ACCEPTANCE AND RESPECT FOR THE LGBT COMMUNITY

Recently, the LGBT community did not hide their disgust over the statement issued by a lawmaker/athlete comparing the union of two people of the same sex to animals (and even worse for that matter). As expected, the LGBT community took this with indignation and stirred up a hornet's nest. 

Let us take a look at this argument from both sides of the coin, (which should be the case in any similar situation), to avoid being biased. 

I am sure the lawmaker was just expressing his opinion, but was somewhat judgmental and not tactful enough in his statement. He probably said one thing but meant another. As a rule, we have to be very careful with our words. Before we say anything, we should first ask ourselves, "Will I offend anyone by saying this?" If the answer is yes, it is best to keep it to ourselves. 

As a Catholic, I know and believe that marriage is only between a man and a woman with the purpose of pro-creation. So same sex marriage is definitely out of the question. I would not however claim to be self righteous, much more compare them to animals because that would be very hurtful (not to mention inhuman).

The LGBT community do not refer to said union as marriage, but as a domestic partnership. It has something to do with legal rights, or the allotment of assets they acquired as partners. That is a legal issue and I wouldn't dwell on it too much.

I regard the  LGBT community as the most misunderstood (and maligned) members of society. I have friends, office mates and relatives who belong to this group, including my best friend who is the most kindhearted and prayerful person I've ever known. They also happen to be the most creative and artistic people hereabouts. In fact the world would be in a drab existence without them.  

I do not agree that God does not love them. God loves all his children equally, regardless of gender. They were created by the same God who created heterosexuals. Most of them, if not all, were born that way. That is why at a very young age, there exists a state of confusion and it is unclear to them why physically they are male (or vice versa), but unlike other boys of the same age who play with guns, they prefer dolls. And their parents who should be the best persons to advise and guide them, are the very people who berate and much more batter them, especially their own fathers. So much so that most of them prefer to stay in the closet for the rest of their lives.

People regardless of status should be treated with deference and compassion at all times, and the LGBT community is no exception. As Christians, specifically Catholics, acceptance and accordance of respect to them should be one of our creeds in life.

If God can accept and love them, who are we to scorn them?