""ed - I am not sure if you accidentally misintepret, or deliberately read motive into a few words . either way you are wrong. my "so what" was meaning that , it would be expected that the dominant influence over a historical period would inform a societies values, but that is no reason to discount those values.""

I accept your explanation Pete, Yes, your "few words" did come across to me as uncaring and flippant, on a serious topic. I am surprised you do not see that liklihood.

I earlier noted the dominant influence of organized religion on governments, attitudes to wards gays. I see these as not in line with the original stated values towards others, common with most religions.Values that are damaging, uncaring, and fuel hate are nothing to be proud of, IMO.
Gay marriage under government institutions,   takes little or "nothing" away from marriages amongst religious folks, but obviously, are seen as very important to many gays-who love and care for their partners like religiuos folks do. Saying that this in some way discounts religious values is not reasonable, logical and exhibits an uncaring and "dog in the manger" type of perspective. I would be surprised if that is your intent and position.