church by a clergy person between two congregants of that church, IS a "marriage" and it is recognized as such within the boundaries of that church or religion. The fact that it has no legal standing under civil law is all the more reason the state CANNOT fine a clergy person for performing a purely religious ceremony. The state does not define marriage. The state only describes which forms of marriage it will recognize. If a church or clergy person recognizes all unions are equal (they are), and the couple accepts that they are married, then they are married and are free to live their personal life as married, whether or not anyone else recognizes it. Tue, 9 Jul 2013 22:48:36 +0000 http://thenewcivilrightsmovement.com/indiana-law-makes-it-a-felony-for-same-sex-couples-to-apply-for-a-marriage-license/legislation/2013/07/08/70698#IDComment676579560 http://thenewcivilrightsmovement.com/rand-pauls-outreach-director-compares-pre-world-war-ii-germany-to-america-today/politics/2013/07/08/70677#IDComment675774596 He's quoting the Mayflower Compact?? It was signed in 1620, over 140 years BEFORE the formal founding of the United States, which automatically supersedes the Mayflower Compact. The Founding Fathers had had over 100 years of examining the religious discrimination, violence and bigotry among and between the various colonies and wanted no part of that divisiveness as part of our governance. The United States was not formed by only those who came on the Mayflower but also by those who came later as well as their progeny. Mon, 8 Jul 2013 15:22:45 +0000 http://thenewcivilrightsmovement.com/rand-pauls-outreach-director-compares-pre-world-war-ii-germany-to-america-today/politics/2013/07/08/70677#IDComment675774596 http://thenewcivilrightsmovement.com/indiana-law-makes-it-a-felony-for-same-sex-couples-to-apply-for-a-marriage-license/legislation/2013/07/08/70698#IDComment675768973 "The new law also makes it a Class B Misdemeanor for a clergyman, judge, mayor, city clerk or town clerk-treasurer to perform a same-sex marriage," This is a direct violation of the First Amendment: "Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof." State law might find a way to penalize people for applying for a civil marriage license, and they might penalize civil servants for performing a same-sex wedding, but they cannot fine or penalize a clergy person for performing a holy union ceremony inside their church. State has no authority to restrict a clergy person's ability to perform a religious ceremony within the normal scope of is/her religious duties. If a same-sex couple's church wishes to acknowledge the couple AS a couple, within the bounds of their beliefs, and treats them as a married couple within their congregation or fellowship, it is of no concern to the state whatsoever. Mon, 8 Jul 2013 15:07:37 +0000 http://thenewcivilrightsmovement.com/indiana-law-makes-it-a-felony-for-same-sex-couples-to-apply-for-a-marriage-license/legislation/2013/07/08/70698#IDComment675768973 http://www.commentarymagazine.com/2013/06/28/a-victory-for-religious-freedom-hhs-mandate-obamacare/#IDComment670588964 Why would a business owner's personal religion be allowed to control the religious freedoms of his employees? It is not a religious business, but secular, and must be run according to secular laws. Even if Hobby Lobby wins for technical or legal reasons, it fails for moral and ethical reasons as their religious views (which are actually based on false premise, anyway--no abortifacients are involved here) cannot be allowed to trample the civil rights of other people. Shame on Hobby Lobby. Sat, 29 Jun 2013 14:55:35 +0000 http://www.commentarymagazine.com/2013/06/28/a-victory-for-religious-freedom-hhs-mandate-obamacare/#IDComment670588964 http://wgntv.com/2013/06/02/same-sex-proponents-demand-marriage-equality#IDComment654485596 If you learn ALL the facts of the case you wouldn't be so quick to use that for an example of your position. The gay community is not asking for special treatments or special rights. Sun, 2 Jun 2013 16:45:00 +0000 http://wgntv.com/2013/06/02/same-sex-proponents-demand-marriage-equality#IDComment654485596 http://wgntv.com/2013/06/02/same-sex-proponents-demand-marriage-equality#IDComment654456877 Nobody's asking for special treatment, just equality. Sun, 2 Jun 2013 15:26:47 +0000 http://wgntv.com/2013/06/02/same-sex-proponents-demand-marriage-equality#IDComment654456877 http://blog.heritage.org/2013/03/13/kids-need-a-mom-and-dad-says-openly-gay-adoptive-parent/#IDComment595258363 All of the research shows that children generally do better in two-parent households than in single-parent households. There is nothing to show that kids do better in opposite-sex two parent households than in same-sex two parent households. Anecdotal references and isolated incidents do not make a valid argument in either direction. Children do not have an automatic and actionable "right" to a mom and a dad, and when a child is available for adoption he has neither. Same-sex adoptions do not "deny" the child of something; they provide permanent family parenting which the child doesn't have before adoption. Thu, 14 Mar 2013 13:50:19 +0000 http://blog.heritage.org/2013/03/13/kids-need-a-mom-and-dad-says-openly-gay-adoptive-parent/#IDComment595258363 http://thenewcivilrightsmovement.com/gays-in-nfl-would-cause-grenade-like-explosion-and-sexual-tension-says-fischer/discrimination/2013/03/04/61751#IDComment585055574 Does he not know that there are already plenty of gays and lesbians in professional sports? The world hasn't stopped or exploded yet. The only difference is that they are not "out", but you can be quite sure they are there. Mon, 4 Mar 2013 19:37:11 +0000 http://thenewcivilrightsmovement.com/gays-in-nfl-would-cause-grenade-like-explosion-and-sexual-tension-says-fischer/discrimination/2013/03/04/61751#IDComment585055574 http://thenewcivilrightsmovement.com/1-murdered-mississippis-first-gay-mayoral-candidate-wanted-to-be-model-for-black-community/news/2013/02/28/61482#IDComment581283356 No, he was definitely NOT the first openly gay candidate for mayor in Mississippi. Look up the record of known gay mayors in the United States, then find the one(s) for Mississippi. Thu, 28 Feb 2013 18:34:23 +0000 http://thenewcivilrightsmovement.com/1-murdered-mississippis-first-gay-mayoral-candidate-wanted-to-be-model-for-black-community/news/2013/02/28/61482#IDComment581283356