Arguments For AND Against Gay Marriage

I'm a registered independent.  I'm a person who usually sees value in both sides of an argument, and do not feel that either party fully (or adequately) represents my political views.  I also feel that defending a party severely limits our ability to have healthy conversations, and even friendships.

And I do say this fully realizing that us here in Twin Falls tend to vote firmly in the red.

But one disturbing trend I'm noticing more and more lately happens when one "side" of any debate argues against the worst or most thoughtless arguments from the other side.  Then, when they, understandable, rip apart the opponents' dumb arguments, they say, "See?  I'm right.  I win!"

This is awful.  When we don't value each others' ideas (at least the thoughtful ones), we don't value each other.

I firmly believe that in order to have a real conversation on any topic we disagree on, we must strive to find the best and most thoughtful arguments on the other side of the aisle and respond to those.

And now, gay marriage.

I will not be arguing my own feelings on the issue here.  Instead, I'm presenting what I think are some of the best arguments for and against (at least as much as an article can present... books have been written on gay marriage).  We must strive first to stretch, grow, and be informed.  Reflect.  For those who subscribe to the Bible, "Be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to become angry."  Listen first, respond second.

Pro Gay Marriage.  And some responses.

Anti Gay Marriage. And some Responses to "against."

Finally, a provocative question that I guess is sort of "for" but suggests that maybe our enemy is something else entirely.

Rather than asking your stance, I'd like to ask instead: is there anything in these articles you hadn't considered before?