Why does your book control the moral standard for the entire nation?

I'd like to respond to Jonathan Russel on his topic of same-sex marriage. I'd like to point out that Christianity didn't create marriage. Egyptians, ancient Romans, ancient Greeks, etc. all had some form of marriage in place. Additionally, I'd like to add that the Bible doesn't JUST define marriage between a man and a woman. It also defined it as a woman and her rapist; a man, woman, and concubines; a man and his brother's widow; a man, woman, and her slaves; and not to mention all of the polygamy that you can find in the Bible. So, please don't tell me that MY "lifestyle" is unnatural.

Additionally, if someone tried to influence you to be same-sex oriented, would it work? I bet you, along with science, said "no." This is because your sexual orientation is determined by genetics and hormones from the carrying mother. So just as you could never choose to be gay, we could never choose to be straight.

We are not asking you to agree with us or be gay, we are asking you to give us our rights to marry. Prohibiting us from getting married does not benefit you in any way, it only hurts us.
               "Most research studies show that children with two moms or two dads fare just as well as children with heterosexual parents. In fact, one comprehensive study of children raised by lesbian mothers or gay fathers concluded that children raised by same-sex parents did not differ from other children in terms of emotional functioning, sexual orientation, stigmatization, gender role behavior, behavioral adjustment, gender identity, learning and grade point averages. Where research differences have been found, they have sometimes favored same-sex parents. For example, adolescents with same-sex parents reported feeling more connected at school. Another study reported that children in gay and lesbian households are more likely to talk about emotionally difficult topics, and they are often more resilient, compassionate and tolerant. The same concerns that face many heterosexual parents when they are deciding to have children also face same-sex parents including time, money, and responsibilities of parenthood. Likewise, many of the parenting tasks faced by same-sex parents are similar to those faced by heterosexual parents, such as providing appropriate structure for children, while also being warm and accepting, setting limits, teaching open and honest communication, healthy conflict resolution, and monitoring of child’s peer network and extracurricular activities. Some differences may include adapting to different types of family forms, the impact of social stigma on the family, and dealing with extended family members who may not be supportive of same-sex parenting." 

Open up your mind. Your Bible also teaches you acceptance.