"If those factors were to change, you would have a valid equation as far as the law is concerned." Then why are race and religion both considered protected classes. You do understand that there is no "proven genetic component" to religious belief, right?

Valid equation: no, they're not the same thing. Comparison: yes, there are similarities. You claim there is not a "proven genetic component" to homosexuality but there is to race therefore it is wrong to discriminate against someone based on race (plus it's in the Constitution). If there is at some point in the future a "proven genetic component" to homosexuality (and or it is an added protected class in the Constitution) I can only assume you would change your opinion based on new knowledge, right?

"The difference is that race is an innate, physical characteristic which is protected from discrimination according to the Constitution." At one time this was not known and race was not a qualification for protection against discrimination. Was it right then to discriminate based on race? Religion is a characteristic that is a protected class as well and therefore cannot be a reason to discriminate against someone. Is religion a choice? Is there a proven genetic component to religion? Can you identify a Catholic or a Mormon simply by looking at them or must they be identified by admission and behavior?

"how about we make hero's out of NBA players who have kept their promise to be true to their wives... or how about we condemn the players who buy their way out of rape charges." I agree with this.

"Ok... so he is gay... the only relevant question is how well he can play basketball." The only time that is the only relevant question is during a basketball game. The rest of the time he, just like any other basketball player, there is more to him than basketball. But, if what you say is actually true, can we please stop talking about Tim Tebow's virginity?

"(they weren't sure, 'cuz we never talked about it - as it should be). " Says the person who just publicly declared his sexual orientation and shared with us the age and night of his first sexual encounter.

I think it's pretty clear Eddie has those urges.

Do you guys understand there is a difference between these two things in terms of the "see something, say something" request?: 1. There's a man that looks like a Muslim; I should say something. 2. There's a man that walked up by me in a crowd, dropped a backpack on the ground and then walked away without the backpack; I should say something. In the Boston marathon bombing someone saw the guy drop the backpack and walk away and didn't say anything until after the bombs exploded. How many injuries or deaths might have been avoided had he said something immediately?

Actually, I don't think Brad Paisley is conservative.

faoman, has this happened with interracial marriage? There are still churches that refuse that. Does this happen with divorced people? There are still churches that refuse to marry divorced people. Does this happen with people of other religions? There are still churches that won't marry people from different religions.

"Just because a mojority of people believe something doe not automaitcally mean it is right or good." You're absolutely right. Up until fairly recently a majority of Americans opposed same-sex marriage (or equal rights in general for gay people) and they were not right.