Good day,
I have to voice my opinion on this. I believe that placing a ban on gay marriage is a mistake and there are several reasons why this is not a good idea. The first on the list being of the most importance to the V.I.
1. The V.I.'s economy is mainly based on tourism. Gay and lesbian couples have what is commonly referred to as "disposable" income. They travel all over the world to get married where it is legal to do so. We already know that some of the gay and lesbian cruises come to the V.I. — imagine what could be gained if they could legally get married and have a honeymoon here.
2. The majority of people base their views of gay and lesbian marriage on their religion. Let's remember that the U.S. Constitution guarantees a separation of church and state. People cannot be discriminated against or persecuted due to their religious beliefs. Why is it OK to discriminate and persecute gays and lesbians because of who they love?
3. The majority of the "Christians" that are against gays and lesbians, calling it a sin/abomination, are deriving this belief from Leviticus. Why is it that this is the only passage of the Bible that is taken so literally? I will give you some examples:
A. Cursing of one's parents — an abomination
B. Adultery — an abomination
C. Do not plant your field with two seeds — an abomination
D. Do not wear clothes of two materials — an abomination.
E. Do not cut the sides of your hair or trim your beard — an abomination
F. Do not eat pork — it is unclean, an abomination
Shall I continue? There are plenty more examples. It appears to me that today's "Christians" take what they will from the Bible and use it against people — but completely ignore anything that should apply to them. The Bible is nothing more than a cultural guideline written based on the culture of that time.
4. If being gay really is a sin, then let that sin be judged by the only one that should judge it. I believe the Bible also says something about do not judge, lest ye be judged, and let the one without sin cast the first stone.
You see, God gave man the greatest gift of all. That gift is free will. We were given a choice to live our lives as we saw fit. And if you take away any of our fundamental rights, we no longer have free will. It is not your right or your place to judge me, to tell me who I can and can't marry. You see, you are a mere mortal, same as me. Only one person/being has the power to judge me and others like me.
We let you live your lives, why can't you let us do the same? What happens behind the closed door of my bedroom is none of your business. Who I love and how I love them is also none of your business. I am who I am — nothing is ever going to change that.
Lee Shirk
St. Thomas
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