I support gay marriage, and I don't think you should have to bake the cake or arrange the flowers.

I agree with most of what you said about being treated as second class citizens. I believe we should fight to have the same rights as everyone else, but throwing lawsuits at businesses that are skilled laborers and artists (there's a difference between a baker and getting that cake from the super-market) to MAKE them accept our way of life is not going to do anything but cause resentment. Yes, there is a difference between going to the bank and being turned down for a loan, and going to a photographer and asking them to photo your wedding and being turned away. (it's still skilled labor) These lawsuits just give the far right even more ammunition to say we are "forcing" ourselves upon others and you MUST accept this. Personally, I, and most of the American populace, don't care whether Jim Bob and Ethel Mae "accept" us or not. I will not however stand for not having the same rights as others within a governmental setting because of your "religious" views which have no business being within that setting. A public company, vastly different from the government though. You said the lawsuits will insure that other business will treat all customers equally. You can't intimidate people into changing their mindsets, prejudices, or beliefs. Doing this only makes them tuck in harder and resent you. I mean, have you tried arguing with a hardcore conservative, no matter what you say, no matter how much proof you provide, they still won't believe you. Changing hearts and minds comes with patience, time, respect (even if it's not always mutual), and exposure. Human beings fear what they do not understand. If someone has never been exposed to a homosexual before and has only heard bad things and how horrible they are, how do you expect them to react? It's like trying to get my boyfriend to try new foods, and different styles of cuisine. He grew up eating canned peas and veggies along with hot dogs and mac and cheese. He views anything else as "bougie" and over-priced. It taken time and exposure, but I have him eating oysters now. That's just an example. (and dear God what an uphill battle that was) :-)

/r/gaymarriage Thread