Quote:
Originally Posted by Textcritic
It is pretty presumptuous of you to think that those in favour of changing the definition of marriage have a lower level of respect or regard for the institution and its importance. I absolutely reject the supposition, as I am enthusiastically committed to my own marriage, and a strong proponent for marriage generally, but am also very much in favour of refining it.
It is interesting, because you and I have crossed paths on this same issue at least once before, in which I offered the following assertion about the beneficial changes in the definition of marriage that are ongoing:
So, I will remind you again. I am convinced that the current vintage of marriage is easily the most superior expression of the ideal in human history, and this is demonstrated in part by how difficult it is to actually succeed in marriage. The current divorce rates are in many ways tragic and ultimately disappointing, but they do point to how noble and extraordinary the relational premises of modern marriage have become. In my mind, if homosexuals want the same rights to celebrate the same institution that heterosexual couples strive to perfect, are there really any good reasons for their exclusion?
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I respect this position - it has a lot to commend it.
I may be presumptuous regarding the value that others put in the institution, sure, I'll recognize that. But it still doesn't change the fact that the implication is there. You may find your position is in the minority amongst those who wish to "continue" refining the definition, after all your point of view is well known to be unique. Most of what I see is people who are trying hard to not be bigots. It appears to me that their belief is that changing the definition of marriage is somehow the only way of showing their acceptance and tolerance of homosexuality. The corollary of that is that those who disagree with gay marriage are by definition homophobic and bigoted. In a way, it's a political position most people are holding. I dislike this. I do not think that marriage should be held hostage for political reasons. It's too important to change the definition for these reasons.
You can call me cold, you can call me wrong, you can call me whatever, just don't call me a bigot. It's not because of that.