I agree that there are very few (if any) societies that do/did not have some sort of belief structure but to that I answer "so what?". I am not being rude to you but just asking "so what?". A majority of this country thought the Jim Crow laws were a swell idea but clearly in hind sight by our 'enlightened' society they were wrong. Seperate but equal was not equal at all. My point is that just because nearly all societies were based on some sort of faith/dogma does not in my view justify they continence. Was it not Galileo who informed the church that, sadly we were not the center of the universe? Just because a majority (or even 100%) of a certain group believe in something does not make it so (I do not think you were implying that but I just wanted to make the point.
I am not labor attorney so I do not know what is allowed by law and what is not but your points seem valid to me. Although I do not think I brought up the issue of labor so not sure what your point was.
As far as enlightenment is concerned, yes you are correct that jews do not proselytizes and I guess I was not clear on what I meant. I was commenting more on the concept that most/all religions think they are right and everyone else is misguided (wrong). They seem to be under the impression that if you come to them, they will enlighten you and all will be good now and in the hear after.
I am sorry but I disagree with you on the bigot issue. If one seeks to block the rights of others due to a comfort level issue then I believe that falls under the category of being a bigot. I understand that we all have issues with something. We all have sappretereotypes in our mind and we all are disgusted (or what ever term you want to use) by someone or something. I have them we all do. They are cultural, environmental (taught), social etc. We are all affected. The issue for me is if it does not directly affect me (discomfort is not a valid claim IMO) then I have no right to prevent the action. You smoking in your home does not affect me in mine. You smoking in a plane next to me affects the air I am required to breath in order to live. Preventing you from smoking on a plane is a valid law in my opinion.
I do not know if this is a valid argument or not (still debating with my self) but heterosexual relationships are part of every day life. Couples hold hands, kiss, hug or what ever. Sexual content is displayed on TV and in movies at all levels and typically (95% WAG) are hetero. Now, homosexual relationships are becoming a bit more common place more accepted, more public at least in the more open minded parts of the country. I do not see 'coming out of the closet' as an advertisement to the likes of "look at me .. I'm gay .....". I see it more as a "I'm sick of hiding who I am so I am gay, if you don't like it I don't care ..... deal with it or leave." type thing. I have several gay friends and none of them flaunt it. It is who they are. I am sure there are those who do flaunt it and use it just as there are Htero's who do the same.
I am sure the gay community appreciates the fact that you do not care if they have sex but as I said to UAL , who cares? Again I do not mean to be rude but the law should not/is not based on what you or I are OK with. Laws are to treat all people equally. Right now, there is a segment of our society that does not have the same access to a contract that another part of society has. I see it as a civil rights violation. The only argument against it is a religious one. There is no other argument, not a health issue, no safety issue, nothing. Religion has no basis for influencing public law. The first amendment is very clear on that issue. Unfortunately, religion has woven it's tentacles into our government so tight that it still has enough power to bypass the USC and get away with it.
As I say earlier. Similar arguments have been used against giving women equal rights. Yet they have had equal rights and society is none the worse for wear. Similar arguments were given to prevent black from having equal rights in the US and yet, they have been legally equals since the 60's and were are a better society for it and none the worse for wear. At some point in our future, gays will also be treated as equals under the law and I know our society will endure that tragic event as well. I am sure Pat and all of his religious wacko friends will throw a hissy fit. I am sure Jerry will turn over in his grave but the world will continue to turn on it's axis, the sun will rise in the east and life will go on.
Edit:
Faith is blindly following something. Faith cannot be scientifically proven. You believe it it so.