re: #1008 Salamantis

And that is because race, gender and sexuality are about intrinsic physical and behavioral characteristics, while religion is about voluntarily embraced ideas. Genes vs. memes. Ideas can be debated; characteristics can only be attacked.

Actually, there is no proof that homosexuality is intrinsic or genetic. Does that mean we’re free to make fun of it? You argue that a God gene very likely doesn’t exist in an attempt to justify being allowed to say whatever hateful things you want about religion. There’s no convincing evidence that there is a gay gene, so it’s fair game then?

People individuallychoose to become porn stars (because there’s money in it) or to murder (for a variety of reasons), but they aren’t born to be either.

Actually, from what I’ve seen, there is currently more evidence linking violence to genetics than there is linking homosexuality to genetics.

This has indeed been suggested by some. But, since far from everyone believes in higher powers (check out the Buddhists, and Taoists and Confucians, for example, not even to mention secular atheists), it is highly unlikely to be a genetically based exigency.

Well the fundamental flaw in your argument (when you’re trying to argue that homosexuality is intrinsic or genetic) is that not everyone is gay. So by your logic, this would mean that it is highly unlikely that homosexuality is a genetically-based exigency, and therefore, like religion, it is open to hateful criticism on this basis.