Disney to Allow Same-Sex Fairytale Commitment Ceremonies

[verticalzero]

Excellent News Disney, Everyone is equal in this world.

 

Better get the Euro Disney trip arranged soon.

[Spookbaby]

Way to go Disney *HIGH FIVE!*

 

Now if only the rest of America would get their heads out of the ignorant booty's!

[jimbobcoaster]

This is an awesome move of Disney! I really think homosexuality should be excepted so I am so glad Disney is doing this. Their openmindedness is great, which is a reason why I also like TPR. Everyone here is very openminded!

[CircaCG]

I agree that TPR is very openminded, i've been reading posts for a while but never really felt like posting till recently.

 

 

I consider myself to be fairly conservative, and i dont see a problem with disney doing this. Like many have said they are most likely doing this for money reasons and not necessarily for the cause of the homosexual movement.

 

 

^^I dont necessarily think that america is ignorant, just slow to change especially on the foundation of the country that was formed under christianity and the bible. But its inevitable that within a generation or two this wont really be an issue, and i'll just be happy when its laid to rest and people can agree on something.

[Calvin]

I really think homosexuality should be excepted so I am so glad Disney is doing this.!

 

This is the most ironic typo I've ever seen. Just saying.

 

Good job Disney! Wonder who'll be the first to get commited?

 

Also, this was in our paper a little while ago, and there were a bunch of people in the opinions section talking about how awful it was the next day. Gotta love Fresno.

[deguy123]

I personally think all gay marriages and unions should be banned, but that is because it says it multiple times in the bible that homosexuality is not allowed.

 

This is just Disney's way to confirm to the new way people are thinking.

 

All that said, 8k for a wedding, at disney. I haven't even thought about getting married yet, and that seems high. I would rather have it at a church. Plus, as someone said, if a child at a young age sees two people of a similar sex kissing, that is going to bring up questions and some parents might want to wait to explain some things to kids.

 

I think that when you read the bible, many things that people do are not allowed in any form.

[deguy123]

I don't see anything wrong with allowing people to have the kind of relationship they want to have. Just like people who condemn porn, no one is forcing you to watch it or be involved with it.

 

Considering that most companies now allow insurance for same sex couples, more and more places are doing commitment ceremonies, etc, it would seem that same-sex couples are more socially acceptable than even smoking these days!

 

And to those people who say "it's disgusting" to see same-sex couples in public, OMG....H-E-L-L-O.....have you seen what some hetrosexual couples will do in public?!?! How many times have you walked past a couple and thought to yourself "get a room....no....wiat.....get a backseat of a car because you won't make it to the room!!!"

 

If you don't like same-sex couples, don't hang out with them! I hardly see what harm they are doing to you, regardless of what book you've read that says it's not allowed.

 

--Robb "$8k for a wedding is nothing. Our WDW wedding cost about 3 times that amount." Alvey

 

This is exactly true, you don't ever see Gay couples out humping each other on a bench unless it's late at night...lol...

 

But Rob said it correctly, If you don't like it that's fine but they(I) are not harming or effecting you in any way.

[mudvayneimn]

^^I dont necessarily think that america is ignorant, just slow to change especially on the foundation of the country that was formed under christianity and the bible. But its inevitable that within a generation or two this wont really be an issue, and i'll just be happy when its laid to rest and people can agree on something.

 

As a young adult I sometimes find myself impatiently waiting for the day the older generation(s) passes on. I know that sounds harsh but coming into this world as a African American, bisexual guy, I've seen my fair share of ignorance. From my own experiences, I've realized that black people tend to be VERY homophobic and some of the things I hear coming from my grandmother, and even my mother are shocking to my ears. You would think African Americans of all people would be more accepting considering the all too known trials of the past, but many seem to be the first to jump onto restricting the right to equality of another minority group. Anywho, watching all of the injustice, bigotries, and downright hate on the TV everyday makes absolutely no sense to me and most others in my age group. It all seems so pointless and I feel like there's nothing that I or my cohorts can do to really end it until most of the older generations (and their prejudices) are gone. Thankfully, younger Americans are beginning to open the eyes of our (mostly respected) elders to show them just how much time is being wasted on complete bull crap.

 

To make this post more on topic, even though I don't really understand the whole "love" and "marriage" thing, especially since Disney gave me false impressions on just what "love" is, I think Disney doing this another step, be it a tiny one, in curing America of it's paralysis aka prejudices.

[Robgraves]

To make this post more on topic, even though I don't really understand the whole "love" and "marriage" thing, especially since Disney gave me false impressions on just what "love" is

 

 

ok, i know im gonna open up a can of worms here... but..

 

'splainplease?

[jtizzle]

Glad to hear this. Makes me feel even more welcome to be at a Disney park.

[TheRapidsNerd]

Wow! Didn't realize same sex unions at Disney weren't already an option. Thought otherwise since they already had dedicated tour days for the gay and lesbian community.

 

Frankly, anybody who wants one should be able to have a happy Disney wedding. Period.

[JFields]

As a Christian, I felt that I should respond to some of what has been said, and maybe try to provide a fresh perspective on this whole big debate. First off, yes I am quoting the Bible in some places to provide justification for some of the things that I say. But it is because I am a Christian. You will probably laugh at me for using this analogy, but it is kind of similar to us as coaster enthusiasts spouting off statistics to a roller coaster due to the statistics that are published by the park- it’s all we have to go on. If the park tells us it is a certain height, unless we have some decently fancy instruments and most likely backstage access to the park, we will never know for sure. Or think about a couple of years ago when many enthusiasts were debating about whether or not SheiKra’s first drop was really straight down. The park told us it was 90 degrees, but still many debated when they looked at pictures.

 

This is kind of similar to that, as, in my Christian walk, all I have to go on is the Bible. I have to have faith that what it is telling me is true, just like we have to have faith that the statistics that parks are telling us about a new ride are true. On the actual inherency and inspired nature of the Bible, that is something I have to take on faith as well. But the actual things mentioned in the Bible, the actual events recorded in the scriptures, by and in large can be proven through archaeological records, eyewitness accounts, and many other sources. Infact, many of the events in the Bible, as well as the scriptures in the Bible itself, are backed up and proven as well as possible to be true by far more and varied sources than almost any other body of work or specific historical event throughout all of history. Have you ever thought about the fact that the way we are taught many historical events took place is sometimes based on nothing more than one or two sources? Yet nobody has a problem accepting these things as fact. So with a much larger body of evidence supporting this as a real historical book with real historical events in it, that puts a new perspective on everything.

 

If the events in the Bible and the body of scripture as a whole are true that means that God really did create the entire universe in six days. He really did give the Ten Commandments to Moses on Mt. Sinai, which were later expounded upon by Jesus to give us an even clearer picture of the way we should live our lives. There really was a woman named Mary who gave birth to Jesus as a virgin and this very real person named Jesus who was fully God and fully man really did walk on this earth, really did perform miracles, and really did die on a cross and rise from the dead three days later. Additionally, it means that things it has to say about murder, lying, stealing, marital affairs, and yes, even homosexuality are true and transcend time to apply to our lives today to tell us how to live our lives. Now, I can type until my hands fall off trying to convince you that the Bible is true, the scriptures are applicable, God exists, and you need to put your faith in His Son to avoid eternal separation from Him in a very real place called Hell, but arguing about those things over the internet accomplishes nothing 99.9% of the time, so I will just humbly ask that you read the rest of my post with an open mind, and truly try to think about it without instantly shutting me down and trying to look for things you can quote in your post to tear to shreds.

 

First off, let me say, that I in no way hate homosexuals. I know many of them, and, often times, they are very friendly, and usually more dependable than other people I know. I realize that many of you have heard the argument from Christian groups we (or God), don’t hate the person who is homosexual, but hate the sin of homosexuality. This is absolutely true. Now, obviously, those people standing outside an amusement park on a gay day or that group from Kansas who go around protesting at soldier’s funerals because they say it is punishment from God for America allowing homosexuality love neither the sin nor the sinner. They are, infact, in just as much sin as the very people they are protesting. Plus, even if they weren’t, their methods aren’t accomplishing anything, and they need to look for ways to show God’s love in a way that will bring people to Christ and cause them to leave their sinful lifestyles behind.

 

So yes, I do believe that homosexuality is a sin. BUT, it is in no way different from any other sin in that God can forgive you of it, if you would just turn from your sins and put your faith in Him. Now I realize fully that even if a homosexual does become a Christian, he or she will still probably have homosexual temptation. They may even act on this homosexual temptation in some way or another. But, if they are trying their best to avoid the temptation and to not act upon these temptations, which is the mark of a repented soul, then I believe that they are covered by God’s grace and will spend eternity in Heaven along with all the rest of us who were lost in sin, put our faith in Christ, who helped us to avoid temptation and get stronger through the years to resist it if we would make an effort. In other words it’s no different than someone who was addicted to pornography or a mass murderer who killed hundreds of people giving their lives to Christ. They will still probably have temptations to look at pornography or kill other people, and they may even unfortunately act on these urges, but again, if they are making the effort and have put their faith in Christ, then they are saved. Only God can judge the character of our heart and know if we have really put our faith in Christ and repented from our sins, and if we have, it doesn’t matter what we did before, we can find salvation in Him.

 

Now on to the reasons WHY I feel homosexuality is a sin. The first passage where it is really talked about in the Bible is in the Old Testament, in Leviticus 18. The Lord is talking to Moses, and He tells him to say to them (them being the men of Israel), “do not lie with a man as one lies with a woman, that is detestable” (Leviticus 18:22, NIV). Now the Old Testament is a very complicated animal that must be studied and taken entirely in context. Some of the laws laid down in the old testament are no longer valid due to the new covenant established with Christ in the New Testament. Basically, all of the ceremonial stuff, including the length of your hair, the types of animals you can eat, the types of clothes you can wear, and all of those things, were specifically the laws that God gave to the Israelites to set them apart from the people of the time because they were His chosen people. Everything dealing with morality, such as murder, adultery, stealing, lying, homosexuality, etc., still stands, and was even expounded upon by Jesus in the New Testament, telling us that not only was murder wrong, but extreme long-term hatred of someone was wrong too, infact, it is the same as murder in God’s eyes. So that said, this is the first verse condemning homosexuality as a sin.

 

The second instance of homosexuality mentioned as a sin is in Romans. Paul is writing to the Romans as he prepared to come and preach the gospel to them. In referring to the sinfulness of the time and the sinfulness of people in the past, he mentions this, “Because of this, God gave them over to shameful lusts. Even their women exchanged natural relations for unnatural ones. In the same way the men also abandoned natural relations with women and were inflamed with lust for one another. Men committed indecent acts with other men, and received in themselves the due penalty for their perversion” (Romans 1:26-27, NIV). Paul refers to men abandoning natural relations with women and being inflamed with lust for one another in an entire context of sinful things, meaning that homosexuality is a sin.

 

So as you can see, the Bible is pretty clear that yes, homosexual relations of any kind are a sin. But, as I mentioned before, it is by no means an unforgiveable sin or one that those who have been forgiven from or still struggle unforgiven with should be looked down upon. But, seeing as how I do believe it is a sin, I cannot support actions taken by anyone meant to support it. The people should be treated like the humans that they are, but doing things like allowing commitment ceremonies or even allowing gay marriages is just allowing the sin to spread, giving those who are struggling with the sin (yes even those who are not ashamed in any way with being homosexual are still struggling with a sin), more temptation, and exposing the rest of society as a whole to it more and more so they will become calloused to it and forget it was ever mentioned as a sin in the first place.

 

In many places in this forum the argument has been it is becoming more socially acceptable, so it is OK. However, this is flawed logic. Just because something is becoming more common or more acceptable doesn’t mean it is right. Take murder for example. Nearly everyone generally agrees that it is wrong. As it starts to become more common in some areas, does that mean it is right? Now I am in no way saying that homosexuals are murderers, but both of these things are a sin, and in that way can be compared. Additionally, what makes us think that something like murder is wrong? Well, we might say that it’s just wrong or because it causes harm to others or something along those lines. But really, the only reason we can truly say it is wrong is because someone told us it was. Who told that person? Someone else who was older than them, and so on and so on. But where does it all begin. Where do we get the moral code that keeps life in this world somewhat organized and causes punishment for those who steal, murder, rape, lie in court, or whatever the offense might be? It comes from the Bible, and thus, from God. The people who originally said “murder is wrong, don’t do it,” got this idea from God, and later wrote it down in the book we now call the Bible. That means there are moral absolutes that are unchanging, and therefore must be followed. The basis of all law for every civilized country since Bible times has been the Bible, including the United States.

 

Our founding fathers, while not all perhaps being what we would call “Christians” today, were undoubtedly influenced by the Bible and its moral code. Infact, on the facade of the Supreme Court Building, mixed among the many carvings, is one of Moses holding the two Ten Commandments tablets. If this doesn’t tell you that our country was influenced by the Bible, nothing will. Therefore, if the Bible is good enough to be that basis for the law of all great countries past and present, and the moral laws provided within give us a sense of what is “right” and “wrong” that is also generally socially acceptable, and additionally, if this same Bible tells us that homosexuality is wrong, and is a sin, I believe that we should not be doing things which encourage it and further its reach, but instead should be reaching out to those who call themselves homosexual and showing them that there is freedom and peace in a very real person called Jesus Christ.

 

I realize that not all of you will or will want to agree with me, and that is OK. There is really nothing I can do over the internet, and quite possibly, even hypothetically face-to-face that could convince you of who is right and wrong. But I do ask that you would at least consider my comments and respond to them with researched, open-minded, level-headed responses.

[ginzo]

The basis of all law for every civilized country since Bible times has been the Bible, including the United States.

 

This is an unbelievably offensive statement, but it represents pretty typical narrow-minded thinking. You're essentially insinuating that all non Judeo-Christian cultures are uncivilized. The fancy word for this is "pseudospeciation".

[JFields]

I wasn't saying civilized in the sense that those nations who were not necessarily Christian were uncivilized, acting like animals, crazy, mean, stupid, whatever. I said it in the sense that laws of pretty much every civilization to ever exist on the face of the earth (ie every civilized nation), had laws based on a moral code that came from the rights and wrongs given to us by the Christian god.

 

After all, it's not just in the U.S. or other so-called Christian nations that murder or stealing is considered wrong, but in pretty much every nation. Infact, generally the only exceptions to this rule of thumb are tribal nations who practiced cannibalism (just an example), so obviously they wouldn't think murder was wrong, to them it would be completely acceptable. That doesn't change the fact it was wrong, but to them it was a way of life, and I don't think too many of us would considered tribal establishments like this now or in the past "civilized."

[Shavethewhales]

Our founding fathers, while not all perhaps being what we would call “Christians” today, were undoubtedly influenced by the Bible and its moral code. Infact, on the facade of the Supreme Court Building, mixed among the many carvings, is one of Moses holding the two Ten Commandments tablets. If this doesn’t tell you that our country was influenced by the Bible, nothing will. Therefore, if the Bible is good enough to be that basis for the law of all great countries past and present, and the moral laws provided within give us a sense of what is “right” and “wrong” that is also generally socially acceptable, and additionally, if this same Bible tells us that homosexuality is wrong, and is a sin, I believe that we should not be doing things which encourage it and further its reach, but instead should be reaching out to those who call themselves homosexual and showing them that there is freedom and peace in a very real person called Jesus Christ.

 

I'm sorry, but the founding fathers were wrong: plain and simple. I honestly could care less about what was carved on a building hundreds of years ago when we are talking about today's issues. Really, I hate when the 'founding fathers' are brought up in moral debates. As they are no longer our leaders, they don't have a hold in what we call right and wrong anymore than Roosevelt or any other past leader does.

 

From your overly-drawn out article, I perceive that the basis for your beliefs on homosexuality are entirely formulated from what you have read in the bible, and you accept what everything the bible tells you unquestioningly because you might as well. I'm sorry, but not only is the bible definitely not 'the only thing we have to go on', but even if it was, that in no way means we have to follow it.

If Cedar Point told us Gemini was 600 ft. tall, I'd call horse crap, and so would everyone else. That's how I view the Bible.

 

Anyway, it doesn't matter. If we are going to follow what the founding fathers stated, then as all men are created equal and are granted the right to pursue happiness, this shouldn't even be a debate.

[TheRapidsNerd]

I love roller coasters. Does anybody else love roller coasters, because I love them. Those and hamsters. And funnel cakes. Mmmm...funnel cakes.

[Robgraves]

Suppose a man or woman among you, in one of your towns that the LORD your God is giving you, has done evil in the sight of the LORD your God and has violated the covenant by serving other gods or by worshiping the sun, the moon, or any of the forces of heaven, which I have strictly forbidden. When you hear about it, investigate the matter thoroughly. If it is true that this detestable thing has been done in Israel, then that man or woman must be taken to the gates of the town and stoned to death. (Deuteronomy 17:2-5 NLT)

 

 

so... if you take that everything in the bible is true... than you believe that which i quoted above?

 

how about this?

 

When a man sells his daughter as a slave, she will not be freed at the end of six years as the men are. If she does not please the man who bought her, he may allow her to be bought back again. But he is not allowed to sell her to foreigners, since he is the one who broke the contract with her. And if the slave girl's owner arranges for her to marry his son, he may no longer treat her as a slave girl, but he must treat her as his daughter. If he himself marries her and then takes another wife, he may not reduce her food or clothing or fail to sleep with her as his wife. If he fails in any of these three ways, she may leave as a free woman without making any payment. (Exodus 21:7-11 NLT)

 

or...

 

"Suppose you hear in one of the towns the LORD your God is giving you that some worthless rabble among you have led their fellow citizens astray by encouraging them to worship foreign gods. In such cases, you must examine the facts carefully. If you find it is true and can prove that such a detestable act has occurred among you, you must attack that town and completely destroy all its inhabitants, as well as all the livestock. Then you must pile all the plunder in the middle of the street and burn it. Put the entire town to the torch as a burnt offering to the LORD your God. That town must remain a ruin forever; it may never be rebuilt. Keep none of the plunder that has been set apart for destruction. Then the LORD will turn from his fierce anger and be merciful to you. He will have compassion on you and make you a great nation, just as he solemnly promised your ancestors. "The LORD your God will be merciful only if you obey him and keep all the commands I am giving you today, doing what is pleasing to him." (Deuteronomy 13:13-19 NLT)

 

 

just wondering... you know?

[Robgraves]

oh and.....

 

 

"As the government of the United States of America is not in any sense founded on the Christian Religion..."

 

From Article 11 of the Treaty of Tripoli 1797. Unanimously ratified by the U.S. Senate and signed by President John Adams.

 

 

 

 

guess that throws a wrench into that whole argument.

[Erik Johnson]

Before this thread starts getting too heated, please do not use this thread to argue the whole "homosexuality is/is not a sin." This is a roller coaster/theme park web site so let us try to keep things "fun".

[jten11]

^ agreed. Let's not take this too far, boys and girls.

 

And going back to the subject, Disney rocks for stepping up and doing something like this. Who knew they cared about everyone, including homosexuals. Thumbs up in my book...

[Rastuso]

^^ So, let me get this straight. Over a hundred pro-gay posts show up, then one anti-gay post shows up, and suddenly you have to say "let's not turn this into a gay debate". I take it CNN has given you your sense of what balance is.

 

What about all the anti-Christian bigotry that has been spewed out by the hateful gays in this thread? I guess that was OK with you? Or how about all the anti-conservative crap that was posted.

 

I read this thread and see a whole lot of Christophobe, hypocritical, bigoted gays.

 

One thing's for sure, there ain't many gays in Heaven, regardless of if God thinks homosexuality is a sin.

 

Rastus O'Ginga

[Little Coaster Girl]

"Suppose you hear in one of the towns the LORD your God is giving you that some worthless rabble among you have led their fellow citizens astray by encouraging them to worship foreign gods. In such cases, you must examine the facts carefully. If you find it is true and can prove that such a detestable act has occurred among you, you must attack that town and completely destroy all its inhabitants, as well as all the livestock. Then you must pile all the plunder in the middle of the street and burn it. Put the entire town to the torch as a burnt offering to the LORD your God. That town must remain a ruin forever; it may never be rebuilt. Keep none of the plunder that has been set apart for destruction. Then the LORD will turn from his fierce anger and be merciful to you. He will have compassion on you and make you a great nation, just as he solemnly promised your ancestors. "The LORD your God will be merciful only if you obey him and keep all the commands I am giving you today, doing what is pleasing to him."

 

Gee , sounds like what is going on in iraq right now, are you sure its not the same book ??? Another reason i dont believe in religion. Too many people have died in the name of religion.

 

I am glad disney is doing this, its sad that love in today's society is bad unless your a white male and white female, or black male and black female. God , no wait , religion forbid you should be off from those category's. I think any love for someone should be allowed.

[DCody]

 

What about all the anti-Christian bigotry that has been spewed out by the hateful gays in this thread?

 

I think I'll start a band called "Hateful Gays."

 

I guess I don't understand how "gay/pro-gay" and "Christian" came to be perceived as mutually exclusive. You can be gay AND Christian, you know. Many folks are liberal, totally in favor of gay marriage, and also down with J.C. in a major way.

 

On topic, I'm glad Disney identifies itself as an apolitical, hospitality-centered entity. The parks are there for everyone to enjoy, and I'm glad Disney has the guts to have Gay Day and fairytale commitment ceremonies.

 

(Though I agree the term "commitment ceremony" is cheese-tastic. How about "Gwedding"? Gay + wedding. Sounds pleasantly Welsh, doesn't it?)

[ginzo]

On topic, I'm glad Disney identifies itself as an apolitical, hospitality-centered entity. The parks are there for everyone to enjoy, and I'm glad Disney has the guts to have Gay Day and fairytale commitment ceremonies.

 

Well, it's not really that big of a gamble for them at this point. A few Christian groups have tried to boycott Disney for years, and the efforts invariably fallen flat on their faces.

[Rastuso]

^^ You didn't see all the posts ripping on Christianity? I doubt all those folks are gay, but many are. In our PC society, the most vehemently "open-minded" folks think conservatives and Christians are totally fair game. Sadly, they're too stupid to understand the hypocrisy in that.

 

As for gays being Christian, that very well could be a one way street, you know. Same for the liberals. A true Christian, especially Catholic, realizes that abortion is NOT an option. John Kerry and Ted Kennedy may think they're pro-choice Catholics. St. Peter may let them know otherwise some day.

 

-r