Its ironic that you don’t see the connection here, but as a gay man let me try and explain how this personally makes me feel. I only require love and respect from my friends, if either one of those things do not exist, then a relationship has little chance of flourishing. So when I hear that as a musician you would not perform at a gay function simply because the participants are gay, I immediately hear that you believe I am less than you, and therefore I would not choose to have you in my life. Obviously I cannot speak for your friends, but this has happened to me in my life and my response has been to move away from that relationship.

Let me stress this…you absolutely have the right to believe what you want, and within the bounds of the law, express your views….however, anyone you associate with is not required to remain in a relationship which does not view their existence as equal to yours.

I have many gay friends, and they love and respect me a fully as they do anyone else in their lives, and conversely, I have family members who only see me as someone who is a sinner and in need of saving…..who do you think has a place in my life.

Look, I get it, you have a view which you have been taught is the right one, and maybe it is…however, as humans, and Americans, we all have a right to exist in this society with all of the same rights whether or not we agree with your specific religion.

I’ll leave you with this……in your argument, simply exchange the antagonist and protagonist and see if you don’t see things a bit differently.

Take care…

Scott

I do have a problem with the church’s performance of marriages possibly being regulated by the government, however, and I think that’s why our government has been somewhat hesitant to go “all the way” with this, because of the supposed separation of church and state.

I am thankful to God for your posts. I read them from Africa where I am serving (I’m born in the USA). Regarding your 5th point, this may sound strange, but Africa may be a place of refuge.