I have just read GfS lengthy post and can see where he is on this now better. But, Gfs, whether whoever is right or wrong about if it is genetic or a choice (Icertainly do not think it a 'condition'), and if it is that people will do as they will, straight or gay, just because they may be horny and not actually be in love, why should any of them be actively discriminated against?

My basic premise, is that ALL people deserve to be treated with respect and true EQUAL RIGHTS (that does not necessarily mean we treat all people the same but that we treat everyone with no prejudice) and that we make allowances for all the diversities that exist out there. So, on the grounds of race, religion, gender, disability, sexuality, etc., etc., no-one should be singled out.

In essence this is not about whether people are born a certain way. It is about treating various sections of the human race less favourable because they do not conform, cannot conform or are different to the so called majority. That can never be right.

I, say, we aqs folk singers actively discriminated against people who saing, say, country and western - gave them different set of lasw and rights - we would think that so very bad and wrong. We ALL share music, but we all have different tastes. Much of that is down to choice I guess. I still think in the case of sexuality it is not a choice but, even so, why should someone who is homosexual be tretaed differently than someone who is straight? And if they choose to have a one night stand then so what? Straight people do it all the time. And those who want to be married should be able to do so without the fibre of society feeling threatened by their inclusion. For that is what EQUAL RIGHTS is all about, make no mistake... it is about inclusion of minorities (if they wish to be included) and not exclusion.

Why do so many people struggle with that actual concept? I know I have equally made a long answer. It is on the things covered in your post not not aimed at you. It is a general reply.

I keep saying I will not make any more replies to this thread but still feed I need to to try to find some ground on which we can all agree and not feel so diametrically opposed on both sides. The sad fact is that this has been the case for years and I fear for some time to come. It most certainly is not about me wanting to attack anyone with a different view or opinion or about me being right (though obviously I have made a stand on a given side of this). Me being right is not important. Treating people right is. That is what matters.

Hope you all had a great Christmas :-)

mp