Quote:
Originally Posted by Textcritic
That is an interesting question, and I obviously can't know how everyone processes this sort of belief.
In my own personal experience, I would suggest that in a twisted sort of way the opposition to same-sex marriage is actually rationalized on a weird sense of empathy. Conservative Christians believe that homosexuality is an abomination of nature, and that the practice and tolerance of homosexuality will result in an unacceptable rate of social decay. In their minds they are protecting society from something that they see as extremely harmful.
Furthermore, this sense of empathy likely also extends to practitioners of homosexuality: I would expect that most conservative Christians would consider the ban on gay marriage to be for their own good. If these people can prevent the practice of homosexuality, then they will have succeeded in protecting would-be practitioners from the dire consequences of their sin.
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I don't doubt the sincerity / empathy to be a factor.
But I do think a rather large part of it is a (false) sense of oppression / victimhood that these people are feeling. You can get the vibe from watching Hannity and similar right wing icons. There is too much anger and frustration for this to be driven by empathy. I think many voting for this ban think it is a pivotal point where they stand up for their faith. I don't think they're as much invested in the actual civil repercussions of their vote, nor do they consider the absurdity of the "oppressed Christian" in the USA.