[Cerek]

Originally posted by Grojlach: Which part was insulting to you? The embarrassment remark? As that one has a lot to do with the high percentages of "no" votes - I don't expect the US to adapt to the concept of gay marriage overnight (and we all know it's only a matter of time before they are institutionalised anyway), but I'd expected slightly closer calls. And if it's the second sentence that troubles you, I could bring up my home country again for comparison...

The insulting part is that you describe your country as more "progressive" since homosexuality is more widely accepted there. I do give credit for being more tactful in your assessment of American values as "traditional" rather than calling them "backwards" - but the implication was still there...which is why I called it a "backhanded insult".

As for the different value systems, the results on these amendments just shows how much the majority of Americans disagree with homosexuality. Despite the very vocal and focused efforts of the Gay/Lesbian Rights Movement to force people to be more "accepting" or "tolerant" of their sexual orientation, the results show that most Americans do NOT agree with that lifestyle.

And despite Chewbacca's claims of Republican involvment, it has nothing to do with political affiliation. Look at how completely the amendments were supported (or defeated). That shows that the support came from BOTH sides of the political spectrum. And while the votes only occurred in 11 states, I think that provides a large enough sample to state that this IS the view of the overall general population in America.

The problem with the Gay Rights Movement is that most Americans view homosexuality as a choice! Whether correctly or incorrectly, that is how it is percieved here. Therefore, the Gay Rights Movement is viewed as an effort to force Americans to grant certain rights or privileges to a minority group based solely on their sexual orientation. If that is the case, then we might as well have an Adulterer's Rights Movement next. Please note this is not necessarily how I feel personally, but it is how the homosexuality and Gay Rights are viewed by the general population.

While I view homosexuality as a sin (equal to - but certainly not greater than - adultery), I do NOT support the proposed Constitutional Amendment defining marriage as being between a woman and a man. I believe gay marriage or civil unions should be handled at the state level and I do NOT believe we should make an Amendment to the Constitution regarding the "official" definition of marriage. That is a social issue, not a legal one and has no business even being proposed as a Constitutional Amendment, IMHO.