I got stretch marks during puberty and I've been up and down on weight (large part due to early adulthood binge drinking). That felt pointless. I now feel like my body has purpose. It's created a whole human! So the weight, the marks, they just seem more worth it. Not so much of an excuse for excess cushiness but a reason for it. I want LO to snuggle into me and all my fluffy goodness. In my mind that's just how moms are (not meaning that a toned and chiseled woman can't love, care, and comfort her child the same).
Baby clothes! Baby gear too! Why are you so ugly? I had a wonderful shower thrown by my MIL this past weekend and recieved so many very thoughtful items. I would never say it to anyone except DH and y'all and I know I sound like an asshole, but COME ON. Pink leggings with a glittery tutu attached to them? So many baby animal pink sparkle ruffle things. So many pastels. So many floral prints. Can't someone just make things in black? Would that be so hard?
I'm looking forward to L&D. Partially because I know I can do it (and survive near death!), partially because my doctor is amazing and the hospital is wonderful, and mostly because I want to meet this little girl! I should add, I'm a "get the epi!" kind of girl, so that probably has an impact. If I were going med free I might not be quite as gung hoe.
That being said, I'm trying to cherish these last days of it just being DS and I (while DH is at work). I know a part of me will miss our little twosome when baby sister rolls in.
The hashtag pregnancyproblems. Whenever I see it all I can feel is sadness for all my friends who've had losses and Gone through IF and still have nothing to show for it. Really the only true pregnancy problem is that not everyone who wants to be pregnant can be.
ME: 35 DH: 39
Married July 2011
DD Born 8/12
TTC #2 since 11/13
ME: Submucosal Fibroid Surgery Date APRIL 14th 2015 -Left Tube is blocked by Fibroid~Surgeon removed 26 Fibroids from my Ute and Unblocked my Tube
DH:Azoospermia...Thank God we have 12 vials of frozen swimmers
The hashtag pregnancyproblems. Whenever I see it all I can feel is sadness for all my friends who've had losses and Gone through IF and still have nothing to show for it. Really the only true pregnancy problem is that not everyone who wants to be pregnant can be.
This is true, but we are on a BMB where everyone is pregnant and who is to say some of these women didn't have problems before this baby. It took us a while to get pregnant and I've had multiple losses, including a stillbirth, but I still joined in because I know that thread is in reference to THIS pregnancy and THIS experience, not my others.
TTC#1 January 2013, BFP 7/4/13 MC 8/7/13 D&C 8/22/13
BFP 5/20/14 CP 5/26/14
BFP 12/6/14 DD Born an Angel on 7/17/15 at 35 weeks
I have a hot one this week, but I don't know if it'll be a UO for you ladies or not.
I am from Mississippi, and I consider North Carolina my second home. This week, Mississippi's Governor signed the religious freedom act to essentially target gays and allow businesses not to serve them without being sued for discrimination. Some business owners feel that the shouldn't have to service those who are "living a life of sin." This is mind boggling to me - doesn't this go against Christian principle? I don't think being gay is a ticket to hell, but even if I did think like these people, aren't we all sinners in theory? Isn't every single one of your customers including yourself living in sin in some way? Additionally, knowing Jesus' story and background, I don't see how anyone thinks he'd be cool with using Christianity and his name as a way to discriminate. It seems so contradictory to me. And the big kicker? The Governor's son is gay! He signed something into law that discriminates against his own flesh and blood.
I wonder if people who support these things are truly "Christians" or just bigots looking for a tool to discriminate.
The hashtag pregnancyproblems. Whenever I see it all I can feel is sadness for all my friends who've had losses and Gone through IF and still have nothing to show for it. Really the only true pregnancy problem is that not everyone who wants to be pregnant can be.
This is true, but we are on a BMB where everyone is pregnant and who is to say some of these women didn't have problems before this baby. It took us a while to get pregnant and I've had multiple losses, including a stillbirth, but I still joined in because I know that thread is in reference to THIS pregnancy and THIS experience, not my others.
I'm not refering to it on this BMB I'm refering to it in general. I have people who are constantly doing it on FB and IG. And it has been especially hard to see it while I went through IF. I thought it wouldn't make me as sad seeing as I am blessed to be pregnant but it still does.
ME: 35 DH: 39
Married July 2011
DD Born 8/12
TTC #2 since 11/13
ME: Submucosal Fibroid Surgery Date APRIL 14th 2015 -Left Tube is blocked by Fibroid~Surgeon removed 26 Fibroids from my Ute and Unblocked my Tube
DH:Azoospermia...Thank God we have 12 vials of frozen swimmers
The hashtag pregnancyproblems. Whenever I see it all I can feel is sadness for all my friends who've had losses and Gone through IF and still have nothing to show for it. Really the only true pregnancy problem is that not everyone who wants to be pregnant can be.
This is true, but we are on a BMB where everyone is pregnant and who is to say some of these women didn't have problems before this baby. It took us a while to get pregnant and I've had multiple losses, including a stillbirth, but I still joined in because I know that thread is in reference to THIS pregnancy and THIS experience, not my others.
I'm not refering to it on this BMB I'm refering to it in general. I have people who are constantly doing it on FB and IG. And it has been especially hard to see it while I went through IF. I thought it wouldn't make me as sad seeing as I am blessed to be pregnant but it still does.
Okay, I totally understand that! I get pretty annoyed when people complain about pregnancy on FB too.
TTC#1 January 2013, BFP 7/4/13 MC 8/7/13 D&C 8/22/13
BFP 5/20/14 CP 5/26/14
BFP 12/6/14 DD Born an Angel on 7/17/15 at 35 weeks
I have a hot one this week, but I don't know if it'll be a UO for you ladies or not.
I am from Mississippi, and I consider North Carolina my second home. This week, Mississippi's Governor signed the religious freedom act to essentially target gays and allow businesses not to serve them without being sued for discrimination. Some business owners feel that the shouldn't have to service those who are "living a life of sin." This is mind boggling to me - doesn't this go against Christian principle? I don't think being gay is a ticket to hell, but even if I did think like these people, aren't we all sinners in theory? Additionally, knowing Jesus' story and background, I don't see how anyone thinks he'd be cool with using Christianity and his name as a way to discriminate. It seems so contradictory to me. And the big kicker? The Governor's son is gay! He signed something into law that discriminates against his own flesh and blood.
I wonder if people who support these things are truly "Christians" or just bigots looking for a tool to discriminate.
I hate when I hear something like this. To answer your question, they are just bigots. There is nothing Christian about treating other people with hate. And I would like to add that I'm sure these business owners don't refuse to serve heterosexuals who are on their 4th marriages, or cheat on their spouses, or abuse their spouses. The "sanctity of marriage" argument is complete BS.
I have a hot one this week, but I don't know if it'll be a UO for you ladies or not.
I am from Mississippi, and I consider North Carolina my second home. This week, Mississippi's Governor signed the religious freedom act to essentially target gays and allow businesses not to serve them without being sued for discrimination. Some business owners feel that the shouldn't have to service those who are "living a life of sin." This is mind boggling to me - doesn't this go against Christian principle? I don't think being gay is a ticket to hell, but even if I did think like these people, aren't we all sinners in theory? Additionally, knowing Jesus' story and background, I don't see how anyone thinks he'd be cool with using Christianity and his name as a way to discriminate. It seems so contradictory to me. And the big kicker? The Governor's son is gay! He signed something into law that discriminates against his own flesh and blood.
I wonder if people who support these things are truly "Christians" or just bigots looking for a tool to discriminate.
It's things like this that give many of us Christians a really bad name. My MIL is so very much like this, she is undoubtedly THE most judgmental person I've ever met in my entire life. I was raised Baptist as was my mother and my mother's family. My mom drinks alcohol on occasion, she smokes cigarettes, and when she and my dad go on vacation they tend to gamble a little bit. My mom taught us kids to have our own relationship with God, and I have grown up to see that I have an amazing relationship with the Lord although I may not happen to make it to church every Sunday out of the year. My MIL says that I'm not a Christian for drinking alcohol and cursing every now and then, my mom isn't a Christian because she drinks, smokes, and gambles as well as curses every now and then. My MIL used the Bible to call me the devil and shame my family and I and thinks she's much better than us because she claims to "live by the Bible". To me, my Lord and savior is likely to accept me regardless of the fact that I drink alcohol and let a curse word slip here and there and he's likely to accept my mother and all her "flaws" as well because we try our best to live a life of acceptance and loving of those around us regardless of who they are or how they choose to live their lives. Really ticks me off that people use religion and the Bible for their own twisted purposes in life.
@missnc77 I thought about this the other day. Would the Christian business owners be upset if they were refused service by a business that happened to be run by an LGBT person(s)?
@Aquinna82 Yup. My facebook this week has been good practice in keeping my mouth shut. But when I see someone defend and say it's sad we still are having to pass laws that protect religion, I want to slap that person. The law isn't protecting your religion, it's allowing you to freely discriminate under the veil that you're a Christian.
I think maternity clothes are fugly. Why so many garish prints and colors? Why can't maternity clothes be in basic neutral colors? I have so many maternity clothes that if they were made in my normal non-pg size I would never, ever wear.
Also, I agree on the anti-LGBT legislation. Where is the humanity? LGBT people are...people. So we should treat LGBT people like legitimate members of our communities.
@missnc77 I thought about this the other day. Would the Christian business owners be upset if they were refused service by a business that happened to be run by an LGBT person(s)?
They probably wouldn't set foot in the business anyway - you know, risk of contact with gay people may actually make you gay. Gotta watch out!
@Aquinna82 Yup. My facebook this week has been good practice in keeping my mouth shut. But when I see someone defend and say it's sad we still are having to pass laws that protect religion, I want to slap that person. The law isn't protecting your religion, it's allowing you to freely discriminate under the veil that you're a Christian.
Right? What's SAD is that we have to pass laws that ensure that people are treated like human beings.
@Aquinna82 Yup. My facebook this week has been good practice in keeping my mouth shut. But when I see someone defend and say it's sad we still are having to pass laws that protect religion, I want to slap that person. The law isn't protecting your religion, it's allowing you to freely discriminate under the veil that you're a Christian.
Right? What's SAD is that we have to pass laws that ensure that people are treated like human beings.
And why is that so often the politicians leading the homophobic crusades end up involved in some kind of sex scandal themselves? It is so clearly NOT about religion or ethics. It is about furthering bigoted political agendas.
I have a hot one this week, but I don't know if it'll be a UO for you ladies or not.
I am from Mississippi, and I consider North Carolina my second home. This week, Mississippi's Governor signed the religious freedom act to essentially target gays and allow businesses not to serve them without being sued for discrimination. Some business owners feel that the shouldn't have to service those who are "living a life of sin." This is mind boggling to me - doesn't this go against Christian principle? I don't think being gay is a ticket to hell, but even if I did think like these people, aren't we all sinners in theory? Additionally, knowing Jesus' story and background, I don't see how anyone thinks he'd be cool with using Christianity and his name as a way to discriminate. It seems so contradictory to me. And the big kicker? The Governor's son is gay! He signed something into law that discriminates against his own flesh and blood.
I wonder if people who support these things are truly "Christians" or just bigots looking for a tool to discriminate.
As a very proud follower of Christ, I can tell you it makes me sick when people use His name to justify hatred and bigotry. If you truly believe that Christ is the Messiah and want to be like Him then you could never discriminate against someone because of "a life of sin". Jesus sacrificed himself on the cross so we could have ultimate forgiveness and his blood symbolizes the covenant with God that all sins of man can and will be forgiven. Christ defiled himself by taking the cup of suffering in the Garden of Gethsemane so that his blood could save all. Every human has sinned, but God grants everlasting forgiveness through the ultimate act of love carried out by His only son, Jesus the Christ. I believe I have a personal relationship with Jesus and by knowing and loving Him, I can confidently say he would be overturning tables left and right and He IS through the voices and works of his TRUE followers. It is only when TRUE believers stand up and preach the Good Word that Christ has come to save us from our sins that the hatred and discrimination can cease and we can learn to love one another as purely as Christ loves us. Yes, we are all sinners, but loving is NEVER a sin. Choosing to love is what drove Christ to do everything he did and does. Christ came to bring a new covenant, to abolish the old ways of tyranny and blind "justice" which called for an eye for an eye and left no room for the grace and mercy of God. It is not "Christian" to deny someone rights because of who they were made to be or who they love.
Even if you do somehow interpret God's word to say that homosexuality is a sin (personally, I do not believe that), that is still no justification to discriminate. If so, you would have to also deny rights to any one who commits any number of other sins listed in sacred text with no regard for the fact that God grants us his amazing grace to forgive sin and to love the sinner. So, yes, these "Christians" are not true followers of Christ as far as I am concerned and are using His name and works to somehow justify their own hatred and inability to see the truth that God is Love.
But the bigger issue here is the legality of allowing a specific religion to dictate laws and government. No religious belief should supersede our US Constitution which states that ALL are created equal. Granted, the Constitution does not specify sexual orientation, but it also does not specify people with disabilities and yet our government has enacted protective legislation to ensure equal rights as was intended by the Founding Fathers, even if they did not use specific modern terminology or language. How can we as Americans assume that the authors of our Constitution did not intend for equal rights to be applied to various sexual orientations or gender identities? Unless they specified "all EXCEPT homosexuals and transgender individuals are created equal", what right does a religious organization or business have to deny services and not be sued for discrimination? Discrimination lawsuits are LEGAL proceedings and separate from the religious affiliation of the parties involved. Hiding behind a religion should not guarantee that you can break the law and not have to answer for it. What if there was a religion that said anyone with red hair is evil and is a sinner? Would we suddenly have laws to protect followers of that religion if they choose to deny services to red-heads? Doesn't that sound ridiculous? Well, it is!
I'm actually looking forward to my cervical check in two weeks. I have a curious mind and I want to know, dangit! I realize it doesn't always indicate how quickly things will progress, but I still want to know.
I don't like taking baths. I don't find it comfortable or relaxing and it kind of grosses me out.
Me neither. The same goes for laboring in a tub. I get why it appeals to some people and I understand there are proven medical benefits in terms of pain control...but I would be so uncomfortable that my increased anxiety would cancel out any potential benefit.
@ladysamlady - I'll only take them at the end of the day because I will have showered by that point, and outside of sitting in clean clothes in an office or running a few errands, I'm pretty clean. If I'm dirty though, I hate taking a bath. I did suck it up a few times along the way this pregnancy because I was so darn tired some days. We're doing a master bathroom reno on a pretty small master bathroom that has one of those huge 90s jetted tubs. In a perfect world, we'd skip the tub and just do a big spa shower, but we were told that can hurt resale value, and we have to move again in 2.5 years. So, we're putting in a claw foot tub to save space and expanding our shower by the few inches we're saving with the claw tub. Such a waste.
I have a hot one this week, but I don't know if it'll be a UO for you ladies or not.
I am from Mississippi, and I consider North Carolina my second home. This week, Mississippi's Governor signed the religious freedom act to essentially target gays and allow businesses not to serve them without being sued for discrimination. Some business owners feel that the shouldn't have to service those who are "living a life of sin." This is mind boggling to me - doesn't this go against Christian principle? I don't think being gay is a ticket to hell, but even if I did think like these people, aren't we all sinners in theory? Isn't every single one of your customers including yourself living in sin in some way? Additionally, knowing Jesus' story and background, I don't see how anyone thinks he'd be cool with using Christianity and his name as a way to discriminate. It seems so contradictory to me. And the big kicker? The Governor's son is gay! He signed something into law that discriminates against his own flesh and blood.
I wonder if people who support these things are truly "Christians" or just bigots looking for a tool to discriminate.
As an Indiana Hoosier who's had to fight this battle I sympathize with you. It's disgusting and embarrassing to live in a state that promotes hate.
Ok, here's one that I just got into via a FB post from a good friend. She was referring to the Kesha situation (which makes me sooooo ragey I can't even handle it!), but I found myself on a very strange side of the issue. The judge ruled that rape is not a gender-based hate crime. Knowing myself, I would assume I would be ready to tear that judge a new one and I am, but not for that specific ruling. I also do not believe that rape is a gender-based hate crime.
Hear me out: as I understand it, a hate crime is committed specifically against someone based on religion, race, gender, etc, correct? While you can definitely say that Kesha was raped and that she is a woman, I don't know if you can conclude that she was raped BECAUSE she is a woman. While rape is sexual in nature, it is at the root an act of violence that uses sex as a weapon, just like a sniper chooses to use a gun and a slasher chooses to use a knife. Guns and knives can be used for acts other than violence, just as sex can (and should) be non-violent. There are cases where some rapists are non-discriminatory and will attack people regardless of gender (these assailants tend to target pre-pubescent children). Rape is not committed "because someone is a woman". Men can be victims as well. Rape is committed because the assailant desires power and control over another and uses sex as a weapon. Rape is definitely one of the most atrocious crimes that someone could commit, but I do not think it can be classified as a gender-based hate crime, especially since a victim could be gender fluid and the rapist may not even know (or care) the gender of the person they are attacking. Rape is not about sexual attraction or orientation; it is about violating someone else's body in order to gain control and a sense of power.
I have a hot one this week, but I don't know if it'll be a UO for you ladies or not.
I am from Mississippi, and I consider North Carolina my second home. This week, Mississippi's Governor signed the religious freedom act to essentially target gays and allow businesses not to serve them without being sued for discrimination. Some business owners feel that the shouldn't have to service those who are "living a life of sin." This is mind boggling to me - doesn't this go against Christian principle? I don't think being gay is a ticket to hell, but even if I did think like these people, aren't we all sinners in theory? Additionally, knowing Jesus' story and background, I don't see how anyone thinks he'd be cool with using Christianity and his name as a way to discriminate. It seems so contradictory to me. And the big kicker? The Governor's son is gay! He signed something into law that discriminates against his own flesh and blood.
I wonder if people who support these things are truly "Christians" or just bigots looking for a tool to discriminate.
It's things like this that give many of us Christians a really bad name. My MIL is so very much like this, she is undoubtedly THE most judgmental person I've ever met in my entire life. I was raised Baptist as was my mother and my mother's family. My mom drinks alcohol on occasion, she smokes cigarettes, and when she and my dad go on vacation they tend to gamble a little bit. My mom taught us kids to have our own relationship with God, and I have grown up to see that I have an amazing relationship with the Lord although I may not happen to make it to church every Sunday out of the year. My MIL says that I'm not a Christian for drinking alcohol and cursing every now and then, my mom isn't a Christian because she drinks, smokes, and gambles as well as curses every now and then. My MIL used the Bible to call me the devil and shame my family and I and thinks she's much better than us because she claims to "live by the Bible". To me, my Lord and savior is likely to accept me regardless of the fact that I drink alcohol and let a curse word slip here and there and he's likely to accept my mother and all her "flaws" as well because we try our best to live a life of acceptance and loving of those around us regardless of who they are or how they choose to live their lives. Really ticks me off that people use religion and the Bible for their own twisted purposes in life.
Holy cow. Your MIL sounds like the mom from the Carrie movie
Yep. I've made it through this entire pregnancy with only the help of one pair of maternity jeans and my Blanqui leggings. I've refused to buy maternity clothes otherwise. The prints! The fit! Blech.
Don't even get me started on some of the legislation passed recently regarding the LGBT community. So. Fucked.
I think maternity clothes are fugly. Why so many garish prints and colors? Why can't maternity clothes be in basic neutral colors? I have so many maternity clothes that if they were made in my normal non-pg size I would never, ever wear.
I don't like Divergent. I couldn't get through the first books. I wanted to punch the main character. "Hey don't do this!" "Oh don't do it... ok.. I'm gonna do it anyway." While I KNOW this is how teenagers act (I work with them after all). It annoyed me. That being said, if you loved it, great! I love it when people love books- even if I don't (I also despise Twilight)- but don't get mad at me and act like something is wrong with me for not liking a book you love.
I don't like Divergent. I couldn't get through the first books. I wanted to punch the main character. "Hey don't do this!" "Oh don't do it... ok.. I'm gonna do it anyway." While I KNOW this is how teenagers act (I work with them after all). It annoyed me. That being said, if you loved it, great! I love it when people love books- even if I don't (I also despise Twilight)- but don't get mad at me and act like something is wrong with me for not liking a book you love.
Twilight is some of the worst writing I've ever read in my life.
@AliciaD39 yeah she's a real peach, I've posted about her a few times in the problematic in laws page. DH and I don't speak to her or her daughter anymore. My SIL is exactly the same as MIL, they're quite the pair.
@bookelf221 I hated the Twilight series as well. I read the first one, I even watched the first movie. Couldn't do it. Like you though, I thought it was nice to see a bunch of people I know don't normally read be so excited about books.
There are way too many people to quote who were talking about this but I agree with everyone regarding the LGBTQ and the law passed in Mississippi. Jesus didn't judge us, why are we judging each other. I'm Catholic and really, if Pope Francis can be loving to everyone, why can't we be? Who are we to judge who is better than who in this life? It's not up to us to judge, we are here to help one another and prepare for our life in Heaven.
And for Pete's sake, the governor of Mississippi has a son who is gay? Shame on him. Really.
I don't like Divergent. I couldn't get through the first books. I wanted to punch the main character. "Hey don't do this!" "Oh don't do it... ok.. I'm gonna do it anyway." While I KNOW this is how teenagers act (I work with them after all). It annoyed me. That being said, if you loved it, great! I love it when people love books- even if I don't (I also despise Twilight)- but don't get mad at me and act like something is wrong with me for not liking a book you love.
Twilight is some of the worst writing I've ever read in my life.
I agree- and I hate that its completely ok that Edward is basically stalking her. That's not ok, and no teenage girl should be taught that it is.
Re: UO Thursday 4/7/16
I got stretch marks during puberty and I've been up and down on weight (large part due to early adulthood binge drinking). That felt pointless. I now feel like my body has purpose. It's created a whole human! So the weight, the marks, they just seem more worth it. Not so much of an excuse for excess cushiness but a reason for it. I want LO to snuggle into me and all my fluffy goodness. In my mind that's just how moms are (not meaning that a toned and chiseled woman can't love, care, and comfort her child the same).
DD: 05/14/16
Married: Oct 20, 2013
BFP 1: Aug 31, 2015
EDD 1: May 12, 2016
DD1 Emma born May 12, 2016
An Honest Account of New Motherhood (with Postpartum Anxiety, Depression, and OCD)
BFP 2: October 07, 2019
EDD 2: June 20, 2020
That being said, I'm trying to cherish these last days of it just being DS and I (while DH is at work). I know a part of me will miss our little twosome when baby sister rolls in.
ME: 35 DH: 39
Married July 2011
DD Born 8/12
TTC #2 since 11/13
ME: Submucosal Fibroid Surgery Date APRIL 14th 2015 -Left Tube is blocked by Fibroid~Surgeon removed 26 Fibroids from my Ute and Unblocked my Tube
DH:Azoospermia...Thank God we have 12 vials of frozen swimmers
July 15-Check to see if Ute is all healed
IUI #1 8/3/15...BFN
IUI #2 9/5/15...BFP on 9/17/15
Beta #1-344
Beta #2-809
Beta #3 8,390
1st u/s 8/8/15 1 bean HB 135 @ 6w5d
just kidding but bacon is everything.
Darn Bump wouldn't let me quote... @saladflambe
I am from Mississippi, and I consider North Carolina my second home. This week, Mississippi's Governor signed the religious freedom act to essentially target gays and allow businesses not to serve them without being sued for discrimination. Some business owners feel that the shouldn't have to service those who are "living a life of sin." This is mind boggling to me - doesn't this go against Christian principle? I don't think being gay is a ticket to hell, but even if I did think like these people, aren't we all sinners in theory? Isn't every single one of your customers including yourself living in sin in some way? Additionally, knowing Jesus' story and background, I don't see how anyone thinks he'd be cool with using Christianity and his name as a way to discriminate. It seems so contradictory to me. And the big kicker? The Governor's son is gay! He signed something into law that discriminates against his own flesh and blood.
I wonder if people who support these things are truly "Christians" or just bigots looking for a tool to discriminate.
ME: 35 DH: 39
Married July 2011
DD Born 8/12
TTC #2 since 11/13
ME: Submucosal Fibroid Surgery Date APRIL 14th 2015 -Left Tube is blocked by Fibroid~Surgeon removed 26 Fibroids from my Ute and Unblocked my Tube
DH:Azoospermia...Thank God we have 12 vials of frozen swimmers
July 15-Check to see if Ute is all healed
IUI #1 8/3/15...BFN
IUI #2 9/5/15...BFP on 9/17/15
Beta #1-344
Beta #2-809
Beta #3 8,390
1st u/s 8/8/15 1 bean HB 135 @ 6w5d
Also, I agree on the anti-LGBT legislation. Where is the humanity? LGBT people are...people. So we should treat LGBT people like legitimate members of our communities.
DS: Born 5-17-16
Even if you do somehow interpret God's word to say that homosexuality is a sin (personally, I do not believe that), that is still no justification to discriminate. If so, you would have to also deny rights to any one who commits any number of other sins listed in sacred text with no regard for the fact that God grants us his amazing grace to forgive sin and to love the sinner. So, yes, these "Christians" are not true followers of Christ as far as I am concerned and are using His name and works to somehow justify their own hatred and inability to see the truth that God is Love.
But the bigger issue here is the legality of allowing a specific religion to dictate laws and government. No religious belief should supersede our US Constitution which states that ALL are created equal. Granted, the Constitution does not specify sexual orientation, but it also does not specify people with disabilities and yet our government has enacted protective legislation to ensure equal rights as was intended by the Founding Fathers, even if they did not use specific modern terminology or language. How can we as Americans assume that the authors of our Constitution did not intend for equal rights to be applied to various sexual orientations or gender identities? Unless they specified "all EXCEPT homosexuals and transgender individuals are created equal", what right does a religious organization or business have to deny services and not be sued for discrimination? Discrimination lawsuits are LEGAL proceedings and separate from the religious affiliation of the parties involved. Hiding behind a religion should not guarantee that you can break the law and not have to answer for it. What if there was a religion that said anyone with red hair is evil and is a sinner? Would we suddenly have laws to protect followers of that religion if they choose to deny services to red-heads? Doesn't that sound ridiculous? Well, it is!
DD: 05/14/16
Ok, here's one that I just got into via a FB post from a good friend. She was referring to the Kesha situation (which makes me sooooo ragey I can't even handle it!), but I found myself on a very strange side of the issue. The judge ruled that rape is not a gender-based hate crime. Knowing myself, I would assume I would be ready to tear that judge a new one and I am, but not for that specific ruling. I also do not believe that rape is a gender-based hate crime.
Hear me out: as I understand it, a hate crime is committed specifically against someone based on religion, race, gender, etc, correct? While you can definitely say that Kesha was raped and that she is a woman, I don't know if you can conclude that she was raped BECAUSE she is a woman. While rape is sexual in nature, it is at the root an act of violence that uses sex as a weapon, just like a sniper chooses to use a gun and a slasher chooses to use a knife. Guns and knives can be used for acts other than violence, just as sex can (and should) be non-violent. There are cases where some rapists are non-discriminatory and will attack people regardless of gender (these assailants tend to target pre-pubescent children). Rape is not committed "because someone is a woman". Men can be victims as well. Rape is committed because the assailant desires power and control over another and uses sex as a weapon. Rape is definitely one of the most atrocious crimes that someone could commit, but I do not think it can be classified as a gender-based hate crime, especially since a victim could be gender fluid and the rapist may not even know (or care) the gender of the person they are attacking. Rape is not about sexual attraction or orientation; it is about violating someone else's body in order to gain control and a sense of power.
from the Carrie movie
Don't even get me started on some of the legislation passed recently regarding the LGBT community. So. Fucked.
vinerie said:
BFP #1: 9/12/2015
DD: 6/1/2016
BFP #2: 1/16/2018 MC 2/2/2018
And for Pete's sake, the governor of Mississippi has a son who is gay? Shame on him. Really.