Religion
In reply to the discussion: Sam Harris’ detestable crusade: How his latest anti-Islam tract reveals the bankruptcy of his ideas [View all]Humanist_Activist
(7,670 posts)they are completely dissimilar, if you wanted to make a point, best use something analogous.
After all I have no problem saying that those who oppose interracial marriages in a legal context are racist, because they are racist, its a racist position to take, a segregationist position to take. In fact, it was a position that the majority of the country had for over 30 years after Loving v. Virginia, up until the 1990s. I have no problem saying that those people were(and some still are) racist in this regard.
In addition, there have always been gay priests, and, at least since the 1960s or so, the Church largely didn't care about that, as long as they followed their vows. Pope Benedict actually was uniquely regressive in this regard, at least compared to the past 3 popes or so, and his decision was reversed by Pope Francis. Note, the context for the famous "who am I to judge" misquote comes from this.
In addition, being gay does not mean that you can't be homophobic, quite the contrary, just like women can be misogynist, look at Phyllis Schafly as an example of that.
In addition, does this acceptance include open approval of the opposition to same sex marriage in Argentina, Ireland and Slovenia? Including the use of his image, which I'm assuming he can say no to, in campaigns against legalizing same sex marriage?