Gay marriage should be legalized.

Well I guess the the best way to start is by saying that I must continue to disagree with you that there are far greater issues in society. "children raised by same-sex parents suffer no more than children of heterosexual parents. In fact, many of these children were found to be more open-minded than there counterparts due to the type of family they grew up in." Well I must say that the evidence disagrees with you. In fact, Richard Baer of Cornell University wrote: "The unavoidable fact (one that unfortunately is routinely sidestepped or even denied by professionals in fields like psychology and human development) is that children desperately need both male and female role models--ideally fathers and mothers--who throughout their formative years will nurture them and help them become mature, compassionate, honest, and well-adjusted adults. Same-sex marriage does not contribute to this goal. Indeed, legalizing same-sex marriage or even civil unions would likely make it even easier than it is today for homosexuals to adopt children--seriously disadvantaging such children. It may sound harsh, but justice requires that the state should discriminate against both gays and singles who want to adopt children. Of course, there are exceptions, but if we care about the well-being of children, this should be the general rule." These are the words of one not "blinded" by "religious hatred." Marriage has always been defined as a union between one man and one woman. Long-term homosexual relationships are far less common than the suggested, and the great majority of those which do last more than a few years(especially among male homosexuals) typically include sexual partners "on the side." What kind of a role model is that for children? In fact the truth is, gays already have the same "rights" as everyone else. They are allowed to marry someone of the opposite sex, but they are clamoring for an extra right that applies solely to them. James Skillen of the Center for Public Justice maintains, same-sex marriage is not a civil rights issue at all. It is a pre-constitutional issue, a question of how society chooses to define marriage. Finally I wish to point out the serious health issues involved with gay activity. Mission America has a comprehensive list of the dangers of encouraging gay activity: "There is growing evidence that bisexual identity and practices are developing as a popular trend among some middle school and high school students as a result of the promotion of homosexual experimentation. The "package" of fluid sexual practices, featuring oral sex, is being sold to kids through many sex education programs and the popular culture. This trend has disastrous public health implications. Homosexuality involves practices that are dangerous and high-risk to the body, which is designed for heterosexual function, so the first priority of adults who really care for youth should be to help them at all costs avoid these behaviors. Some of these unsafe practices are anal sexual intercourse, foreign objects used in sexual intercourse, anal or oral sex with strangers, and promiscuity. Because of such activities, countless health studies have documented that sexually transmitted disease and injury is much higher among homosexuals than in the population at large. Failure to disclose these facts or attempts to discredit them is the equivalent of educational and medical malpractice. Educational programs that in any way condone or support homosexuality should be stopped immediately in all U.S. schools." I realize this is a debate over gay marriage and not homosexuality in general, but I point it out as yet another detrimental factor to society and family in general. I believe this is the last thing we, as a nation, should condone and support through special privileges and rights. Is this really a lifestyle we wish to encourage in our society? I wish I could write more, but I'm afraid that is all I have time for. Thank you for the opportunity to debate a vital issue facing this country. GOD BLESS