[Torrresss]

(Original post by Aspiringlawstudent)
Except I am pretty sure this has been something they've said for a while. Wasn't it in their 2010 manifesto?

I am aware of that, but the re-emergence of this view now, why not 2 weeks/months ago etc?

I mean, I know this is what politics is about, but I just hate seeing the way politicians play the media and manipulate our view of them.

[The Socktor]

(Original post by Aspiringlawstudent)
I would love to see the look on the faces of the American right when they hear this from a conservative.

My guess is they'll make a no true Scotsman of him.

[hannaaahlima]

(Original post by Perseveranze)
Disappointing to say the least.

If by granting gays marriage rights increases their willingness to "come out", then I can see nothing good or progressive in this. I fear that the social pressure will inevitably increase, and the statistics for depression and suicides will also be higher.

For a mere title, it was/is not worth it.

Edit: read before you judge (and be objective)

ignorance. typical muslim.

let the negging begin!

[hannaaahlima]

(Original post by Perseveranze)
Ok, that logic does not follow. If gays hide their sexuality, they're far better off than if they "came out" with it.

It takes a simple bit of "knowledge" for you to see someone in a completely different light.

Anyways, regarding depression;

Concerning mental health and homosexuality, studies have long indicated that homosexuals have a substantially greater risk of suffering from a psychiatric problems (suicide, depression, bulimia, antisocial personality disorder, and substance abuse).[1]

The report continues, citing more references -

For example, a national survey of female homosexuals was published in the Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology which found that 75 percent of the approximate 2,000 respondents had pursued psychological counseling of some type, many for treatment of long-term depression or sadness.[2]

And we further find the effects of "comming out" -

A new study in the United Kingdom has revealed that homosexuals are about 50% more likely to suffer from depression and engage in substance abuse than the rest of the population, reports Health24.com.

After analyzing 25 earlier studies on sexual orientation and mental health, researchers, in a study published in the medical journal BMC Psychiatry, also found that the risk of suicide jumped over 200% if an individual had engaged in a homosexual lifestyle. [3]

I would also recommend reading this Guardian article; http://www.guardian.co.uk/theobserve...sion-isolation

Now imo, the reason for higher depression is due to homophobia (though I could be wrong), which I do not believe would exist if people didn't "come out". But I could be wrong, however I don't believe that depression can be passed on genetically.

So as you can hopefully see, my comments were not "baseless" as many seem to presume. It's unfortunately a fear factor for many of being labeled a homophobic or "backward", that desists them from looking at it from a bigger picture.

In reality, you're merely speaking in favour and care (and it may not seem like that, but objectively speaking it is); the marriage rights, which will increase homosexuals "comming out" will inevitably lead to more depression and suicides. At least that's what I can conclude from the evidences. I'm in favour of homosexuals keeping their sexuality a secret and a "don't tell, don't ask" system being implemented.

It's for the best.

ohh, so the reason for homosexuals getting depressed is homophobia? you don't say!!!!!!
that's pretty obvious, because homophobes are just stupid people who don't know how to respect others...homophobic behaviour should be illegal, then we would have a better society. homosexuals are human beings as well and there is no reason for them to hide their sexual preference as they are not harming anyone.

when you say that homosexuals shouldn't come out because then they would trigger homophobic behaviour and get depressed because of this it's the same as if you said that, in order to prevent theft people shouldn't walk on the streets. it just doesn't make any sense.

we have to fight homophobia, that's the real problem.

and yes, it is scientifically proven that depression is passed genetically.

[TheRealDarthVader]

Is he talking about marrying one gay couple to another gay couple? I can't see the benefit of that.

[xXxiKillxXx]

(Original post by Mad Vlad)
What the **** are you on about?

Clearly you're not following what I'm saying. I'm saying - no, gay couples don't have to get married. I also don't like your use of "we" - your incoherence is making me think you're asking me to marry you.

loooooooooooool

[xXxiKillxXx]

(Original post by hannaaahlima)
ignorance. typical muslim.

let the negging begin!

Typical kafir?

[Dmon1Unlimited]

was it not already allowed?

[back2basics]

Totally against it.

Homosexuals already have all the rights of a marriage in the form of civil partnership, except for the right to call their partnership a 'marriage', so gay marriage is not a question of equal treatment or tolerance. Essentially gay people are asking that they're relationships no longer be distinguished from heterosexual relationships, which is quite different from simply having equal rights. Gay people have fought hard to be treated as equals. But they undermine this when they ask that their relationships not be distinguished because the 'sameness' requested means not recognising their differences.

Most people here seem to focus on the rights of the few homosexuals in this country. However there is a significantly larger number of heterosexuals who are against having the meaning of their relationship altered. Quite clearly homosexual relationships are fundamentally different from heterosexual relationships. Why should the rights of so many be sacrificed for so few? It is the prerogative of heterosexuals to distinguish themselves from homosexuals if they so wish, and a marriage is the clearest way of doing that. If the government changes the meaning of the word marriage they are removing a right and a prerogative from heterosexuals, who make up most of the population. Hardly a democratic move.

Homosexuality is tolerated and accepted in society today.That's fine, but it does not change the fact that homosexuality is not normal. Homosexuals ought to have more respect for the heterosexuals who wish to express their commitment to a heterosexual relationship. Surely homosexuals cannot complain that it is unfair if heterosexuals wish to have their differences recognised and accepted too.

Furthermore, I noticed that a number of individuals here are 'religion bashing'. I'm not religious at all. But frankly your intolerance of religion is equally as bigoted as anyone's intolerance of homosexuality as well as being blatantly hypocritical.

[Feartheunknown]

Well why should only straight couples suffer divorce!

[hannaaahlima]

(Original post by xXxiKillxXx)
Typical kafir?

(I had to look that up).

NO, the quran is not the "truth".

[xXxiKillxXx]

(Original post by Dmon1Unlimited)
was it not already allowed?




let the facepalms be released!

I aimed that at that hannah chick because she was saying 'typical muslim''

[xXxiKillxXx]

(Original post by hannaaahlima)
(I had to look that up).

NO, the quran is not the "truth".

Okay keep it moving.

[CyclopsRock]

I don't understand why anyone should be "allowed" to marry - it shouldn't be something you even need to seek permission to do. I don't understand why the government needs to know if you're married or not, be you gay, straight, whatever. I believe the government should look at people as individuals and ignore their martial status. At that point, if a gay couple can find a person that they're happy with to perform a ceremony and call themselves married, who cares?

[No Man]

Nice to see. Although I find it funny that countries that are more religious than the UK such as Spain, Portugal, Argentina and South Africa already have it in place.

[Lewk]

(Original post by Perseveranze)
Disappointing to say the least.

If by granting gays marriage rights increases their willingness to "come out", then I can see nothing good or progressive in this. I fear that the social pressure will inevitably increase, and the statistics for depression and suicides will also be higher.

For a mere title, it was/is not worth it.

Edit: read before you judge (and be objective)

The only reason depression/suicide is higher amongst gay people is because of people like you who constantly oppress them for petty reasons.

[lightburns]

(Original post by back2basics)
Totally against it.

Homosexuals already have all the rights of a marriage in the form of civil partnership, except for the right to call their partnership a 'marriage', so gay marriage is not a question of equal treatment or tolerance. Essentially gay people are asking that they're relationships no longer be distinguished from heterosexual relationships, which is quite different from simply having equal rights. Gay people have fought hard to be treated as equals. But they undermine this when they ask that their relationships not be distinguished because the 'sameness' requested means not recognising their differences.

Most people here seem to focus on the rights of the few homosexuals in this country. However there is a significantly larger number of heterosexuals who are against having the meaning of their relationship altered. Quite clearly homosexual relationships are fundamentally different from heterosexual relationships. Why should the rights of so many be sacrificed for so few? It is the prerogative of heterosexuals to distinguish themselves from homosexuals if they so wish, and a marriage is the clearest way of doing that. If the government changes the meaning of the word marriage they are removing a right and a prerogative from heterosexuals, who make up most of the population. Hardly a democratic move.

Homosexuality is tolerated and accepted in society today.That's fine, but it does not change the fact that homosexuality is not normal. Homosexuals ought to have more respect for the heterosexuals who wish to express their commitment to a heterosexual relationship. Surely homosexuals cannot complain that it is unfair if heterosexuals wish to have their differences recognised and accepted too.

Furthermore, I noticed that a number of individuals here are 'religion bashing'. I'm not religious at all. But frankly your intolerance of religion is equally as bigoted as anyone's intolerance of homosexuality as well as being blatantly hypocritical.

How is the relationship different between homosexuals and heterosexuals? How will homosexuals marrying undermine heterosexual marriage? What rights of heterosexuals are being undermined by homosexuals marrying? Why should heterosexual and homosexual partnerships be distinguished?

[Dmon1Unlimited]

(Original post by saim101)
I'm currently studying A2 biology and from what i understand the main purpose of Species is to reproduce or else they die out.
Gay people cannot reproduce so people who say it's genetics are WRONG.
It's their choice if they want to be gay, I think they should be allowed to get married but the NHS shouldn't fund them (They will most likely catch AIDS).
Then again i do believe that NHS shouldn't fund fat people either :P

you may need to drop biology...

[xXxiKillxXx]

(Original post by Dmon1Unlimited)
meant your viewpoint not that, but yh thats ****-ish,

Viewpoint? I don't remember expressing mine onthis thread.

[Dmon1Unlimited]

(Original post by xXxiKillxXx)
Viewpoint? I don't remember expressing mine onthis thread.

my bad i thought you two were having a conversation with each other