homosexuals should have the same rights as anyone else, including marriage

Considering no scientist or expert has found a "gay" gene yet after decades of research, I'm not really worried about a "gay" gene being found anytime soon. And look, if they do find a "gay" gene then I'll support their cause for marriage. I don't have a problem with gay people at all. I've know a few and loved them just like I love my friends. I do though have a problem with gay people getting married. Of course there is hope to change gay people. There are several amazing organizations that help these people change their lives. I especially want to point out http://www.exodus.to... which has some very powerful and moving testimonies of gay people that became straight. It's not like Exodus goes out and finds gay people to oppress and convert. THEY COME TO EXODUS. I think that says a lot. These people realized that something was wrong with their lifestyle and make a change. The results are inspirational. I like your choice of the word "oppressed" when dealing with gay people, as if government is starving them of all things human, but yes I guess I agree with you that gay people are being "oppressed". Isn't that obvious? I think the family values argument is strong against gay marriage. You said: "What about the children who see two men get married, and think that is OK? Well, personally, I am heterosexual, and no matter what age I am at, whether it be 5 years old, 12 years old, or 26, there is no way I am going to see two guys get together and make me want to try it." There's no way that you can say that. My opposition to gay marriage is in large part due to the destruction of the family unit that this country has cherished since its beginning. If two gay men were allowed to start a family and adopted a young boy, how would the child think "THIS IS MESSED UP" if he's been nurtured and raised by his own two fathers? I think the upbringing of two fathers or two mothers would psychologically mess up the child. A child needs a father and a mother, or at least one of them to fully develop and mature; it's called maternal and paternal care. Having two mothers or two fathers is going to especially confuse the children. Child X's friends have a mom and a dad, but child X has two moms? He asks his parents why he doesn't have a dad. Do you not see the problem here? Kids are going to grow up terribly confused and the family unit is going to be destroyed, and that is a major problem. You said: "Religion is simply philosophy, perhaps with a dash of superstition." Sorry but that is one of the most foolish and idiotic things I have heard in a while. I'm sorry to hear that you are not religious, but coming from a Christian background, religion is way more than just a philosophy; its a relationship. This country was founded on Judeo-Christian values and being a Christian, I draw my opinions on gay marriage from the Bible. God clearly states that marriage is a gift from Him and that marriage is between one man and one women. It's a little harder to talk about this since you are not religious, but I highly suggest you pick up the Bible sometime and read it. In closing, I just want to state that I have nothing against gay people. I love them like anyone else. They are good people. But I do have a problem with gay people starting families, as I think it would have major ramifications down the road that would destroy the core element of unity in the United States: family.