Historic LGBTQ rights bill passes exposing GOP divisions

Nixon,

"Who did Jesus say it was okay to hate in his teachings?"

We'll see who is full of hatred if this passes.

Churches that teach children homosexuality is a sin and two people of the same sex are only married on paper and can not be married in the eyes of God will be targeted.

Religious freedom will be challenged.

Women also need to be concerned they will lose specific rights.

Snoofy,

How should the churches be dealt with who complain about religious freedom?

How should women be dealt with who get upset when they lose awards and scholarships to competitors with male physiques?

Laura,

Rather than acting snarky, why not answer my question.

What should women be told who lose competitions to a transgender and feel it was unfair?

Don't turn my question around and make it about you.

Do you have any thoughts what to say to women?

Laura,

So you're ducking the question.

Can't say I blame you.

Bored,

"Be honest about the real reason."

Ok...I'll summarize.

Leave minors alone. (require middle and high school minors to stay within boundaries reflected on their birth certificate...sports/restrooms) Hormone therapy is another conversation that needs more research.

Leave women and children alone. Maintain traditional male/female restrooms and changing rooms and create an alternative space for transgender people.

Ban transgenders from participating in professional sports on teams different from their birth gender.

The military and tax payers do not pay for reassignment surgery and maintenance thereafter. That is for insurance to pay, not tax payers.

Add provisions guaranteeing Freedom of Religion and protection of organized religion for established churches (no stupid made up strainer heads or fake churches).

I'm sure there are more things I might think of later but you want to know my concerns about this issue.

Personally, I do not see "transgender rights" and "gay rights" as one and the same. They are different issues.

This is a boiled down summary of my views.

Bored,

"You will have to define Freedom of Religion, and why an established church matters."

It is only a matter of time until gay couples take the same route against churches they have taken against Christian businesses that do not want to provide a particular service. The business said they'll do business with the gay couple in any other capacity...just not that particular service.

The business even offered to help the couple find a suitable alternative but no...the couple was determined to press the point.

At some point a gay couple is guaranteed to request to use a church for their wedding and be declined.

A law suit will ensue.

That is one instance where Freedom of Religion will be challenged.

Will it be considered discrimination or will this be a protected right for churches?

Laura,

abcnews.go.com

This issue isn't so cut and dry.

Here is a case where the baker won at the Supreme Court over a wedding cake but found himself in court again where, in my opinion, he was just being targeted.

Religious convictions do matter.

While you are correct discrimination is wrong, not wanting to provide a certain service to a gay couple isn't necessarily discrimination.

Personally, this is another area I don't believe "gay marriage" is necessarily part of "gay rights". Gay people deserve all rights and privileges provided by "marriage", but it's not a given "marriage" is the only way this must be accomplished. Protections of relationships and recognition that 2 people are legally a couple is a right as far as I'm concerned. But "marriage" isn't necessarily the way it must be done. "Marriage" is not a gay right. Legal protection is.

Interestingly, Gay Marriage became federally recognized not so much because it was determined gays are entitled to marriage. What the Supreme Court said was states must recognize same sex marriages that were done legally in states that do support it.

From what I've read, Gay Marriage exists nationwide de facto. It came in through the back door, so to speak.

Now the question is will churches that do not recognize same sex marriage and certainly not permit it be done in their sanctuary be forced to accept it and make it part of their doctrine de facto.

I encourage anyone who wants to explain to me how Gay Marriage passed the Supreme Court in a different perspective.

Now...just to be clear.

As a Christian I do not believe same sex "marriage" can be sanctified by God. That's what I believe. Liberal churches would say otherwise.

However, there is most certainly nothing stopping gay couples from making vows and openly professing their love and commitment to one another.

If I were single...I wouldn't mind getting married to a guy.

However, I would do it in a church that makes it part of their doctrine.

Am I right...am I wrong? I don't know for sure.

What I do believe is Forgiveness and Grace in the name of Jesus Christ is the cornerstone of my faith.

All people are sinners...period...and the only path to forgiveness is the blood of Christ.

No one is perfect or sinless.

Most certainly not me.