Give Me Your Opinion

I'm not very politically educated. I'll be the first to admit it. I watch the news (sometimes), read articles..sometimes. I have my own opinion on most controversial issues. I generally never discuss my opinions though. Maybe it's because I'm not articulate, maybe it's because I don't feel educated enough, or that I won't be able to stand my own.

I think I'm going off on a tangent.

I wanted to talk about this Prop 8 thing. Everyone's talking about it. I'm maybe a little late on the uptake, but after reading about it for several days, I want to hear the POV of others. Mostly because I'm entirely conflicted on this subject.

A part of me disagrees with same sex marriages. I think this ties in with my religion, and the beliefs instilled in me as I was raised. Many of you will not be satisfied with these reasons behind me disagreeing with it, and that's ok. It's how it is. I also disagree with a majority vote being overturned- but again. I understand the reasoning behind there being an ability to overturn a majority vote. The minority deserves to be heard too. It just doesn't sit very well with me on an issue such as this.

Now, there's a part of me that isn't completely opposed to all of this, either. I can see both sides. I truly can. That's why I'm so conflicted. Deep down, I feel like I shouldn't be supportive of this. But I also feel like.. who am I to say a same-sex couple doesn't deserve the right to get married? Is it my place? I have gay friends, I adore them. I want them to get all that I do, I want them to be as entirely happy as I will some day be. I don't want to be a part of the reason that they can't have that right.

So where do I sit, ultimately? I don't even know.

If I say I oppose this, I will be lumped into a group of people. People that are close-minded, prejudiced, and hateful. If I say I agree with it, am I staying true to myself? My religion? My beliefs?

Can you see why I'm so conflicted on the issue? What are your thoughts? Anything that can help clear my mind?

17 comments:

Slamdunk said...

Wow, I get to respond first.

Here is my take: I am against government involvement in marriages and do not believe our government should be in the marriage business.

Once government is removed from the picture, then persons who practice a religion that does not permit same sex marriages would be ok not to promote them, while other religions (or non-religions) that would sponsor the partnership can have it thier way as well.

Sam said...

I don't think by you disagreeing with same-sex marriage that you are in a group of close-minded, prejudiced, hateful people. Sure, I do think people like that exist, but there are people with entirely different beliefs than you that fit in this group.

I think it's perfectly fine for people to not agree with same-sex marriage and I think it's perfectly fine for people to be all for it.

I, personally, am for same-sex marriage. My reasons mostly come from the fact that same-sex couple haven't been receiving the same benefits and support that come along with a marriage license. I don't know a lot on the subject as you said you didn't either, so I don't want to say something that is wrong. So that's all I will say about that.

I'm all for love in every shape and form and that has been my biggest struggle when it comes to religion. I feel like a hippie when I say all I care about is peace, love and happiness :) But it's true. And I'm okay with my beliefs and I'm happy for anyone that does good whether that be a Priest or an openly gay man.

KatOfDiamonds said...

@Sam I love your comment <3 It's like you read my heart: "I'm all for love in every shape and form and that has been my biggest struggle when it comes to religion. I feel like a hippie when I say all I care about is peace, love and happiness :) But it's true." <3 <3 <3

@Kell I am writing you an email now =]

Kate said...

Kellie, thank you for this post. I think you stated thoughts on both sides wonderfully. You may not think you're articulate (I disagree), but you certainly are open-minded, considerate, loving and willing to hear others out which means so so much more.

I think I often have a different opinion personally than politically...what I mean is I know how I feel deep down about my own life, but I don't want to make others subscribe to my notions so I vote differently than I may feel. For example, I'm extremely pro-choice although I would never in a million years have an abortion...I just can't vote politically the way I feel personally when it isn't my right to make a personal choice for every woman.

Oops, why did I write so much? My point is, you=amazing.

KatOfDiamonds said...

@Kate !ily! I DEMAND IRL TIME! lol

@Kellie email sent! =]

Unknown said...

I think everybody should be on a even playing field. Love who you love. Do what make ourselves happy But I also think that, this is one of those subjects that ppl will always by debating about for the rest of time.I don't think there is an answer that will make everyone happy. As long as everybody is respectful of each other and our different views that all I really care about

Marci Darling said...

Kellie,

so glad you brought this up!Being raised in a Christian home, and going to a Christian high school, I was "taught" that homosexuality was wrong, we should "prevent it" it's a sin. aNow, I do struggle with it on a religious level, because the bible does list it as a sin. So is gossip. so is lying. I'm guilty of those things. Who am I to condemn someone or point fingers? Lowly me, a sinner? I don't think so.

Plus, I have several gay friends in loving, committed relationships. I've seen their relationships work better than a lot of heterosexual couples.

Also, I think about it this way: Would you want the government to tell you that you couldn't marry the love of your life? It's heartbreaking to think about.

Kyla Makay said...

I really disagree with same sex marriages. They are being married under the holy name of Jesus Christ- and that is so wrong. It says in the bible multiple times that same sex relationships are WRONG WRONG WRONG. So why would you think God would bless your life together in sin? Why are they fighting to stand in God's holy home and be made one in the name of GOD?! I don't understand this logic.

Here is some scripture proving my point:

Leviticus 18:22 says...
"'Do not lie with a man as one lies with a woman; that is detestable"

And I know this is harsh, but it is true... 1 Corinthians 6:9 says...

"Or do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived; neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor homosexuals,nor thieves, nor the covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor swindlers, will inherit the kingdom of God"

"To give sanction to gay marriage/same-sex marriage would be to give approval to the homosexual lifestyle, which the Bible clearly and consistently condemns as sinful"

I got that quote off this site... check it out... maybe you will change your mind... if you are living for God with your beliefs, or not...

http://www.gotquestions.org/gay-marriage.html

Love, Makay

Kris said...

I love you for having the guts to post this. I've struggled with the idea of posting about a Christian music artist I've admired for years coming out as lesbian. So far I've chickened out, and left the issue alone. Mostly I'm scared of the judgement that will come with my admitting I disagree with homosexuality as a lifestyle combined with biblical belief.

I also have gay friends, and I also adore them. But I do think it's my place to hold the opinions I do.

I don't know why I'm still typing. In short, you sum up my thoughts (although I will continue to maintain a tendency towards conservative thought on this issue). Thanks for that.

Kate said...

@Makay I just wanted to point out that not everyone who gets married does it in a church (under Jesus Christ)...many straight people who marry aren't religious and simply get married in a court house by law and not by God. So, gays wouldn't necessarily have to get married under Jesus Christ to get legally married. Just saying. :)

lauren brimley said...

I also am conflicted. Me, myself, I don't support same sex marriage, but that doesn't mean I have strong feelings that it shouldn't be allowed. My thoughts are, "whatever. if they want to get married, that's their business." While I don't think it is right, (because of the way I was raised and the things we are taught in church) I don't really care if people choose to get married. I don't see how it's hurting me. I mean, they are going to be gay regardless. How does them being married make it any different? You know?

Kell said...

@Makay- I understand where you're coming from. I just don't think the subject is entirely that black & white. Also, in regards to the 1 Corinthians 6:9 verse. In the original verse, in the King James Version, "nor homosexuals" is not a part of it. Understand that different versions of the bible have been messed with, altered, for our understanding. The 1 Corinthians 6:9 in the KJV is "Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind,"
And in the footnotes, "abusers of themselves with mankind" is suggested to mean homosexuals. I just wanted to clear that up- something that irks me is how people think it's OK to change what the bible truly says.
Anyway! Thanks for the website, and thanks for your perspective on the subject!

@Lauren- Basically, I feel the exact same way! I like how you said 'they're going to be gay regardless.' It's so true. I know exactly what you mean though!

@ Everyone else(ha!) I wish I could reply to each of you separately, but that would confuse me and I don't think most of you will read this again. I love all of the opinions and views you guys shared though! It's eye opening. Thank you all for not being judgmental of what I wrote, and for loving me through it! I love you guys.

Jena Carper said...

I liked your post, Kelli. I have very similar thoughts. I think that there is too much prejudice on both sides and people get their perspectives clouded with anger and malice toward the other political party.
That being said, I don't agree with homosexuality, but I'm wondering if the government should be able to say whether or not they should be allowed to marry. Does that make any sense? Ha ha.

Sarah said...

I don't understand homosexuality, but I'm definitely not against it...I think love is love and you can't very well help who you're attracted to. I also agree with Jena--not sure if it should be the decision of our government.

Ang said...

you're obviously entitled to your opinion and no one can fault you for it.
Personally, I don't think that people should be told who they can marry, by anyone. However, since other people (gov't) feels they need to have that power, I'm hella glad that Prop 8 was over-turned. I feel it's a stepping stone for people who live that life, and in a country where we are trying to promote everyone being equals (eh-hem... I have a dream speech)... I think this shows that, finally.

However, I say all of this as the same 'i don't understand or follow politics enough to give educated answers'.. I just say how I feel.

Kacie said...

i feel ya! i have two lesbian friends who i love so so so dearly.
i also am baptist.
so my church and the beliefs that come along with believing are definitely conflicted with my beliefs that love is LOVE. its such a weird place to be. and to be honest, before i became friends with them, i thought that homosexuality was so condemning.
but who am i to judge?

one of my friends even asked me if God hated her because she couldn't help who she loved.. if he hated her because of who she was.
she told me.. if i could be straight, i'd reverse it in a second, i'd be as straight as straight can be.
and that made me sad that she didn't want to be herself. but i also can see the guilt she feels and the disappointment she says she brings to others.

its a weird cross roads to be at.

Vanessa said...

I understand where you are coming from. It's hard because I grew up in my religion and they preached that it is wrong. But honestly, I don't see anything wrong with them getting married. They say there is suppose to be a separation of church and state. If there is, I do not see what basis they could stick with that keeps gay people from getting married. There would be nothing saying a church has to marry them. It doesn't make sense to me. The government should not be able to tell people who they can love and who they can chose to spend the rest of their lives with. They are people, just like us and they should be given equal rights if you ask me.

Good post my love. Good post. 8)