Gay marriage

Good swift debate. My opponent keeps referencing that marriage is somehow superior to civil partnership and that Christians have no right to dictate what takes place at a Christian ceremony. Yet again marriage is not right, it is something given to people by the Christian Church. Those who are not allowed too or don't wish to associate with the backwardness of Christianity can get a civil partnership which is equally valid. "Religious beliefs are no reason for the government to dismiss the legality of gay partnerships and these beliefs are outdated. " Absolutely. All people no matter what religion or sexual orientation have a right to a civil partnership. A civil partnership is the ability to show you love someone and that society is accepting that you can make your own decisions about who you love and want to spend the rest of your life with. A civil union has the same legal rights but is just not done at a Church and is not conducted by a religious person. If religious people were against homosexuals having a civil union then you would have a point but marriage is a Christian civil union. Therefore it is up to Christians how it is practiced. "they be given equal rights of Christian marriage as their fellow heterosexual Christians. " As I pointed to in my last post there are many verses of the bible that are anti-homosexuality and the Episcopal church (most prominent body for protestants) and the Pope (for Catholics) are against gay marriage. Anyone can believe anything they want but Christians decide Christian marriage, if I believe that anybody witty enough to think of Rodmaster should become the Pope does not mean it is going to happen. Taking different views on a religion over the accepted religion makes you a different branch. As I stated all those interested in a religion that has a religious same sex partnership can break away and start up their own religion if they believe that is what is right in the eyes of God. "Atheists are not subjected to the same type of marginalization and they can get married. " Exactly atheist are not subjected to the bullying and ignorance that homosexuality. Suicide has nothing to do with marriage. Civil partnerships are already recognized as being the same as marriage. People who believe homosexual relationships have any less love are clearly ignorant and need to be educated, putting in a technicality which is a breach of Christian religious freedom is not the answer. Church members not allowing same sex marriage is nothing like calling for the death of homosexuals. One is Christians imposing their morality on others whilst same sex marriage is the other way round. If I make it abundantly clear to my priest that I'm an atheist he will not marry me. "Their beliefs should not rule the governments decision to not recognise gay people as having the right to get married. This goes for all religions. " Their beliefs should, as marriage is a Christian custom based on Christian beliefs. As stated they have no right concerning civil partnerships but marriage is theirs, otherwise there is no longer separation of Church and state. Summary 1. Civil partnerships are a right, marriage is Christian. Therefore Christians control it as it a Christian service. Christians who disagree with this can break away from the Church and set up their own form of religion. 2. Suicide rates are down to ignorance and intolerance to homosexuals which is sorted by education on the matter and speaking out on those who condemn gays. 3. Forcing Christians to change their religious and moral practices by law is a breach of the constitution. 4.