Nightline's Daily Line

Why are religons always spreading so much hate? Christans and Mormons alike voted against civil rights for gay couples. What ever happened to loving your neighbor?

Two loving people getting married does not affect anyone but themselves. If you're uncomfortable with gay marriage, then don't get one. But don't keep those who love each other from having the same happiness that you are afforded.

I agree with the Mormons.

No matter what the issue, if it is voted in by the people it should remain as such. Otherwise what is the purpose in voting?

Believe it or not there are others beside Mormons that do not want this to pass and there voice has been heard! In a country where we are supposed to respect what the majority votes why don't they! To create such disrespect outside of a church speaks volumes! The media in their ever one sided opinion giving them publicity doesn't help!

The Church would be negligent if they did not speak out on moral issues.

I believe in gay rights!!!! I was very disappointed when Cali banned them.. As a straight married woman, i believe every one has the right to happiness! and btw, for example, if a man and a man are gay and live together and share a beautiful relationship and one passes away, due to the fact they are only in a civil union, the surviving partner WILL NOT GET ANYTHING LEFT and a second cousin who never met the man could claim everything. but if the gay couple were married, then there would be no problem in the remaining benefits.

and not to sound cruel, but i think we should give the gays the right to adopt again. there are too many children just wasting away in foster homes with no love or care.

I agree with the Mormons that gays should not be allowed to marry.

I agree 100% with marriage only being between a man and a woman. I do not believe anyone should listen to these protestors. The state voted and voted for Prop 8 and that is the end of it. The majority of the people obviously believe gays should not be allowed to be married. If they give in to these protestors it will again show that voting is useless if you have enough money and the media on your side. Democracy can never work if the voice of the people is ignored!!

I was strongly disappointed when I heard Prop 8 had passed in California. It seems to me that if your definition of marriage is so shallow it can be threatened by the prospect your fellow man fulfilling their dreams, not to mention rights as human beings, you may need to rethink what it is that religion actually teaches us. By the way, whatever happened to the separation of church and state?

No matter what the issue, if voted in by the people it should remain as such. Otherwise what is the purpose of voting?

Humanity is either male, or female.

What is discriminatory about a law that defines "marriage" as being between a "man" and a "woman," and requires neither to be heterosexual?

I think that there should be a seperation between church and state. People should be able to be with and marry whoever they are in love with. Man and man. Woman and woman. Who cares. Just be happy...

"Gay marriage" does not exist. Marriage only happens between a man and a woman as God intended.

Minority rights being decided by majority preference. Sounds like South Africa and 'the Old South' are more than just memories. What's really disturbing, most people are just not bright enough to see the connection.

Since Proposition 8 was on the ballot, both sides have the freedom to pour all the time, money and energy into promoting their point of view. Yes, the Mormons asked their members to support Prop 8, but the gay community also asked their members and supporters to fight it. We are still allowed to have our own opinions, aren't we?

I believe that if the responsibilities and legal rights that going along with marriage, such as being allowed to be the beneficiary of life spousal insurance, and the legal default guardian of any children involved in the event one dies, is given to them in the form of "Legalized Partnership" or "Civil Unions" then the word, "marriage" should remain un-edited as the Church wants.

The word should not carry as much meaning and the legal recognition of spousal authority. And form what I have read, Civil Unions provide this right. So, I would have voted "Yes" on Prop 8. if I had the choice.

==..whatever happened to the separation of church and state?==

It may be out there somewhere, but it's not in the Constitution.

No I dont think that there should be same sex marriages. The bible reads in the beginning God made man and gave him a WOMAN as a help meet. It was Adam and Eve not Adam and Steve. It is an abonation to God. In the end of time all will stand before God and be judged that means christians and sinners. If you allow this to happen you will be judged on this also.

I agree with the Church and oppose gay marriage.

I find it "curious" that Mormons have trouble with gays pursuing life, liberty, and happiness, but have no trouble with polygamy. Some people might say that their actions are hypocritical. And, shame of the Knights of Columbus for their part. (These comments come from a life-long Catholic who believes in an individual's responsibility for his/her actions.)

Very simply put, we cannot and should not mix government and religion. I myself am not gay. I'm a happily married heterosexual, however I feel very strongly that everyone should have the God-given right to marry whomever they choose.

=="Gay marriage" does not exist. Marriage only happens between a man and a woman as God intended.==

Correct.

The man and woman may claim to be homosexual.

I agree with Prop 8.

The voters have spoken. Violent protests by Homosexuals will only help cement the opinion of the masses against homosexuality. KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK

==I feel very strongly that everyone should have the God-given right to marry whomever they choose.==

God joined a man, as husband, and a woman, as his wife.

So, when you say "God-given," you mean this, huh?

I agree with the Mormons. I can love gay people and still be against them getting married.

I agree with the protesters. Prop 8 removed civil rights. It did not, not pass rights, it actually removed rights. Where will this end? Who's next? Isn't this the way the Nazi's started during the third reich? Bit by bit; little by little; sub-group by sub-group. Is this really a road the Mormons want to advocate going down? There is a simple solution--if the Mormons don't want same-sex marriage, then Mormons of the same sex should not marry.

Aren't we allowed to have our own opinion on what marriage should be? And today, gays spit in an old lady's face in anger because she disagreed with them? Are gays now the new thought police? What next? Religious book burnings?????

I agree with the Mormons. Gay marriage is immoral and should be illegal. Marriage is based on God's plan for humanity in Genesis 1 which clearly states that marriage is to be between a male and a female.
I don't hate gay people. I just don't agree with a lifestyle which goes against God's plan for humanity. Sexual intercourse outside of a marriage between a man and a woman is a sin, gay or straight. It is not in my nature to condemn anyone for sin. I do believe in forgiveness. But forgiveness comes with a responsibility to turn one's life in a new direction and not fall into the same sin again and again.

I'll stop there!

I don't care what you call it-"civil union" or "marriage". I just want my partner/spouse to be able get my Social Security, be covered under my insurance, make medical and financial decisions if I cannot, and file our taxes jointly. Is this too much to ask, we are Americans also.

Everyone should have the right to form a civil union with another person, no matter the sex. However the term marriage has religious roots. If you can find a religion that is believes that marriage between two homosexuals is okay, then I say that it should be law. But I know of no religion that believes that.
As a Christian/Catholic, I believe that everyone has the right to be happy, and in love. However I also believe that the sacrement of marriage is between a man and a woman. However, homosexual couples should have the same civil rights as heterosexual couples, just leave religion out of it.

Its simple most people are straight as am I but there are those people who like the same sex and its not for us th
e straight majority to judge them let them have the right to live together love each other and have legal rights it probaly would reduce stds and allow people that are different to have a chance which is something right wing people dont believe in

I am a long way from Mormon but agree with CA and Prop. 8 on this issue. Having gay marriage close to home is not always as pretty a picture as is sometimes painted.

mormons believe in polygamy..

gays believe in freedom and rights..

who really cares what the mormons think??

I think that it is ridculous that in these tough economic times that people are forcing the taxpayers of California to spend money to pass a bill that restricts peoples rights to marry whom they choose. I think there are more important things the mormons and everyone else who voted to pass proposition 8 should be worrying about like the war that is going on, genocide in Somalia, etc. At the end of the day why should anyone care if one chooses to marry someone of the same sex. I am sure homosexuals don't see anything wrong with hetrosexuals being married.

This country was founded on freedom of religion; therefore we have the notion of separation of church and state. The word "marriage" is based on the predominant understanding from Christianity for some people. We need to keep religion out of politics and allow gay marriages to occur because it's their right as citizens. If people have the problem of using "marriage" ubiquitously, then "union" should be used in our system because "union" is not based on traditions or religion. Having religion with politics is unconstitutional.

What is the difference between the Mormans spending millions of dollars to fight for their cause and all the special interest groups spending millions of dollars to support Obama? None.

The gay life style should not be compared to racism. People weren't born that way. They have been influenced by the media, brought up in dysfunctional homes or in less then 1% of cases there might be a physical cause. The fact that gays cannot procreate says that the lifestyle is not normal.
It is a lifestyle choice in the same class as fornification and adultry, & pornography.
If you have a thought shoved in your face constantly it will have an effect on your thoughts. Why do you think that innocent suspects that have been drilled for hours say they commited crimes that they haven't committed. They have been brainwashed.

God loves the gay people but He hates the sin. If the homosexuals really understood the church's stand against homosexuality they would read it for themselves. But to take God's word out of context to fit their agenda is half truth. God loved us all so much He sent His Only Begotten Son into the world to save us from the bondage of sin. God's word plainly says that homosexuality is sin. Let God be true and every man a lier.

If the Mormon Church wants to be involved in political matters then they should give up their tax free status. When any church starts spending millions of tax free dollars to influence voters then they are no longer churches but a political party.

God gave Eve - not George - to Adam to make him complete and be his partner. Homosexuality is not a crime, but it is a sin, and I certainly do not want the United States or any individual state to make marriage between same sex couples legal. These couples can do whatever they want behind closed doors, but please do not make me or my children or grandchildren watch and have to act like it is OK.

==Prop 8 removed civil rights.==

Since the law defines "marriage" as the union of a "man" and a "woman," and everybody eligible to marry is either a man, or a woman, including that those who claim to be homosexual are men and women, what "civil rights" were removed?

==Where will this end? Who's next? Isn't this the way the Nazi's started during the third reich? Bit by bit; little by little; sub-group by sub-group.==

More fear-mongering from the Left Nuts.

==...if the Mormons don't want same-sex marriage, then Mormons of the same sex should not marry.==

If you don't want opposite-sex marriage, don't marry.

gay marriage is a civil right denied to gay and lesbians. its blatant discrimination.

I'm not gay, but I'm totally against prop. 8.

I fully support the ban on gay marriage. Marriage has always been an institution of the church- I am not against gay rights- I believe they should be afforded the same opportunities as anyone else...but marriage has been, and always should be between a man and a woman.

These HOMOSEXUALS don't get it . I an ATHEIST AND NON-BELIEVER,But I would never disrespect places of worship just because I disagree with what they agree on. The HOMOSEXUALS will never get what they acting like this.Two guys swapping kisses will always be GROSS no matter what side of the you are on.I agree with the mormons too.

==If the Mormon Church wants to be involved in political matters then they should give up their tax free status. ==

No, it shouldn't. It is allowed, with its tax status, to preach the Word of God that condemns homosexuality, as long as it doesn't promote a specific candidate. That's the rule. If you wanna get the rule changed, then lobby the Legislative.

Gay people deserve the same rights as others. They have families and some have relationships that are much longer enduring than some marriages of men and women. It should not manner who you love and commit to and gay people in these relationships should be allowed the same rights. I am Against Proposition 8

Isnt the definition of religion "FAITH"
Doesnt faith mean "Hope"
How can a country have hope if its people cant love?
Maybe some dont want it to pass tonino but I can tell you that this is the first time anyone asked me for my opinion.Therefore the majority you are speaking about is who??? I agree with Jessica and Cheryl.

I agree with Proposition 8. Your piece showed a banner saying that God loves gay marriages. What Bible is that person reading? Might do well to read about God's destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah as well as many other passages in scripture about homosexuality. They need to quit twisting what is very clear in God's word.

The level of gay vituperation at having lost this vote is in direct proportion to the degree to which they are wrong on this issue. It leads one to believe that, at a deep level, they have some degree of awareness of this fact. Their shrill protests of anguish revel the truth of the universal understanding that marriage is a spiritual absolute; most of us never had the slightest doubt that Californians, in spite of their reputation for LA-LA liberalism, would repudiate the madness of gay marriage.

I voted for Proposition 8 and I don't hate anyone. The few people who have terrorized and killed homosexuals helped to sway some who voted against Proposition 8. Such violence is inexcusable and perpetrators should be punished. The majority of people who believe marriage should be between a man and woman do not condone such behavior.

==Gay people deserve the same rights as others. ==

They already have the same Rights. Men and woman may marry, and there is no requirement that they be heterosexual.

I'm Morman and I dont agree with what they are doing. Isnt this supposed to be a free country, Now they want to segrate gays, fat people (fat tax). I am angry with my church for choosing sides. We are all God Children and the LDS church should be ashamed for passing judgment and being hypocritical. What ever happend to separtion of church and state. I am going with the gays on this one. I will be writing a letter to our president of our church in SLC about how i disagree with this action.

Who is hating whom? Marriage is one woman and one man! You are free to vote your choice. No one is stopping you from voting, choosing your own lifestyle, etc. No one has taken away your "right"? Should I also receive a tax break for living with my sister or some other relative or friend? Perhaps seeking other terminology might prove to be more successful...MARRIAGE is not the word to use. As long as I have studied in history and various cultures--all seem to define MARRIAGE as the union between one man and one woman. So you live with someone of the same sex? Is anyone preventing you from that? No one is policing heterosexual couples in co-habitation--I think that is also wrong. It seems that I am a "hater" if I don't agree with some one yet the person who disagees with me is not a hater???

If human rights, like this, are determined by popular vote --- we would still have slavery, woman would not be allowed to vote and interracial marriages would still be unlawful as they were up through the 60s. Some things are a question of law, and have to be judicially decided, not subject to popular vote. This is just plan wrong. Prop#8 should have no standing in a court of law.

==We are all God Children ...==

No, not all are the children of God. Only those who are born again are the children of God, according to the Word of God.

I think that it should be unconstitutional to put up for public vote the right of two law abiding, consenting adults to get married. Why are commitment fobic heterosexuals allowed to defile the sacatity of marriage by cheating on their spouses while life long homosexual parters are denied the right to solidfy thier relationships under the facade of this flimsy excuse. My right to marry should not be up for public vote any more than yours should be.

I always love to hear these uneducated people spouting the line "separation of church and state." Do you realize that nowhere in the constitution, declaration of independence, or any other legal statute is anything stated that there is a separation of church and state! Anyways, that has nothing to do with this matter. the government is not mandating a religion (which is as close as the constitution comes to "separation of church and state")--this constitutional amendment reflects the will and views of the majority of the voters in the state of Cali...and that's what matters! Marriage should be between men and women...whatever your religious beliefs.

I honestly see the recent passing of proposition 8 as discrimination. This struggle is no different than the Civil Rights or Women’s Rights Movements.
PEOPLES RIGHTS ARE SUPPOSED TO BE PROTECTED IN THIS COUNTRY!
Aren’t these the basic ideas and principles this great land was founded on? Why is it that we can openly discriminate against people? It's 2008! One would think that we would have learned this lesson already. Equal rights should be afforded to ALL individuals. You can't tell people who to love. If gay folks want to get married, we should let them. Allow them the opportunity and freedom to be as miserable as the rest of Americas married population.

"Therefore a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and they shall become one flesh. (Gen. 2:24) - The Mormons are correct.

Any man and woman may mary one another, if they are of age, and they don't have to be heterosexual. So, where's the discrimination?

I'm all for marriage equality. It's unbelievable that religious groups like the Mormons, the Roman Catholic hierarchy and the Knights of Columbus support and promote laws that would deny equality to American citizens. Such hypocrites!

"Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion or prohibitting the free exercise thereof." Wouldn't it be nice if religions made no proclamations disrespecting the establishment of civil matters nor prohibitting the free exercise thereof?

I agree with the Mormons. every church should take a stand against same sex marriage. It is a sin against God

==I honestly see the recent passing of proposition 8 as discrimination. ==

Where is it in a law that defines "marriage" as the union of a "man" and a "woman"? Aren't those who claim to be homosexual men and women?

Even animals in the wild don't do what homosexuals do to themselves and each other. By recasting the deviant and destructive as normal and natural, we do them, and ourselves, great harm.

I agree with proposition 8 we no longer have any morels and with out morele you have a country that is domed to only get worse.

It is not about marriage, it is about money. They can be married, have a ceremony, live together and be committed to one another. They
can make their will so the partner will
inherit their estate. They can fill out
the proper paperwork at a hospital so
their partner can have power of attorney
and make medical decisions. They want the monetary benefits of divorce,
insurance, social security, etc.,
If they can marry and then can sue
photographers and florists for not wishing to participate in their wedding,
where is the justice in that? And
churches certainly should never be forced to comply................
It is a very large problem. People who
are against gay marriage do not necessarily hate gays but see this as a
slippery slope that will come to include
polygamy, child brides, etc.

The people have voted and it should stay as it is. This country allows us to project our beliefs through the voting system and I don't think protest will help change the decision. They have disrespected many of us Christians through their signs and posters they demonstrated through the protest. This is hate. Hate is not voting on something we believe in. And YES Christ loves ALL, even you, but He HATES the sin!

I believe in marriage being between a man and a woman. Civil unions will give gays the same rights, But marriage is and always has been between a man and a woman, You change that then next you will be censuring the bible, the churches and the rights of people who have voted and have been heard. Judges should not decide. WE the people of the United States should decide and California has voiced that right to chose and uphold the definition of marriage. Massachussets did not allow a vote. Its time to move on.

I am from a very small town in North Carolina, I'll be the first to say it shouldnt matter to anyone who gets married and who doesnt. I am a gay man in a area where the local older country folk say its not right but they also say who are they to say who can love someone and who they should be able to marry. I came out when i was young and being from this area i thought it was going to be the worst thing, but people in this area are more open minded then people in the larger states and citys.people should not stand and judge becuase you dont see anyone twlling you who you can be with or who you can marry, so why should it matter if we are happy and live just like everyone else in the world we are no different, it is just love. and love knows no color, gender, or age. so let us be happy becuase you are. thanks again from small town sylva/cherokee North Carolina.

==I'm all for marriage equality.==

Me, too. All those of age may marry. Nobody has to be heterosexual in order to marry. So, a man claiming to be homosexual may marry a woman who says she is homosexual.

The majority vote should stand. I believe a majority of people across the country oppose gay marriage, and we should be allowed to hold that opinion without fear of hate and bullying from the gays!

It absolutely amazes me how so many people will take biblical scripture and use it out of it's context in order to justify their own feelings and actions. The Bible talks about "loving one another" in the agape. Agape love is an unconditional love for each other. It's the same love Jesus expressed for his fellow man. It is not a sensual or sexual love. I would recommend for those quoting this statement to read the Chapter that this statement is in so as to gain a better understanding.... Unless of course that challenge intimidates you, or maybe you already have the idea that it doesn't line up with your trane of thought. As far as the Homosexual agenda; What does the Bible specifically say about that? Read- Romans: chapter 6, verses 26 and 27. Then try 1st Timothy: chapter 1 verse 10. The truth is hard to argue. Look for the truth and you won't go wrong.

According to theologians, marriage was ordained by God and is defined as a union of a man and a woman.

So why is any level of government involved in legalizing a Religious institution?

It's time to legalize civil unions for gays, straight atheist, pagans ect and any one else who wants to enjoy all the legal protections it includes.

The religious folks can sanctify their union in the church of their choice and gays can sanctify their union in a progressive church of their choice.

Everyone wins happy happy joy joy

==My right to marry should not be up for public vote ...==

But, if the vote had gone YOUR way, you would've welcomed it. Hypocrisy!

In a country whose Declaration of Independence states
"We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness." how do the same voters who want their rights protected justify denying the rights of others, such as gays, lesbians, bisexuals and transgenders? Do these Rights only apply to those who fit the mold of certain beliefs? These people are hipocrites. I agree with the protestors. As for the voice of the majority, that same voice denied rights to minorities in the pre-civil rights era. Did that make the majority correct?

Just as the protestors have the right to their opinion about the issue, and to express it without fear of being attacked by the other side, so do those who supported prop 8. That is why it is America. The protestors need to quit acting like nazi intimadators, and if they did not get their way, then accept the process that our country has to work with and keep their efforts in these boundries, and not in the streets. I doubt very seriously you would be seeing people of faith in the streets protesting, if prop 8 had failed. My opinion is that it does not gain them sympathy for their point of view from most people, but actually turns people against them.

The beauty of democracy believes in social equality among the people. Black people and women are still fighting for their rights as the minority of society. All peoples should have equal rights as an American citizen. Do not force your religion/traditions to other people; btw, that's horrible evangelism since it just pushes people away.

Marriage is meant to be between a man and a woman. This is God's plan. If gays want the rights for insurance and other financial benefits, fine. Let them have contracts between one another, civil contracts. Of course they would not be happy with that. They will only be satisfied when they tear down the foundations of our Christian and Jewish religions.
If all they really wanted was to live with equal civil rights they would accept civil legal instruments and leave marriage alone. But as usual they feel it necessary to shove their way of life down everybody else's throat. Of course if we flaunt our heterosexuality the way many of the gays flaunt their sexuality we would be charged with sexual harrassment and hate crimes. They have to be the center of attention and will not be satisfied until they tear down the last remaining foundations of family in America.

But maybe the Islamic radicals will take over and then they will know real oppression!

I believe if we have to swallow the whole Presidential election as rule..then why not this? Democracy and our votes should count on everything..not just the things that please everyone. My bible says a marriage is one woman and one man and like it or not..that is the rule. I am tired of hearing "seperation of church and state".."religion has no place in government". Really? Then why did the founding fathers of this country come here in the beginning?? Religious Freedom! What did they base the constitution on? The Bible!
Please!!! People..wake up and see what is happening in our world, we are losing our retirement investments, we are losing our children to constant violence, we are losing our homes, etc..etc. What more do we have to lose to start paying attention and change our ways???

It states in the constitution that, "All men are created equal" and we all have the right to, "Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness." And yet, if a person is gay they are denied these rights.

Not only are they denied the right to marry in most states, they are denied the right to adopt children, to pass tax-free their property to their partner on their passing, their children can be taken away by the state if one of a couple dies and the other didn't formally adopt the children, they are denied equal protection under the law in job discrimination, and there is the issue of hospital visitation and legal consist.

Most people are willing to give gays equal rights to marriage as long as they don't call it Gay Marriage which is equivalent to the whole, "separate but equal" issue we had over segregation. What is so special about a word that incites anger in people because others want to use it? Why can't gays get married just the same as straight people? Why must it be different for gays? Why must a gay couple be considered something other than equal to a straight couple?

I see absolutely nothing wrong with giving gays the same rights and protections that straight people have.

From Newport, VT:

I as a gay man believe in gay rights not only because I am gay, but because of our Constitutional rights shown here http://www.constitution.org/powright.htm and if that isn't enough to convince you then I also would like to tell you that we (gay/bi people) will never stop fighting for our rights until we are treated as equals with straight people. So try as you may to stop up from being equals we will have our rights that we deserve. The black people never gave up and neither are we. O and GO Obama!!!

The protesters have misdirected their anger. It was God, not Mormon church, who performed the first marriage. I had to vote against the proposition here in Florida because it went too far in blocking any way around the word marriage for civil rights for gay couples. I have no problem with reserving the word marriage for a man and a woman, but coin some term for gay couples to achieve similar rights within society.

I am opposed to gay marriage. It is against the natural order of things ordained by God between a man and a woman. Men and women were made the way they are biologically for a reason. People of the same sex being together sexually is a against the laws of God just like murder, lying and stealing is. It is not being judgmental to be against the gay life style. All societies need to establish some standard of moral values. The same ones that support gay marriage and the gay lifestyle because people that "really love" each should be together would be opposed to an adult being with a child sexually even "if they really loved each other". A society can not remain strong without some standard of morality.

==It absolutely amazes me how so many people will take biblical scripture and use it out of it's context in order to justify their own feelings and actions.==

Then those who claim to be homosexual oughta stop doing it!

== The Bible talks about "loving one another" in the agape. Agape love is an unconditional love for each other.==

It's brotherly love in the LORD. It's not worldly love.