10 Most Common Things Conservatives Say About Same-Sex Marriage — And How To Shut Them Down

Let’s face it. At one time or another, we have all experienced homophobic remarks while surfing online. While you might think that most of the regular arguing points against the LGBT community would have all been played out by now, nothing could be further from the truth. It’s almost as if ignorance is out on a never-ending reunion tour through cyberspace.

Online debates can get nasty, and often those spouting ‘religious’ beliefs tend to act anything but religious. It’s always the same arguments, the same ignorance, and sometimes even the same people.

It is because of this adamant consistency within the conservative right that I have compiled this list of the 10 Most Common Arguments Against Same-Sex Marriage — And How You Can Shut Them Down.

1. “It isn’t natural.”

Shut them down with:

  1. Homosexuality is found within 1500 species of animals on this planet.
  2. Define “natural.”

2. “Our bodies are obviously built for opposite sex intercourse.”

Shut them down with:

  1. Can you please explain the prostate then? It’s this tiny gland that is deep inside of a man’s anus, and when it is adequately fondled it is capable of bringing the man to orgasm, without his penis ever being touched. Was a woman expected to find that WAY up inside of there?
  2. While you’re at it, can you explain the clitoris too? It is literally on the outside of a woman’s vagina, and it can bring her to orgasm without a penis ever having to penetrate her body (my husband STILL hasn’t found it out there).

3. “God said it was an ‘abomination.’”

Shut them down with:

  1. We live in a religiously free nation; we do not allow anyone’s personal religion to dictate law for all of us.
  2. I don’t believe in God, now what?
  3. God also said shaving was an abomination; tattooing yourself, eating shellfish, eating pork, wearing mixed fabrics, and mixing crops in a field were all sins. By this measure we are all grave sinners.
  4. Are you following the Old Testament now? (If they are referencing Leviticus).
  5. Those are the words of Paul, not Jesus. (If they are referencing Romans).

4. “The purpose of marriage is to produce children, and homosexuals cannot do that.”

Shut them down with:

  1. If the purpose of marriage was solely to produce children, we would not allow infertile couples to wed. We would not allow elderly couples to wed. We would not allow any couples who did not wish to have children at all to be wed.
  2. If the purpose of marriage was solely to produce children, we would require that all couples sign a letter of that intent before the nuptials ever took place. And we wouldn’t allow any couples to produce children before they were married.
  3. The ability to produce children and the ability to raise children are not one and the same.

5. “Marriage has always belonged to Christians — one man and one woman.”

Shut them down with:

  1. Marriage today is not restricted to only those of the Christian faith.
  2. Marriage predates Christianity; Christianity was not even a “thing” until after Jesus died — many marriages occurred before then.
  3. Biblical marriage consists of many things, none of which are described as one man and one woman. One man and many women, slaves, concubines, and rape victims perhaps, but never just one man and one woman.

6. “You can’t just redefine marriage.”

Shut them down with:

  1. We have been redefining marriage since its conception. The fact that you cannot rape a woman, then offer their father two goats and a piece of silver for her hand in marriage is complete proof of this.
  2. Early marriages were more of a business agreement than a romantic ceremony. Dowries and arranged marriages were the norm for affluent families, and for poor families, trading a girl for goods was a common practice.
  3. When the Republicans took this fight to the U.S. District Court, that is exactly what they tried to do; redefine marriage. First they tried to redefine marriage as a solely religious ceremony, but were shut down when reminded that we allow atheists and people of differing faiths to marry. Then they tried to redefine marriage by saying that it was strictly for the purpose of creating children, that is until they were reminded that we allow infertile couples and those who do not wish to become parents at all to marry. Then they tried to say that no marriages should be performed at all unless the church approves of them. I’m not sure about you, but I do not want to go back to the day when marriages have to be approved by the church. Will your marriage meet muster? What’s next? Checking brides for their chasteness?

7. “It is a ‘state’s rights’ issue.”

Shut them down with:

  1. The Supreme Court has decided 15 different times in our history that marriage is indeed a Civil Right. Civil Rights are not left up to the states, and they are not up for a vote.

8. “How will I explain this to my children?”

Shut them down with:

  1. Parenting is full of uncomfortable conversations. The fact that my three year old just “married” her teddy bear to her My Little Pony, tells me that it shouldn’t be too difficult.

9. “I’m tired of it being ‘shoved in my face.’”

Shut them down with:

  1. Why do you people always use the phrase “shove it in my face” when referring to homosexuality? Freudian slip? Until anyone actually shoves it into your face, you have no valid argument.
  2. PDA’s are common for heterosexuals, are you saying that they are the only class allowed such a liberty?

10. “This violates my religious freedom.”

Shut them down with:

  1. If you are still allowed to practice your religion freely, you have lost no religious freedom.
  2. Your religion does not dictate laws for me. My beliefs are my own, and I believe same-sex marriage is fine.
  3. Religious freedom does NOT trump Civil Rights.

In Closing…

Of course, these are just a few of the regurgitated talking points that I read on a daily basis. Just when I think people are beginning to evolve into a more enlightened species, I am again reminded by the trolls online that we are still stuck in a revolving door of ignorance and bigotry.

Unfortunately, ignorance breeds more ignorance, and these people don’t seem to be going anywhere (least of all to the library). It’s one thing to have an opinion, and we are all entitled to one, but would an educated opinion kill them?

What are some common arguments that you have experienced, and how did you respond? Tell us in the comments below.

Chris Moore describes herself as a "bluebonnet trapped in a red state." She is an unashamed atheist, and open bisexual mother of three. After surviving an abusive relationship and being forced to leave the state- she has finally returned and she has a lot to say. She is a current student of law and focuses her writing on areas of injustice and civil rights.