Why do the beliefs of gays trump those that don't agree with them?

You're judging a certain group for their views, and not judging another group for their.

Tim Thomas has every right to feel the way he does, and so do you, for that matter.
- bruinsbeer69

Is it just as acceptable if he had openly said that he thinks all african americans should go back to being slaves of people int he US?

As an andividual, you can feel free to express your opinion, no matter how stupid or intelligent it may be. As a public figure, you should know better than show prejudice to a group of people.

So you would like to Censor Tim Thomas.

Censorship reflects society's lack of confidence in itself and it is a hallmark of an authoritarian regime. Last time I looked, Tim Thomas is an American and has the right to express his opinion, whether you or anyone else like it or not.
- Doppleganger

I just think he should shut up, I'm not saying he doesn't have the right to speak just that it's in his own and everyone elses best interests if he doesn't exercise that right.

Although if you are going to toot the old "Freedom of Speech" horn then it works both ways: If he's allowed to say whatever he wants then I'm allowed to critize him...or would you like to censor the critics of Tim Thomas? You lose the argument either way.

Apparently you are wrong about this.

He owns a public company that operates all across the United states. In that way, his opinion, if deemed prejudice, will reach that many people. I assumed this was apparent given that it just happened.
- mfreedman

So you've heard of him before this issue? When a where did he give a speech about his outlook on life, on a speaking tour???


Let's get realistic here. He owns a family owned business, who caters to the public, and he live his life according to his beliefs.

He was dragged into the Issue of gay marriage, by those who saw him as a target because of his religious views.

He was not politically correct when he was interviewed, and nor should he have been.

All those people who seem to think that everyone has to be politically correct in order "not to offend" someone, are basically advocating censorship.

I'll say it again, there is no right to "not be offended" by someone who has the right of free speech.

The gay community, who are attaching him, were offended by his statements. Well to bad so sad, let me call you a waahhbulance.

I just think he should shut up, I'm not saying he doesn't have the right to speak just that it's in his own and everyone elses best interests if he doesn't exercise that right.


- deerow84

Great, you subscribe to practise of self censorship. gotcha.

Sounds like a threat to me.

In a free society the biggest danger is that you're afraid to the point where you censor yourself.

You just don't get it, do you?

Why do the beliefs of gays trump those that don't agree with them?

You're judging a certain group for their views, and not judging another group for their.

Tim Thomas has every right to feel the way he does, and so do you, for that matter.
- bruinsbeer69

You get it.

I knew there was someone out there who could see this is NOT about gay marriage, but about the right of free speech.

thank you.

The gay community, who are attaching him, were offended by his statements. Well to bad so sad, let me call you a waahhbulance.
- Doppleganger

That's freedom of speech. They've got the right to say what they want about him. By condemning those people for saying what they want about Dan Cathy, you're trying to squash their right to freedom of speech.

Is it just as acceptable if he had openly said that he thinks all african americans should go back to being slaves of people int he US?

As an andividual, you can feel free to express your opinion, no matter how stupid or intelligent it may be. As a public figure, you should know better than show prejudice to a group of people.
- mfreedman

Exactly.

As someone said before, it's very similar to how some people used to feel about women. It's all about equality. If some people here can't see that, I feel incredibly sorry for them.

And for those picking up for Dan Cathy, I'm sorry, but you're simply not getting it... Dan Cathy threw the first punch. For all those people standing up to him, I commend you. People (in general) are becoming smarter, and we're simply not standing for this BS anymore. If Dan Cathy didn't want this backlash, he should have kept his (frank)ing mouth shut to begin with... I believe in freedom of speech, but when you're in the public eye, and your opinion is meant to attack a certain group of innocent people you deserve all the backlash that will undoubtedly come your way.

This is ridiculous. What's next? Dairy Queen demanding that black people go back to slavery? Colonel Sanders coming back from the dead to tell women to go back to the kitchen? The (frank)ing A&W Bear declaring that vegetarians are the spawn of Satan?

So in fairness and equality, should those who are bashing him and insulting him for his religious beliefs also should "shut the hell up"?

Is it only the side you agree with, that should be allowed to say whatever they want, to further their agenda?


If I read you correctly, you're all in favour of "freedom of speech" as long as YOU agree with what is being said.

That's not how it works my friend.


The first principle of a free society is an untrammelled flow of words in an open forum.

-Adlai Stevenson
- Doppleganger

Because we believe people who use religion to disguise homophobia are just as bigoted as those who are outright homophobic. There is no part of the new testament that says homosexuality is wrong. And if you want to bring up the old testament, I'd like to see how kosher chick-fil-a's food is.

This is the problem with many people who spout their religious beliefs for all to hear- they almost always pick and chose the parts they want to believe, because it matches their own personal morality, and allows them to speak out against people they don't like, while maintaining a shield to hide behind. Not only is he a bigot, he's a cowardly one at that... and one of the many reasons why organized religion is becoming more and more ridiculed.

Why do the beliefs of gays trump those that don't agree with them?

You're judging a certain group for their views, and not judging another group for their.

Tim Thomas has every right to feel the way he does, and so do you, for that matter.
- bruinsbeer69

The beliefs of gays don't trump anybody's.

It's just one of those stupid things where people think other people should be treated equally. You know the part in the bible, where it says treat others the way you'd like to be treated? I wonder why Christians ignore that part oh so much.

Why do the beliefs of gays trump those that don't agree with them?

You're judging a certain group for their views, and not judging another group for their.

Tim Thomas has every right to feel the way he does, and so do you, for that matter.
- bruinsbeer69

It's not about homosexuals vs heterosexuals... Is that really what you think this is about? This is about innocent people being treated unfairly. If Ellen said heterosexuals needed God's mercy, and that the nation would face God’s wrath because my sexual preference is different than hers, she'd undoubtedly get hate thrown her way too...

Why can't everyone just live their own lives? Why do they have to force their opinions on others? What makes one person right, and the other wrong? Who am I to tell another person how to live? My god, some people are so (frank)ing arrogant... It amazes me.

If this is your definition of religion, than I want no part of it...

I don't dislike Christians... I am a Christian. I dislike certain Christians who believe they have a right to judge others... Others who aren't hurting anyone, and who are just living their own lives.

Like I said before, I form an opinion on people based on a 1 by 1 basis... Seems like you don't. That's pretty sad.
- laughs2907

Honest question ... Tim Thomas completely aside ... How do you reconcile being christian and being pro-gay marriage? If you believe in the bible and live your life accordingly, shouldn't you be fundamentally opposed to it? Not being religious myself I have a hard time understanding how so many "religious" people can pick and choose which tenets to live by? Either you're christian and sins are sins as defined by the source of your religion or you aren't.

If I were gay ... a) I'd be fabulous ... b) there is no way in hell I could be christian. Spiritual? Sure, but I don't see how you can be selectively faithful.

Edit: This post should come across as pro-gay marriage, anti-institutional religion ... not vice versa.

The beliefs of gays don't trump anybody's.

It's just one of those stupid things where people think other people should be treated equally. You know the part in the bible, where it says treat others the way you'd like to be treated? I wonder why Christians ignore that part oh so much.
- Feeling Glucky?

Yeah, weird isn't it?

This is ridiculous. What's next? Dairy Queen demanding that black people go back to slavery? Colonel Sanders coming back from the dead to tell women to go back to the kitchen? The (frank)ing A&W Bear declaring that vegetarians are the spawn of Satan?
- laughs2907

Hey now. That doesn't seem ALL bad.

Because we believe people who use religion to disguise homophobia are just as bigoted as those who are outright homophobic. There is no part of the new testament that says homosexuality is wrong. And if you want to bring up the old testament, I'd like to see how kosher chick-fil-a's food is.

This is the problem with many people who spout their religious beliefs for all to hear- they almost always pick and chose the parts they want to believe, because it matches their own personal morality, and allows them to speak out against people they don't like, while maintaining a shield to hide behind. Not only is he a bigot, he's a cowardly one at that... and one of the many reasons why organized religion is becoming more and more ridiculed.
- Feeling Glucky?

This is interesting ... I agree with pretty much everything you said. I don't however agree that being anti-gay marriage (at least in the context of christian marriage), makes one a homophobe. It certainly could lead one to assume you are but I don't think they're necessarily hand in hand.

Honest question ... Tim Thomas completely aside ... How do you reconcile being christian and being pro-gay marriage? If you believe in the bible and live your life accordingly, shouldn't you be fundamentally opposed to it? Not being religious myself I have a hard time understanding how so many "religious" people can pick and choose which tenets to live by? Either you're christian and sins are sins as defined by the source of your religion or you aren't.

If I were gay ... a) I'd be fabulous ... b) there is no way in hell I could be christian. Spiritual? Sure, but I don't see how you can be selectively faithful.

Edit: This post should come across as pro-gay marriage, anti-institutional religion ... not vice versa.
- Double_A

I'm not very religious at all... I was born into the Anglican scene, but to be honest, I don't really know much about what they are for or against (I just go to please my family during Christmas, Easter, funerals or weddings or stuff like that)... The few times I do attend church, I always pick up the fact that everyone within the community (whether straight or OBVIOUSLY gay) are treated equally. The preachers I have seen all seem to consider all of us God's creatures... And treat us all as equals... (frank)ed up, I know.

I'm not really for or against religion... I'm just against hating people who are just being themselves and who aren't attacking others... People who just want to be treated fairly and be accepted for what they are.

If I ever hear anything like the videos I posted above in my church, I'd never attend again. It's disgusting.

Hey now. That doesn't seem ALL bad.
- prock

Depends if she can cook I guess.

I'm not very religious at all... I was born into the Anglican scene, but to be honest, I don't really know much about what they are for or against (I just go to please my family during Christmas, Easter, funerals or weddings or stuff like that)... The few times I do attend church, I always pick up the fact that everyone within the community (whether straight or OBVIOUSLY gay) are treated equally. The preachers I have seen all seem to consider all of us God's creatures... And treat us all as equals... (frank)ed up, I know.

I'm not really for or against religion... I'm just against hating people who are just being themselves and who aren't attacking others... People who just want to be treated fairly and be accepted for what they are.

If I ever hear anything like the videos I posted above in my church, I'd never attend again. It's disgusting.
- laughs2907

Certainly how it should be. Not sure it's necessarily the norm though.

My favorite story about "selective faith" as I like to call it: Buddy's friend hardcore catholic .... has scripture tattooed on his forearm ... uses said tattoo to pick up girls at the bar for 1 night stands ... continues living according to God's plan ... because apparently Jesus is cool with copious amounts of reckless, lustful, pre-marital sex.

Certainly how it should be. Not sure it's necessarily the norm though.

My favorite story about "selective faith" as I like to call it: Buddy's friend hardcore catholic .... has scripture tattooed on his forearm ... uses said tattoo to pick up girls at the bar for 1 night stands ... continues living according to God's plan ... because apparently Jesus is cool with copious amounts of reckless, lustful, pre-marital sex.
- Double_A

I could totally see that working. I was thinking about getting an Olympic rings tattoo... I think that may work.

I could totally see that working. I was thinking about getting an Olympic rings tattoo... I think that may work.
- laughs2907

It's brilliant, really

This is interesting ... I agree with pretty much everything you said. I don't however agree that being anti-gay marriage (at least in the context of christian marriage), makes one a homophobe. It certainly could lead one to assume you are but I don't think they're necessarily hand in hand.
- Double_A

I think at least subconsciously, people who are against gay marriage are homophobic. There really is no other reason to be against it. It's the same idea as those who were against interracial marriages all those decades ago(sadly not that many)... You don't want people who you see as beneath you to have the same rites as you, because that makes them seem like your equal.


Churches have made far more radical changes to the idea of marriage than allowing homosexual marriage(ie, allowing divorce because a king wanted it). There's 1 verse in the new testament where Jesus describes marriage, and while he says it is between a man and a woman, he doesn't say it can't be between two women(in fact, even the old testament only forbids sex between men, says nothing about some sexy lesbo action) or two men, He just mentions a man and a woman, because that is the norm for marriage. It's hardly a rule written in stone.

The only thing strictly against homosexuality is one line in the old testament in leviticus, saying two men having sex the way a man and a woman do is wrong. That's it. And if christians followed everything from the old testament, they'd be celebrating the sabbath, not going to mass on sunday, they'd be 100% pro-communism, and we'd have a massive outcry any time a restaurant tried to make a pepperoni pizza, or a cheeseburger.


Oh, and no booze, premarital sex, or downloading poop online.

I think at least subconsciously, people who are against gay marriage are homophobic. There really is no other reason to be against it. It's the same idea as those who were against interracial marriages all those decades ago(sadly not that many)... You don't want people who you see as beneath you to have the same rites as you, because that makes them seem like your equal.


Churches have made far more radical changes to the idea of marriage than allowing homosexual marriage(ie, allowing divorce because a king wanted it). There's 1 verse in the new testament where Jesus describes marriage, and while he says it is between a man and a woman, he doesn't say it can't be between two women(in fact, even the old testament only forbids sex between men, says nothing about some sexy lesbo action) or two men, He just mentions a man and a woman, because that is the norm for marriage. It's hardly a rule written in stone.

The only thing strictly against homosexuality is one line in the old testament in leviticus, saying two men having sex the way a man and a woman do is wrong. That's it. And if christians followed everything from the old testament, they'd be celebrating the sabbath, not going to mass on sunday, they'd be 100% pro-communism, and we'd have a massive outcry any time a restaurant tried to make a pepperoni pizza, or a cheeseburger.


Oh, and no booze, premarital sex, or downloading poop online.
- Feeling Glucky?

I've done all three at once

I've done all three at once
- laughs2907

Here's where it gets ridiculous; in some states, because of religious beliefs, gay people aren't allowed to have sex. This is law. In states, in the US- supposedly the bastion for personal freedom. That's just ridiculous.

Oh, and pretty much every state that bans gay marriage has this in place through an amendment. Which means people changed the laws to ban it. That's pretty arrogant, that people would want to do that.

Here's where it gets ridiculous; in some states, because of religious beliefs, gay people aren't allowed to have sex. This is law. In states, in the US- supposedly the bastion for personal freedom. That's just ridiculous.

Oh, and pretty much every state that bans gay marriage has this in place through an amendment. Which means people changed the laws to ban it. That's pretty arrogant, that people would want to do that.
- Feeling Glucky?

Good luck enforcing that!

That is ridiculous though... It seems so childish to me. Reminds me of when we were kids, and we wouldn't let girls play with us. As kids, at least we had an acceptable excuse for being stupid.

P.S. Now I would love for some of those same girls (who are now legal age and have women boobies and such) to play with me