Obama urges lesbian, gay patience overturning 'unjust laws' (text)

Remarks by President Obama at the LGBT Pride Month White House Reception, June 29, 2009

THE PRESIDENT: Hello, everybody. Hello, hello, hello. (Applause.)  Hey! Good to see you. (Applause.)  I'm waiting for FLOTUS here. FLOTUS always politics more than POTUS.

MRS. OBAMA: No, you move too slow. (Laughter.)

THE PRESIDENT: It is great to see everybody here today and they're just -- I've got a lot of friends in the room, but there are some people I want to especially acknowledge. First of all, somebody who helped ensure that we are in the White House, Steve Hildebrand. Please give Steve a big round of applause.  (Applause.)  Where's Steve?  He's around here somewhere. (Applause.)

The new chair of the Export-Import Bank, Fred Hochberg. (Applause.)  Where's Fred?  There's Fred.  Good to see you, Fred.  Our Director of the Institute of Education Sciences at DOE, John Easton.  Where's John?  (Applause.)  A couple of special friends -- Bishop Gene Robinson.  Where's Gene?  (Applause.)  Hey, Gene.  Ambassador Michael Guest is here.  (Applause.)  Ambassador Jim Hormel is here.  (Applause.)  Oregon Secretary of State Kate Brown is here.  (Applause.) All of you are here.  (Laughter and applause.) Welcome to your White House.  (Applause.)  So.

AUDIENCE MEMBER: (Inaudible.)  (Laughter.)

THE PRESIDENT: Somebody asked from the Lincoln Bedroom here. (Laughter.) You knew I was from Chicago too.  (Laughter.) 

It's good to see so many friends and familiar faces, and I deeply appreciate the support I've received from so many of you. Michelle appreciates it and I want you to know that you have our support as well.  (Applause.)  And you have my thanks for the work you do every day in pursuit of ...

... equality on behalf of the millions of people in this country who work hard and care about their communities -- and who are gay, lesbian, bisexual, or transgender. (Applause.)

Now this struggle, I don't need to tell you, is incredibly difficult, although I think it's important to consider the extraordinary progress that we have made. There are unjust laws to overturn and unfair practices to stop.  And though we've made progress, there are still fellow citizens, perhaps neighbors or even family members and loved ones, who still hold fast to worn arguments and old attitudes; who fail to see your families like their families; and who would deny you the rights that most Americans take for granted. And I know this is painful and I know it can be heartbreaking.

And yet all of you continue, leading by the force of the arguments you make but also by the power of the example that you set in your own lives -- as parents and friends, as PTA members and leaders in the community. And that's important, and I'm glad that so many LGBT families could join us today. (Applause.)  For we know that progress depends not only on changing laws but also changing hearts. And that real, transformative change never begins in Washington (cellphone "quacks").  Whose duck is back there?  (Laughter.)

MRS. OBAMA: It's a duck.

THE PRESIDENT: There's a duck quacking in there somewhere. (Laughter.)  Where do you guys get these ring tones, by the way? (Laughter.)  I'm just curious. (Laughter.)

Indeed, that's the story of the movement for fairness and equality -- not just for those who are gay, but for all those in our history who've been denied the rights and responsibilities of citizenship; who've been told that the full blessings and opportunities of this country were closed to them. It's the story of progress sought by those who started off with little influence or power; by men and women who brought about change through quiet, personal acts of compassion and courage and sometimes defiance wherever and whenever they could. 

That's the story of a civil rights pioneer who's here today, Frank Kameny, who was fired -- (applause.)  Frank was fired from his job as an astronomer for the federal government simply because he was gay. And in 1965, he led a protest outside the White House, which was at the time both an act of conscience but also an act of extraordinary courage. And so we are proud of you, Frank, and we are grateful to you for your leadership. (Applause.)

It's the story of the Stonewall protests, which took place 40 years ago this week, when a group of citizens -- with few options and fewer supporters -- decided they'd had enough and refused to accept a policy of wanton discrimination. And two men who were at those protests are here today. Imagine the journey that they've traveled.

It's the story of an epidemic that decimated a community -- and the gay men and women who came to support one another and save one another; and who continue to fight this scourge; and who demonstrated before the world that different kinds of families can show the same compassion and support in a time of need -- that we all share the capacity to love.

So this story, this struggle, continues today -- for even as we face extraordinary challenges as a nation, we cannot -- and will not -- put aside issues of basic equality. (Applause.)  We seek an America in which no one feels the pain of discrimination based on who you are or who you love. 

And I know that many in this room don't believe that progress has come fast enough, and I understand that.  It's not for me to tell you to be patient, any more than it was for others to counsel patience to African Americans who were petitioning for equal rights a half-century ago. 

But I say this: We have made progress and we will make more. And I want you to know that I expect and hope to be judged not by words, not by promises I've made, but by the promises that my administration keeps. And by the time you receive -- (applause.)  We've been in office six months now. I suspect that by the time this administration is over, I think you guys will have pretty good feelings about the Obama administration. (Applause.)   

Now while there is much more work to do, we can point to important changes we've already put in place since coming into office. I've signed a memorandum requiring all agencies to extend as many federal benefits as possible to LGBT families as current law allows. 

And these are benefits that will make a real difference for federal employees and Foreign Service Officers, who are so often treated as if their families don't exist. And I'd like to note that one of the key voices in helping us develop this policy is John Berry, our director of the Office of Personnel Management, who is here today.  And I want to thank John Berry. (Applause.)

I've called on Congress to repeal the so-called Defense of Marriage Act to help end discrimination -- (applause) -- to help end discrimination against same-sex couples in this country. Now I want to add we have a duty to uphold existing law, but I believe we must do so in a way that does not exacerbate old divides. And fulfilling this duty in upholding the law in no way lessens my commitment to reversing this law.  I've made that clear.

I'm also urging Congress to pass the Domestic Partners Benefits and Obligations Act, which will guarantee the full range of benefits, including healthcare, to LGBT couples and their children. (Applause.) My administration is also working hard to pass an employee nondiscrimination bill and hate-crimes bill, and we're making progress on both fronts.  (Applause.)  Judy and Dennis Shepard, as well as their son Logan, are here today. I met with Judy in the Oval Office in May -- (applause) -- and I assured her and I assured all of you that we are going to pass an inclusive hate-crimes bill into law, a bill named for their son Matthew.  (Applause.) 

In addition, my administration is committed to rescinding the discriminatory ban on entry to the United States based on HIV status. (Applause.) The Office of Management and Budget just concluded a review of a proposal to repeal this entry ban, which is a first and very big step toward ending this policy. 

And we all know that HIV/AIDS continues to be a public health threat in many communities, including right here in the District of Columbia. And that's why this past Saturday, on National HIV Testing Day, I was proud once again to encourage all Americans to know their status and get tested the way Michelle and I know our status and got tested. (Applause.)

And finally, I want to say a word about "don't ask, don't tell."  As I said before -- I'll say it again -- I believe "don't ask, don't tell" doesn't contribute to our national security. (Applause.)  In fact, I believe preventing patriotic Americans from serving their country weakens our national security. (Applause.) 

Now, my administration is already working with the Pentagon and members of the House and the Senate on how we'll go about ending this policy, which will require an act of Congress.

Someday, I'm confident, we'll look back at this transition and ask why it generated such angst, but as commander in chief, in a time of war, I do have a responsibility to see that this change is administered in a practical way and a way that takes over the long term. That's why I've asked the secretary of Defense and the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff to develop a plan for how to thoroughly implement a repeal.

I know that every day that passes without a resolution is a deep disappointment to those men and women who continue to be discharged under this policy -- patriots who often possess critical language skills and years of training and who've served this country well. But what I hope is that these cases underscore the urgency of reversing this policy not just because it's the right thing to do, but because it is essential for our national security.

Now even as we take these steps, we must recognize that real progress depends not only on the laws we change but, as I said before, on the hearts we open.  For if we're honest with ourselves, we'll acknowledge that there are good and decent people in this country who don't yet fully embrace their gay brothers and sisters -- not yet. 

That's why I've spoken about these issues not just in front of you, but in front of unlikely audiences -- in front of African American church members, in front of other audiences that have traditionally resisted these changes.  And that's what I'll continue to do so. That's how we'll shift attitudes. That's how we'll honor the legacy of leaders like Frank and many others who have refused to accept anything less than full and equal citizenship.

Now 40 years ago, in the heart of New York City at a place called the Stonewall Inn, a group of citizens, including a few who are here today, as I said, defied an unjust policy and awakened a nascent movement.

It was the middle of the night.  The police stormed the bar, which was known for being one of the few spots where it was safe to be gay in New York.  Now raids like this were entirely ordinary. Because it was considered obscene and illegal to be gay, no establishments for gays and lesbians could get licenses to operate. The nature of these businesses, combined with the vulnerability of the gay community itself, meant places like Stonewall, and the patrons inside, were often the victims of corruption and blackmail.

Now ordinarily, the raid would come and the customers would disperse. But on this night, something was different. There are many accounts of what happened, and much has been lost to history, but what we do know is this: People didn't leave. They stood their ground. And over the course of several nights they declared that they had seen enough injustice in their time. 

This was an outpouring against not just what they experienced that night, but what they had experienced their whole lives.  And as with so many movements, it was also something more: It was at this defining moment that these folks who had been marginalized rose up to challenge not just how the world saw them, but also how they saw themselves.

As we've seen so many times in history, once that spirit takes hold there is little that can stand in its way.  (Applause.)  And the riots at Stonewall gave way to protests, and protests gave way to a movement, and the movement gave way to a transformation that continues to this day.  It continues when a partner fights for her right to sit at the hospital bedside of a woman she loves. It continues when a teenager is called a name for being different and says, "So what if I am?"  It continues in your work and in your activism, in your fight to freely live your lives to the fullest.

In one year after the protests, a few hundred gays and lesbians and their supporters gathered at the Stonewall Inn to lead a historic march for equality. But when they reached Central Park, the few hundred that began the march had swelled to 5,000.  Something had changed, and it would never change back.

The truth is when these folks protested at Stonewall 40 years ago no one could have imagined that you -- or, for that matter, I (laughter) -- would be standing here today.  (Applause.)  So we are all witnesses to monumental changes in this country. 

That should give us hope, but we cannot rest.  We must continue to do our part to make progress -- step by step, law by law, mind by changing mind.  And I want you to know that in this task I will not only be your friend, I will continue to be an ally and a champion and a president who fights with you and for you.

Thanks very much, everybody. God bless you. (Applause.) Thank you.  It's a little stuffed in here.  We're going to open -- we opened up that door.  We're going to walk this way, and then we're going to come around and we'll see some of you over there, all right?  (Laughter.)  But out there. (Laughter.) 

But thank you very much, all, for being here. Enjoy the White House. Thank you. (Applause.)  ###

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Related item:

Vice President Joe Biden speaks to Pride Month fundraiser

Comments

[One Butch]

You have no idea what the "quack" meant, do you???
Lame!

[aura dawn veirs]

How long did it take to make faith-based laws that deny civil rights to L&G? How many words in obsolete holy books were quoted in Congress to get votes for those laws? He asks God to bless the audience. That means he believes the Sodom myth and he forgot that the nation and his audience have atheist members. With an executive order he can cancel all those bad laws. They exist because homosexuals are not llkely to have big families of children who will pay the ten percent tithe;

[aura dawn veirs]

He mentioned "fellow citizens still holding fast to outworn arguments and old attitudes," in a way that made me realize he is FAVORING them. As an ecumenist who supports all the faiths that collect tithes, he didn't mention bishops and rabbis and mullahs, but if they're citizens, he meant them.
While God burnt everybody in Sodom, He fixed it so Lot impregnated both daughters. He must believe that horrible tale of incest, but why? When I see happy faces of married homosexual couples, I feel like hugging them.

[MarieDevine]

Some gays are coming out, perhaps you are holding onto a fear of falling back. FEAR NOT. Know that the love of man for man is not a sin. David loved Jonathan more than the love of women. The sin is only the sex part. Men are supposed to enjoy men. It is a beautiful thing to watch a men's prayer breakfast and men enjoying God and their families together. You can still enjoy pure relationships with men and be married.

God pronounced that homos-exuality is evil because he has something better. It is the same with divorce, adultery or promiscuity. It robs you of a partner that can give you children that will share a blood line of relatives through which the blessings of God can come. Grandparents on two sides and aunts, uncles, nieces and nephews are known on both sides. God's family has no missing parts as same gender unions etc do.

There is a reason for GLBT people:
Romans 1:28: "And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a reprobate mind, to do those things which are not convenient:
Romans 1:18-32 has a fuller explanation. That means the answer is simple. Desire to know God.

I personally saw a homosexual drag queen released from his lust. It was a spirit that just was taken away after he said, Miss Marie, I do not want a reprobate mind.
It can happen for others. Fear Not.

When you choose to believe God, you will see why people were warning you; God promised severe judgments against nations that promote or accept GLBTism. He cannot lie.
In Revelation 9:21 God said,
"Neither repented they of their murders, nor of their sorceries, nor of their fornication, nor of their thefts."

Revelation 21:7, 8: "He that overcomes shall inherit all things; and I will be his God, and he shall be My son.
But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burns with fire and brimstone: which is the second death."
There is something to be gained by believing God and something to be lost by refusing to believe. The word of God is true.

[mcdesign]

MarieDevine doth not realize the oft quoted biblical passages hurled at us with hatred are misinterpretations of scripture. This has been proven by religious scholars and many people in high places know this to be true. Please read "What the Bible Really Says About Homosexuality," by Daniel A. Helminiak for starters.

It is not a sin. The only real sin is interfering with the spiritual growth of another human being, which many churches continue to do with their spiritual violence. Thank God there are more and more welcome and affirming congregations out there for us to choose from. We no longer have to buy into this small minded blasphemy.

Yes, GLBT persons are here for a reason. We are God's angels here on earth and are teaching the ignorant and spiritually retarded about unconditional love.

[Kimberly Thomas]

It's so sad that people are still using the bible to speak hate. Don't you know that is the worst sin of all. We are all gods children. Gay straight black whilte etc. He made us the way we are. May be you can understand this. If a heterosexual man was told you have to have sex with only another man and you have to marry him. How would you feel? That is what it's like for a gay person being told they have to be with a person of the opposite sex. Multiple studies have shown that not only is there a different chemical reaction but different brain patterns for gays. We are gods children created just exactly how he wants us to be. You who are hating and judging are the true sinners. Its time to mind your own damn business. Live and let live.

[Janine]

mcdesign, please. You are God's angel? Way to have a stuck up high opinion of yourself. Should there be more rights for LGBT people? Yes. But get off your high horse. As for these new inclusive hate crime laws--

I wonder if they'll truly be inclusive and actually allow people to be punished who commit crimes against a white person because they are white. It's disgusting how the tables have turned and it's impossible to commit a hate crime against caucasians.

All these laws that have come into being to protect the minorities are now discriminating against the caucasian population and it isn't right. For the record, I'm hispanic.

[Deemeriah]

What most people don't realize is that what this all boils down to is whether or not you believe that sex is for procreation only. The Abrahamic religions (Judiasm, Christianity & Muslim), as well as others, believe that everyone should "be fruitful and multiply". Therefore, any sex act which cannot result in the conception of a child - be it homosexual sex, autoeroticism, etc. - is considered wrong. And as long as any religion believes this, there will be prejudice against anyone who engages in any such act - be it homosexual, BDSM, etc.
And now you know why I - who was raised Catholic - now follow a religion that does not believe that sex is only for procreation.

[realist]

It never ceases to amaze me how mentally weak people quote the bible like it is fact.

The bible is nothing but a book wriiten by man as that persons view of proper conduct.

The bible was written due to mans need to know and have answers to everything. Those that follow it are the blindest of the blind and truly dangerous. Those that have the need to belive in the nonsense contained in the bible are weak and scared. They cannot accept the fact that death is permanent, and that life ends for everyone permanently.

The bible and most religious teachings are the greatest
scam of human kind. Religion is THE ROOT CAUSE of most hatred , prejudice, and wars. And that is a fact.

[russ bishop]

To the good god fearing people out there who don't seem to get it...YOU'RE RELIGIOUS BELIEFS DON'T SUPERSEDE MY CIVIL RIGHTS! it doesn't get any plainer than that. It will happen. We will be able to marry in this country. It's just a matter of time. So if you are dead-set against it, fight a win-less battle for the rest of your lives. BTW...can anyone tell me if Massachusetts has fallen into the ocean yet?

[PO]

Homosexuality is indeed a sin. I do not care how Obama tries to 'dress' it up. It is an abomination. And God will punish. God is the Creator who gave us a book of guidelines, laws, rules to live by called The Bible. In Romans Chap 1 (Please read entire chapter) it is discussed thoroughly.

[Pierre Kelley]

When Jehovah God changes the way a "FAMILY" multiplies and grows by having children. Then I'll believe that change has come to the world orchestrated by Him who created all things. But until a man and another man, or woman and another woman can have children naturally, without adopting or acquiring them by any other means other than sex between the two of them these so called "Couples". Then I'm going to hold fast to my old attitude and keep my belief Godly. Mr. Obama might be trying to be to inclusive of gays and is shutting out traditional families.

If Gays don't believe God's word is true, then why are they insisting on getting married? Marriage was orchestrated by the word of God. Why can't they just be together without being married? They're trying to change God's word to be accepting of this lifestyle and The Bible clearly speaks against this. Then again, the bible says don't argue with fools. So, I'm going to leave this foolish talk alone.

I'm sure Mr. Obama has read the text in the bible that says: "Do not be deceived by fine sounding arguments." and that's exactly what he's doing, coming with the fine sounding argument. I pray he changes his stance back to godliness so he won't go to hell, because that's just where he's going with his argument and stance on gays. He needs to leave those arguments to non-believers. God Bless and Keep to the Truth of the Word of God.

[TommJOnzz]

Ironic moment: First Lady Michelle's comment to the Pres: "You move too slow."

Raised-eyebrow moment: the First Couple's comments about a duck in back of the room. (duck -- 'pato' -- is derisive Spanish slang for a gay man)

[Candice]

I am a straight teenageer who lives in Kentucky. Ive come to know many lesbians, gays, and transgenders and i dont not have a problem with any of them. I am for gay rights. they are people just like you and i. To hate anothe indiuvial because of who they perfer is just plain ignorant!

[Sally]

I believe Obama is doing a good job in teaching us to live by example to have "unconditional love" for all types of people yet is still upholding the morals & principals by keeping our traditions through the faith of Jesus Christ in which the foundation of America was formed.

[Rol]

Obama says that I will talk to African Churches and other groups until they change their mind about GLBT. This is crazy. He is supposed to represent the majority of Americans who voted him into office and not go about changing what people who know deep in their hearts (not just Christians, Muslims, Buddhists believe) is wrong.

He is not representing the majority of what Americans believe about GLBT. If things continue like this forget about America being a World leader. We continue to lose our moral compass and we will pay dearly.

[<>July 05, 2009 at 07:27 PM]

I agree with MarieDevine. He/she is right in everything that is said. Most people look at the Bible and find that they are wrong in their ways and do not change but simply turn their head or find a smidgen of encouragement that whispers their wrong is right due to a misinterrpretation. So mcdesign you are wrong. The bible dosent ever hurl hatred but you are merely saying that because you are wrong in your ways. F.Y.I. -the "more welcoming' congregations are simply the churches that gave away to persecution and now chop away parts of the Bible. I am 15 and i say GLBT's are not right and America will suffer for this acceptance. May the Last Days come. See you in heaven MarieDevine.

[K]

I find it curious that whenever someone --- calmly and nicely --- references what the BIble has to say about homosexuality, someone responds with "it's hate speech", etc... Isn't that just trying to turn things around and confuse the issue (strawman fallacy) --- The Bible is very clear on the issue, so instead of calling it hate speech just say that you're not a Christian and you don't follow that belief...as to do otherwise is very hypocritical. Don't insist someone believe in your way when you won't believe in theirs. Accept homosexuality is not sanctioned in the Bible and move on to other homosexual concerns.

[Pierre Kelley]

One thing I'd like to get clear and I know it won't be the first time many readers have read or heard this. Just because someone doesn't agree the the GBLT lifestyle doesn't mean they hate them personally or collectively. It's childish to keep hearing the people who are that way throw that up as soon as someone says it's not right. I have family and friends who are gay and I love them dearly as people and human beings. God doesn't condone their lifestyle and I don't either and I tell them or have told them. One of the first people I know to die from aides was an uncle who I loved and cared for. One of my roommates when I was in the military was gay and we were good friends. I didn't hate him or continuously bring it up. Noone hated him as far as I knew and he was treated the same as everyone else. He didn't flaunt it or try to gain acceptance by constantly bringing up his sexual preference. he just did his job. I can't understand why GBLT people are trying to change the mind of people who don't accept that that's not natural and it never will be. No matter what laws are changed.

I'm not saying I'm perfect either. But I don't practice and ask others to accept the things I know does not please our creator. I repent, pray and ask God for forgiveness. Their are people who truly say they love more than one person, so should the country change the laws so we can marry as many people as we say we love? We can stretch what we want to suit our wants as far as you can imagine. But if it's not natural and biblically correct already. It never will be.

[Leah]

I am a Christian and all that I know is that I want to love LGBT people. I wish people on both sides would open their minds a little more... I feel stuck in the middle. There are still many unanswered questions I think... Jesus never talked once about homosexuality and the bible doesn't really discuss the concept of someone being gay, as in a man liking a man. As a Christian, I feel it is important not to judge, as Jesus told us, and we don't have the right to say who is going where after death... only God knows each person's heart. Everyone just try to get along- look at Adam and Kris's friendship from AI.

[cp]

It's unfortunate that so many people will feel like this will cause great suffering... If anything it will be caused by the foul attitudes of both egos.

With that said, we need to understand that no one is more right than the next, but with what we are given we should make the best of it. We are all we have on this planet, it's about time we started loving and accepting one another.

[jlisa]

I am very disappointed in President Obama and his stand on homosexuality in this country. It is sinful, sick and immoral. I hate that I voted for him.

[rose gibbs]

What complete and utter nonsense. The "Don't Ask" Don't tell" policy is exactly that.... policy.

NOT LAW.

Therefore, there is NO NEED for an act of Congress to change that policy. Obama is the COMMANDER IN CHIEF. He can isssue and Executive Order and the policy is history.

He can do just as Eisenhower did with Executive Order 9981(in1948) when Eisenhower commanded full racial integration of the military. No more "Black only" units and the military schools were also desegregated.

Don't take MY word for it, check it out here:
http://www.eisenhowermemorial.org/Civil-Rights.htm

Once again, Obama LIES. When will you peolpe learn that he's just another politician selling lies to whomever will buy them?

[Tapa]

I feel so glad that one of the most known and respected persons in the world today is so accepting and supportive of LGBT. I wish, hope and pray that everyone is equally supportive of them.

I am not an American and I am not an LGBT, but I have been very pleased by this news.

Lets all respect one another, no matter who or how we are.

[<>July 06, 2009 at 07:52 AM]

Christians never hate and when it comes to GLTB we arent hating them we are shouting out the fact that something wrong is going on because America "used" to be a Christian nation and now we are allowing anyone and everything where there will be no restriction except the death penalty because its just America says its just cruel doing that but when it comes to gay rights religions are being ignored and people are getting what wrongs they want. >8l

[St. Peter]

please ignore the mental midgets hiding behind their quotes from scripture. don't feed the trolls.

rest assured that Obama is taking the long view here and things will happen for the LGBT community before his time in office is done.

as for the mindless drones hugging their greatest story ever told, they'll get theirs when the lights go out once and for all, and they are left alone with their final thoughts before the last bit of oxygen in their brain is consumed -- "so that's it? where's St. Peter?"

suckers.

[Kate]

I am so sad at so much anger. I am a Christian and I do believe that the words of the Bible and other sacred texts reflect the work of good men who were taught by Christ. They tell of his preachings and ideals. I just wish that all could see that Christs main message was about love. I have many friends who have chosen a sexual lifestyle other than my own. I love these people and have as much respect for them as any of my friends. However, I disagree with their choices. I never treat them poorly or with disgust. If they ask me my opinion I will give it and am willing to listen and politely disagree. I do not hate gays, lesbians, transgenders or bisexuals. Some of my closest friends share these 'titles'. As far as I know the main disagreement is that their are benefits that a marriage offers such as taxes, that LGTB couples would like to have. I am fine with them receiving these rights. I will not judge you. Just because I disagree does NOT mean that I hate you. I may not have voted for President Obama, but I dio not hate anybody who did. I will show President Obama the respect the President deserves, even though so many did not show our previous president the same. I believe there are ignorant Christians and Athiests. I also believe there are just as many kind and loving people within those categories. I have beliefs that I hold sacred to me as do people of other lifestyles. You may live how you want and I will not hate you, but if something I disagree with threatens what I feel is important I must defend it just as you would. I wish there was a better way to resolve this. I don't have the answer. All I can do is bee kind to everybody and be true to what I say I stand for, and if you think that is close-minded than I apologize. Just know that Christianity is not all corrupted. There are those who live to love like Christ. Bashing somebodies religion or way of life is as bad as hating somebody for being gay.

[Corbin]

Adam and Eve, not Adam and Steve