Mughi said:
Largo - the whole point of this thread is not insisting that a church has to take gay marriages.
Its me complaining bitterly that the churches insist that I and everyone else practice their religion.
Its them insisting that even civil partnerships should not be allowed in registry offices even when it has nothing to do with a church.
Preists having homosexual relationships are rarely sacked, just like those who abuse children are protected from prosecution by the church
Think you got me wrong, because that is what some ppl are insisting on and advocating in the local debate in our newspapers. Maybe its differerent where you live, but thats what they are trying to get here. Here religious (protestant christian and every other state registered religion) and civil marriage are legally equal, so im just insisting they chose the civil option, or the blessing of some other religion or branch of christianity that possibly allows it. If you are still fighting for legal equality between those types of marriage, go for it, it surprises me you dont already have it.
Im in no way advocating that you should be forced to practice christianity (in any of its forms) nor any other religion. I may want some rules enforced, like dont do so-and-so, strive to behave like this-and-that, but that doesnt have to be through a religion and law already covers some of it.
My point about sacking priest is not because they are homosexual, i dont think that in itself disqualifies them though it would make me highly critical about them, but when they, despite it not being allowed, wed homosexuals or for that matter break other things that i want them to uphold, then they are not doing their job in my view.
What keep the local debate ongoing isnt really that they want religious blessing, that has simply become one of the arguments. What they really want is the same legal status and benefits (tax benefits mainly) as civil marriage, since they currently can only get what is called a registered partnership which isnt as economically beneficial (with some exceptions). Its also easier to quit, not requiring a divorce and isnt subject to the same laws as that would be, so its not as binding legally and you probaly dont feel ur making as large a commitment as a marriage.
As long as its just a civil marriage and the associated legal rights they want im rather indifferent, its just the whole church part, unless like i said they find a religion allowing it, and the kids issue, which will likely come up again soon. They arent exactly the only groups who should be denied kids imo.
btw, pld jackal. Nice to see someone has some spine.