NPR: Group Builds Black Support for Gay Marriage

Group Builds Black Support for Gay Marriage

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News Headlines: Oct. 25, 2007
Baltimore Sun: Group Seeking Black Support of Gay Marriage -- "In an effort to raise the issue of gay unions within black communities around the state, activists have formed the Maryland Black Family Alliance, a group of predominantly heterosexual African-American leaders pledging their support for same-sex marriage."

From the article:

"To be sure, there are important differences between the African American experience and that of gay men and lesbians in this country, yet many of the arguments made in support of the anti-miscegenation laws were identical to those made today in opposition to same-sex marriage," Chief Judge Robert M. Bell wrote.

Do you agree?

Related: John Ridley: Donnie McClurkin and Perfecting Gays

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Geoffrey Bennett

12:00 PM ET | 10-25-2007 | permalink

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I see the similarities and I do think the comparison is valid, but there is one significant difference.

During the battle against anti-miscegenation laws, there was no question that one's race was not a choice. While one race was viewed as inferior, this was viewed as just a fact of life, not a choice a person made.

With homosexuality, the question of nature or nurture is still very muc subject to debate. There is no one that has been able to prove with 100% certainty that homosexuality is or is not a genetic trait. Therefore, people that think it is an immoral lifestyle choice can form a reasonable argument against condoning homosexual relationships.

While I see the comparison as valid because of my experiences and opinions regarding homosexuality, I can see why another person with only a slight difference of opinion (having the opinion that homosexuality is a choice, not a genetic trait) might view the comparison as less accurate.

Sent by Daniel Holloway | 1:25 PM ET | 10-25-2007

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