Gay rights vs. religious rights: 7 issues to watch

[rug]

Sarah Pulliam Bailey | Sep 6, 2013

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Public accommodation laws

Many religious institutions provide services beyond their congregations that are considered “public accommodation,” such as health care, counseling, child care, education, wedding facilities and adoption services.

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Housing discrimination laws

Courts in some states have required landlords to allow unmarried cohabitating couples as tenants despite the landlords’ religious objections. A federal recognition of marriage would give same-sex couples a strong standing to access housing under anti-discrimination laws.

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Employment discrimination laws

Currently, 21 states and the District of Columbia prohibit discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation; most state laws include an exemption for religious organizations. A federal law to make anti-gay discrimination illegal nationwide has lagged in Congress for 20 years.

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Government facilities access

Access to government facilities, such as schools, parks and other spaces, could become challenging for some who oppose same-sex marriage. For instance, the Boy Scouts have lost leases to campgrounds, parks and a government building headquarters and lost the right to participate in a charitable payroll deduction program. Public university student groups could face scrutiny. The University at Buffalo suspended an InterVarsity Christian Fellowship group after it asked a gay member to step down as treasurer.

http://www.religionnews.com/2013/09/06/gay-rights-vs-religious-rights-7-issues-to-watch/

The other three issues mentioned are maintaining licenses or accreditation; government grants and contracts qualifications and tax exemptions; and educational and employment opportunities.

[LostOne4Ever]

1. Almost every single one of those issues

would be non-issues if people would just learn to treat gays as human beings.

They don't even need to change their thoughts on homosexuality. But they would rather moralize and show their spite. Whats more important helping the poor or going out of your way to make gay people's lives a tiny bit shittier?

Its like they are saying:

[div class="excerpt" style="margin-left:1em; border:1px solid #bfbfbf; border-radius:0.4615em; box-shadow:3px 3px 3px #999999;"]"Oh we have to send flowers to a gay marriage? Naw we are going to spite everyone and close our doors rather than do that. Because that is exactly what Jesus would do spite everyone rather than provide a service for a couple on what is supposed to be the happiest day of their lives even though us providing flowers does not mean we believe gay marriage is okay."


WHAT EVER HAPPEN TO DO UNTO OTHER AS THEY WOULD DO UNTO YOU!!!

Do these people want to be discriminated against? Do they want to be treated like this?

Every single one of those issues is a non-issue if the people in question would not try and force their beliefs on others. They would not need to change their own beliefs at all. Just treat gay people fairly and like everyone else and then go home and believe what they want to believe. But thats not good enough. They have to show their hate.

Every
single
one.

These people are so full of hate its heartbreaking.

[skepticscott]

2. It's what religious people do

Religion gives them purpose and certainty in their hatred. And those who don't hate directly are largely enablers and apologists for those who do.

[cbayer]

3. I think GLBT rights are going to trump when these issues come before courts.

It should be interesting to watch as this unfolds.