News

Christian group accuses The Old Republic of "warping kids" with pro-gay message
Posted: 30.01.2012 16:08 by JonahFalcon Comments: 126
Star Wars: The Old Republic is under fire from a Christian issues group, The Family Research Council, which is upset at the MMO for its plans to incorporate same-sex relationships in the game. The group believes that the MMO will influence kids towards a homosexual lifestyle.

FRC president Tony Perkins lambasted BioWare's in-game relationships on his radio show, accusing, "The new video game, Star Wars: The Old Republic, has added a special feature: gay relationships. BioWare, the company that developed the game, said it's launching a same-sex romance component to satisfy some complaints. That surprised a lot of gamers, since BioWare had made it clear in 2009 that 'gay' and 'lesbian' don't exist in the Star Wars universe.

"Since the announcement, homosexuals have been celebrating the news, but parents sure aren't. On the game's website, there are more than 300 pages of comments–a lot of them expressing anger that their kids will be exposed to this Star Warped way of thinking."

Perkins obviously didn't know that Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic featured a lesbian love interest in Juhani towards a female protagonist, or that George Lucas is an ardent left-wing activist who supports gay rights. In addition, Perkins is also probably unaware that the mean age of The Old Republic players are in their late 20's and early 30's.

Perkins has called on listeners to log on and speak up against BioWare, which will probably have the same success in curtailing sales as it did when the same group railed against the Harry Potter books.

Comments

By nocutius (SI Elite) on Jan 30, 2012
nocutius
Like there are no gay Christians.
By JonahFalcon (SI Elite) on Jan 30, 2012
JonahFalcon
There's also no God in the Star Wars universe, Mr. Perkins. :p
By Chosen_One (SI Elite) on Jan 30, 2012
Chosen_One
Gay's everywhere..wtf wrong with this world....
By Jasca_Ducato (SI Core) on Jan 30, 2012
Jasca_Ducato
It doesn't matter what BioWare said with regards to whether 'gay' and 'lesbian' exist in the Star Wars universe, that's up to LucasArt and the latest novels have introduced a number of sam-sex couples.

Also, he's assuming there are no homosexual parents? I'd love to see his statistics on that...
By JonahFalcon (SI Elite) on Jan 30, 2012
JonahFalcon
hehe You're assuming the man reads books. The only thing he knows what to do with them is BURN them.
By SirRoderick (SI Elite) on Jan 30, 2012
SirRoderick
Here we go again...
By Chosen_One (SI Elite) on Jan 30, 2012
Chosen_One
It appears that BioWare have some gay's as their employee.
By SirRoderick (SI Elite) on Jan 30, 2012
SirRoderick
...ok am I the only one that thinks the above statement sounds weird?
By Chosen_One (SI Elite) on Jan 30, 2012
Chosen_One
What is so weird there? I think that homosexual have to be secretly thing and there is no need to promotion of that. Cuz some of people just become gay's because it is in fashion nowadays, not just because of biological distortion.
By SirRoderick (SI Elite) on Jan 30, 2012
SirRoderick
I don't even know where to begin with that statement O_o

In three sentences you have just managed to deny a basic human right, suggest that people turn gay because they think it's in fashion and dismissed homosexuality as a biological "distortion", whatever the hell that means.

I REALLY don't want to get into that, but could you please refrain from saying things that come over as intolerant and belittleing towards a fairly large minority. I don't mind a little in-good-spirit joking around, but that seemed to be said in all seriousness.

Believe what you like, but I'd appreciate it if we dropped it.
By Chosen_One (SI Elite) on Jan 30, 2012
Chosen_One
Homosexual is unnatural by all means of this word. And, like most of unnatural thing's must not be promoted at all, cuz its interfering with Majority of heterosexual. i.e. I cant stand two kissing homosexuals, especially when they doing it in crowded place. But, I do not against em. The thing I'm asking is that they should honor heterosexuals with not showing their preferences, cuz it could be abusively to normal ones.

P.S. I hated Dragon Age 2 for every man that wanted to **** me.(Except the poor game at all). Damn, that was horrible.
By herodotus (SI Herodotus) on Jan 30, 2012
herodotus
"The Family Research Council" - a fancy name for a bunch of prehistoric dullards who no doubt reject Evolution and other such intelligence (using Intelligent Design against them there).
A discussion on homosexuality is not a good idea, as all have their own opinions. A fact, though is that ALL humans go through an ambiguity phase in their early teens, and it's an absolute biological fact.
Narrow-mindedness and clinging to old and out-dated customs/beliefs on any level for me is the enemy of human evolution.
Who knows what the Human Race will be like in, say two centuries.
By SirRoderick (SI Elite) on Jan 30, 2012
SirRoderick
I'm going to stop myself and I'm not going to post on the subject again before we get unpleasant.
By herodotus (SI Herodotus) on Jan 30, 2012
herodotus
No obscene language when posting, Chosen. This has been raised many a time and will be moderated.
Your post came up after I'd written mine and I have to say I am quite taken aback by your comments. You're entitled to them by all means, but they are offensive to some members.
Intolerance of any kind cannot be tolerated.
By Chosen_One (SI Elite) on Jan 30, 2012
Chosen_One
Homosexual is out of evolution. Humanity cant live in that way (for known simple reason).
By SirRoderick (SI Elite) on Jan 30, 2012
SirRoderick
I'm going to refrain from pointing out the irony in hero's last sentence.

Chosen, drop it. Seriously. A little self-restraint please. You have no idea how much I'm holding back at this point.
By Kres (SI Elite) on Jan 30, 2012
Kres
Chosen_One I'm surprised by your statements :) ... please do not make offensive posts toward anybody. It is cool if you do not like them but there is no need to promote being straight. People will be what they want to be. I do not think that you could wake up tomorrow and decide that you will be gay for a month or two because that is a new cool thing. Can you imagine yourself being gay? No. So you simply need to be gay to be gay. Am I right, am I right?? I may be :p who am I to share wisdom about this topic. I didn't really researched the topic as much to make strong claims. But you, my dear BF buddy, did even less research!
By Chosen_One (SI Elite) on Jan 30, 2012
Chosen_One
Sorry for my bad language. Full of emotions sometimes. )

Simple question to all who defend that relationships. Do You want your children could see on the streets, parks, well lets say in crowded place, homosexuals which are kissing there? Simply imagine yourself as a parent who loves his children and who wants to them only the best of this life.
By Arrecoolast (SI Core) on Jan 30, 2012
Arrecoolast
It wouldn't bother me. It's the same as two heterosexuals kissing IMO. I don't see males/females kissing, I see people kissing.
By SirRoderick (SI Elite) on Jan 30, 2012
SirRoderick
Would not bother me in the slightest. I would feel bad about raising them to be prejudiced against something like that.
By JonahFalcon (SI Elite) on Jan 30, 2012
JonahFalcon
Ew, I see a guy and a girl kissing, I say "Get a room!" I'm not much on PDA :p
By Chosen_One (SI Elite) on Jan 30, 2012
Chosen_One
But it would bother me, and many other people. Cuz we know how could be wrong our children in their dangerous age. More than that, if my child would become a gay, that would be a disaster for me.

There is so few homosexuals by nature, and I do know that this preference is connected to their genes, I can understand this, because nature is nature.

And sorry for every offensive statement that I made.
By Kres (SI Elite) on Jan 30, 2012
Kres
Being gay is really a difficult thing because of people like you Chosen_One. Because of that they have my respect. Don't get me wrong, I'm not saying that there is anything wrong with you or with them. But we're not Martians. This is what our biology prepared for us. Why deny its existence when it has been with us forever. Alexander the Great was gay! He is really a good piece of a man don't you agree? I'd go gay with him :p
By Chosen_One (SI Elite) on Jan 30, 2012
Chosen_One
@Jonah

I agree with U in that too, but this is tolerable at some point.

And again do not think of me that if I wish I would slaughter all gays. The thing is that majority is dominant, so they set the rules and I'm glad and very happy that majority is still heterosexual. This is the law of our society. I do not intend to cut the right to be a gay, no, I'm just saying that we need children, we need to keep our population.
By Chosen_One (SI Elite) on Jan 30, 2012
Chosen_One
@ Kres

To be correct he was Bisexual ) If I recall correctly. And there was very long marches and no women at all, so many of em have to please with each other, but when do they get home they spend their time with women.
By SirRoderick (SI Elite) on Jan 30, 2012
SirRoderick
"if my child would become a gay"

That right there proves just how little you know about the subject. And apologising for a previous offensive statement right after you make another one is not a good way to show you're being reasonable.

Homosexuals are in NO way lesser people. The only difference is they are attracted to the same gender, rather than the opposite. If you would ACTUALLY condemn your child for being gay then you are a terrible person. As bad as a racist.

Try to realise that about 10% of the US population is homosexual. You likely know several that simply aren't open about it.

Now STOP IT.
By chiefone (SI Veteran Member) on Jan 30, 2012
chiefone
Love the sinner, hate the sin.
By Kres (SI Elite) on Jan 30, 2012
Kres
Ok Bi is probably correct for Alexander, even though I never heard anything about any female relations with him. So not sure. But the _gay part_, yeah. But you shouldn't be worried that a majority of the population would become gay. I foresee that not happening.
By Chosen_One (SI Elite) on Jan 30, 2012
Chosen_One
I did not say that I'll condemn him/her/em. I said that it would be disaster for me. That is how I feel. I truly understand that they are humans, with all rights and such, and I do understand that many great people was that orientation, but I am against propaganda of it at all, because many, could be converted to em, especially in their teenage.
By Kres (SI Elite) on Jan 30, 2012
Kres
Seriously Chosen can somebody convert you to being gay? Even in teen days. You just don't react to the same gender in that way. You can't really be convinced to have a sexual attraction toward the same gender. Unless in jail or on long marches? x)
By Chosen_One (SI Elite) on Jan 30, 2012
Chosen_One
@Kres

I'm not at teenage U know ) The answer is no, I love women too much )
By SirRoderick (SI Elite) on Jan 30, 2012
SirRoderick
"Seriously Chosen can somebody convert you to being gay?"

No you cannot. Anyone with any knowledge on the subject knows this.

Hell he said it was genetically determined himself up there, it is an argument born of ignorance.

And saying that you respect homosexuals whilst still insisting on calling them "gays" (and yes that is offensive) and also saying you should not allow these people to show their genetically determined nature (and I can offer many examples of partly homosexual animals if you're still convinced it's so unnnatural), all of that is making you look like a prejudiced and fearful individual. There is no reason at all to feel the way you feel.

I'm very serious when I tell you you would benefit greatly from actually seeking out some homosexual people and having a calm and honest conversation about the whole thing.
By Kres (SI Elite) on Jan 30, 2012
Kres
There is animal homosexualism? I was thinking about that during this topic. If there is animal homosexualism (do we really need to write homosexuals every time damn?) then all is fine Chosen! :)
By nocutius (SI Elite) on Jan 30, 2012
nocutius
I've just been watching a good gay anime: Sekai-ichi Hatsukoi, it's basically a romantic comedy aimed at young adult women.

Anyway the reason i bring that up is cause i want to say that it made me laugh and it made me cry a bit, just like any similar quality show can. It depicts people struggling with various emotions (love, insecurity, shame, jealousy, fear...), that's all i see in it.

Being gay has nothing to do with reproduction it's about love (and pleasures of sex obviously).
By Chosen_One (SI Elite) on Jan 30, 2012
Chosen_One
I did not know that gay word is offensive O_o. Even our media call em like this when there was talking bout gay-parade...
By Kres (SI Elite) on Jan 30, 2012
Kres
I got even less problems with female homosexualism.
By JonahFalcon (SI Elite) on Jan 30, 2012
JonahFalcon
There is animal homosexuality, yes. With every animal species, from the common cat and dog to (famously) bonobo monkeys.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Homosexual_behavior_in_animals

However, let's not stray into whether homosexuality is right or wrong. Let's concentrate on the topic at hand.

Refresh my memory - The Old Republic is rated Teen, right? Well, then, these people should feel relieved that no young children should be playing it in the first place without parental permission. Problem SOLVED! :D
By SirRoderick (SI Elite) on Jan 30, 2012
SirRoderick
I should specify that there is a difference between calling someone "a gay person", which is somewhat neutral, and calling someone "a gay", which really still retains negative connotation. It's a weird thing I guess, you weren't trying to be offensive, I get that.
By Kres (SI Elite) on Jan 30, 2012
Kres
To stay on topic, personally I have much more against Christians (religions in general) then sexual orientations. But of course far from that making me hate people that believe in God of any sort. It's as simple as just caring for people that are good inside, and not for who they have sex with, or which God they believe in. Why the hell would I care about that. Though I admit I slip sometimes and make anti religious claims.
By Chosen_One (SI Elite) on Jan 30, 2012
Chosen_One
@SirRoderick

Apparently, it is related to language. In our language word gay, means simply a gay person (as U said), neutral meaning, we have different offensive words that other languages doesn't.

@Jonah

It is true, U are right, it just must to be up to parents, if they do not want their children to be Star Warped (I LoL'ed on that), just restrict em from that game, rating allows that ) Win win situation ) what they do complain about? )
By Chosen_One (SI Elite) on Jan 30, 2012
Chosen_One
" personally I have much more against Christians (religions in general) then sexual orientations"

Sooooo, U do have something against sexual orientations heh? :D
By grandhardy (SI Newbie) on Jan 30, 2012
grandhardy
TBH, Gay actually means happy, it's merely been linked to homosexuality. Also it's difficult for catholics, of which i am one, to criticise homosexuality as being unnatural when they themselves worship someone who walked on water and came back to life after dying. Ultimately if theres onething you should pick up from religion it's tolerance, Love they neighbour, so what ever choice any person makes then it's their choice, and ultimately whatever your children want to do is down to them, parents can only support them. To say them coming out as gay would be disastrous would, tbh, mean your not a very caring parent.
By SirRoderick (SI Elite) on Jan 30, 2012
SirRoderick
The happy thing was true decades ago, it's not a valid point anymore you know. Language evolves.

I would also argue that you don't need religion at all to be tolerant and understanding. In fact usually it helps not to be religious. But I understand your point. Freedom of mind is the single most critical right of any human.

Oh and I see you are new, welcome. :)
By grandhardy (SI Newbie) on Jan 30, 2012
grandhardy
Thank you, and exactly. People shouldn't have their thoughts and choices tied down my those around them, whatever anyone wants to do should be supported.... within reason
By Chosen_One (SI Elite) on Jan 30, 2012
Chosen_One
@ Grandhardy
U would be very happy if your son or daughter would be homosexual? While U are heterosexual. And if I say it would be disaster for me it doesn't necessarily means that I'm not caring parent. it would be more of thoughts that I have failed, I really want to grow up my son/daughter, grandson/daughter with our blood, it is very important for me, as my clan could continue. Is this so bad?
I'm not saying bout ideals of social behavior, that we must be tolerant etc. I get used to look at the nature of human without social mask.
By chiefone (SI Veteran Member) on Jan 30, 2012
chiefone
grandhardy, if you were actually a Catholic you would accept the dogma that any sex outside of marriage is a sin. How can you support a sin? Of course I would help the person, but not encourage the sin.
By grandhardy (SI Newbie) on Jan 30, 2012
grandhardy
Tbh, yes i would be very happy if they were homosexual, i would never look at children as simply there to roll out grandchildren, i would want them to be happy with whomever they ended up with and if they are happy then thats all that matters to me.
By Xyfer117 (SI Core) on Jan 30, 2012
Xyfer117
@SirRoderick - Your comments have made my day, a good chuckle when I got back from work! I realise this is a serious conversation, but I just couldn't take it seriously due to how daft it seems that people on here are even having this debate.

Chosen_One - You should have just left the conversation a while ago as advised by Roderick, as I was reading it, it was like watching you try to dance on egg shells!

I hope the homoesexual SI users skip this article tbh.
By Xyfer117 (SI Core) on Jan 30, 2012
Xyfer117
Oh and welcome Grandhardy, a fellow Brit!
By SirRoderick (SI Elite) on Jan 30, 2012
SirRoderick
I honestly do not understand why you'd feel like you'd failed if your child turned out to be homosexual at all, it's such an incomprehensible idea to me. It would be the same as feeling like that if your child marries a black person to me, or someone from a different social class. It just makes absolutely no sense to me to be bothered about it.
By Chosen_One (SI Elite) on Jan 30, 2012
Chosen_One
@ Grandhardy
Ahhh...Age...idealist, yes, I remember that times ) I envy you )
By Xyfer117 (SI Core) on Jan 30, 2012
Xyfer117
Just to reiterate, I second EVERYTHING SirRoderick has said!
By Kres (SI Elite) on Jan 30, 2012
Kres
@Chosen: Hehehe no, I just think I would spend time thinking about bad sides of religions, but not about how sexual orientation might or might not be bad or good. Ok worded that badly. Just when thinking about it in general. Again, I do not really care who is of which religion or sexual orientation. But it is fun to think about religious flaws these days. :)

@grandhardy: Welcome to SI, a pro gay gaming community :p
By grandhardy (SI Newbie) on Jan 30, 2012
grandhardy
I'd have to agree with everything SirRoderick says too
By chiefone (SI Veteran Member) on Jan 30, 2012
chiefone
Sir rod, this may be news to you but some people are religious. Christians believe according to the bible that homosexuality is a sin condemning them to hell unless they repent. Is it so strange to believe I don't want people sinning going to he'll? Are you being intolerant towards Christians?
By Chosen_One (SI Elite) on Jan 30, 2012
Chosen_One
"Welcome to SI, a pro gay gaming community :p"
Omg I'm under the table rofl like no one :DDD
By grandhardy (SI Newbie) on Jan 30, 2012
grandhardy
I would hope that SI is a Pro multi cultural commuminty, embracing all ways off life, and being a catholic i feel that the bible, which is slightly out of date and contradictory, also preached love thy neighbour, and so gay or not it is not our place to judge.
By Chosen_One (SI Elite) on Jan 30, 2012
Chosen_One
@SirRod

Pls, do not try to write me down in the list of Racist's, I am not at all.
This is my point of view. So there is no need to continue this debate because we are very different in our understanding of the world.
By herodotus (SI Herodotus) on Jan 30, 2012
herodotus
Chosen, in certain regions in the Middle East it is customary that men sleep with men...it's their culture. Having intercourse with their wives is to serve the function of procreation and that's all. I have worked in the ME and have come across many different such customs and cultural practices, all centuries old. Who am I to say they're wrong?

Religious indoctrination over the centuries in the West has led to Homosexuality, Paedophilia and Incest considered worng, immoral and of course illegal. The latter two are all widely still considered crimes... but not everywhere. All three are actually accepted in other cultures, not by those terms however. Need I bring up the Greeks and Romans? Didn't think so.

Who's to say the Western Way is right? I know technically you are not from "The West", but your culture is based upon the religious values they all share. Ask yourself this:
"Why is it wrong to me?".

Ps. Let's not even get close to a religious debate here or things WILL get ugly.
By SirRoderick (SI Elite) on Jan 30, 2012
SirRoderick
"Sir rod, this may be news to you but some people are religious.....?"

It is not news to me and I'm not saying religious people are lesser people at all. I simply believe that religion is the one thing that can make good people do bad things, like discriminating on basis of beliefs or sexuality. I am not intolerant towards Christians, but I DO have a problem with those Christians that try to force their own beliefs on other people. If you believe that homosexuality is a sin and that those people will go to hell, fine. I do not have a problem with that. But when you ACT with disrespect and prejudice towards those people you are affecting THEIR lives and that is not ok at all.

Live according to what you think is right, but do not presume that you somehow have the right to tell other people how to live. That is my standpoint on any view. I may try to convince people of my own religious/political/... views, but I would never seek to enforce anything on them.

@Chosen
I think you now understand why I suggested we drop this conversation at the very begining :)
By Xyfer117 (SI Core) on Jan 30, 2012
Xyfer117
End of discussion? (Please!)
By SirRoderick (SI Elite) on Jan 30, 2012
SirRoderick
Agreed.

Sorry for getting dragged into this in the first place, but I can't help but feel strongly about this stuff.
By Kres (SI Elite) on Jan 31, 2012
Kres
Right, I just spent 15 minutes writing my atheist message about religions, but I'm dropping it. Yeah makes no sense. Believe what you want guys!

62 comments though! We need to do this more often! Kind of casts a shadow over what we're doing on SI. We obviously missed what we should be doing. We need to start a site dedicated to religious and sexual orientations. Or hell just start covering it on SI.
By SirRoderick (SI Elite) on Jan 30, 2012
SirRoderick
Sensible man :)
By Xyfer117 (SI Core) on Jan 31, 2012
Xyfer117
I do too mate :) Just cant put my feelings and opinions into words sometimes! Luckily my opinions and feelings happen to be identical to yours!
By Xyfer117 (SI Core) on Jan 31, 2012
Xyfer117
HAHA

Welcome to Strategy Informer, Every Belief has an Arguement!
By Kres (SI Elite) on Jan 31, 2012
Kres
Yes that will be our new slogan x)
By JonahFalcon (SI Elite) on Jan 31, 2012
JonahFalcon
Or maybe there should be more spirited discussions on games - and I don't mean "consoles/pc suck! pc/consoles are awesome!" type of discussions. :p
By Kres (SI Elite) on Jan 31, 2012
Kres
We'll (the site) evolve to that point!
By herodotus (SI Herodotus) on Jan 31, 2012
herodotus
The moral choices that games sometimes present us with could give rise to open debate. These are potential minefields generally kept from Forums or moderated out. But why should they be?
Will there be an anti-gay movement as a result in "SW:TOR"? Who knows.
Should there be one? Probably, but also potentially a cause for a disturbance in The Force (in other words, legal action).
Who objects to Captain Jack Harkness being "anything-sexual" in "Dr.Who"/"Torchwood"? Haven't heard any rumblings.

As long as the argument is presented in a mature and respectful way, is not personal and is preferably backed with facts then it cannot be seen as offensive. It is merely an educated opinion.
Far better than hater rages, and in many ways quite educational. We all might actually learn something.
By Gyorn (SI Core) on Jan 31, 2012
Gyorn
My my...quite a ruffle.
In order to not stir this up any more i will refrain from adding any more content.

Just one thing: Thanks for defending the position i would have @SirRoderick *sign* :)
By Kres (SI Elite) on Jan 31, 2012
Kres
I've deleted the admin post, and sorry Vigoth for having your post deleted by the admin. I believe that even though the discussion was quite sensitive, the majority of members were civilized in the talk (I do not mean you Chosen) and we were coming to some sort of a conclusion. I do not recall the last time we've had problems with this. We're mature enough to talk about this topic aren't we. I'd like to believe we are and hence I wanted to leave room for the discussion. I believe there was an educational side to this (I may not be joking), and obviously people wanted to talk about it. We did post a news related to the topic, so why wouldn't we allow our members to talk about it.

If we're going to delete reasonable posts like Vigoths then we oughta delete this whole news article. Do not do that admin! As long as we're reasonable.
By SirRoderick (SI Elite) on Jan 31, 2012
SirRoderick
Honestly, I think this is one of the only sites where you could have a discussion like this and stay mostly civil about it all. I am pleasantly surprised.
By Chosen_One (SI Elite) on Jan 31, 2012
Chosen_One
I do not understand why some of you here saying to stop this discussion, if U do not like it, just ignore it and do not participate as well as do not enter to this topic.

Game related.
Well, if those relationships not being so aggressive as it was in DA:II, let it be, I just do not want to see any propaganda of it in the games.

P.S. I am amused that in Star Wars there is such relationships.
By nocutius (SI Elite) on Jan 31, 2012
nocutius
It's kinda hard (^_^) to ignore it when someone keeps saying things you completely disagree with even if you wish to. Not refuting something might as well mean the people here mostly agree with it, which apparently in this case they don't.

So basically you're provoking a debate, intentionally or not. I personally don't like to argue about stuff but i really dislike ideologies that try to push their opinions on everyone and it becomes really hard (^_^) to keep quiet. Live and let live.
By Kres (SI Elite) on Jan 31, 2012
Kres
Yes it can get quickly out of hand. We should drop it before we realize we're not able to keep it civil. Eg, Chosen you're really not helping with being "amused" of the relations. Don't be the only one making problems jeez... you're going to make me look bloody foolish.
By Jasca_Ducato (SI Core) on Jan 31, 2012
Jasca_Ducato
Chosen, I suspect people are asking you to stop because you are attempting to sensationalise what is frankly, a very minor and insignificant change to the game (just as Tony Perkins is doing). I, for one, am glad this feature was brought in; it shows BioWare's openness and ability to listen to the fans, and whilst I can say for certain any character I have will never go down this particular character line, the fact that there is such an option is a relatively realistic and interesting feature.

With regards to the original quotes, anybody found these "300 pages of comments" expressing anger and derision at BioWare for introducing the feature? I'm having trouble locating them...
By shadow_man (I just got here) on Jan 31, 2012
shadow_man
Homosexuality is not a choice. Just like you don't choose the color of your skin, you cannot choose whom you are sexually attracted to. Virtually all major psychological and medical experts agree that sexual orientation is NOT a choice. Most gay people will tell you its not a choice. Common sense will tell you its not a choice. While science is relatively new to studying homosexuality, studies tend to indicate that its biological.

(Change *** to www)
***-news.uchicago.edu/releases/03/differential-brain-activation.pdf
***.newscientist.com/channel/sex/dn14146-gay-brains-structured-like-those-of-the-opposite-sex.html
Gay, Straight Men's Brain Responses Differ
***.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,155990,00.html
***.livescience.com/health/060224_gay_genes.html
***.springerlink.com/content/w27453600k586276/

There is overwhelming scientific evidence that homosexuality is not a choice. Sexual orientation is generally a biological trait that is determined pre-natally, although there is no one certain thing that explains all of the cases. "Nurture" may have some effect, but for the most part it is biological.


And it should also be noted that:
"It is worth noting that many medical and scientific organizations do believe it is impossible to change a person's sexual orientation and this is displayed in a statement by American Academy of Pediatrics, American Counseling Association, American Association of School Administrators, American Federation of Teachers, American Psychiatric Association, American Psychological Association, American School Health Association, Interfaith Alliance Foundation, National Association of School Psychologists, National Association of Social Workers, and National Education Association."
By shadow_man (I just got here) on Jan 31, 2012
shadow_man
We need to get the word out to religious communities that anti-gay people are twisting God's words to condone their anti-gay agenda.

Homosexuality is not a sin. The Bible is constantly being taken out of context to support anti-gay views. Scholars who have studied the Bible in context of the times and in relation to other passages have shown those passages (Leviticus, Corinthians, Romans, etc) have nothing to do with homosexuality. These passages often cherry-picked while ignoring the rest of the Bible. The sins theses passages are referring to are idolatry, Greek temple sex worship, prostitution, pederasty with teen boys, and rape, not homosexuality or two loving consenting adults.

(Change *** to www)
***.soulfoodministry.org/docs/English/NotASin.htm
***.jesus21.com/content/sex/bible_homosexuality_print.html
***.christchapel.com/reclaiming.html
***.stjohnsmcc.org/new/BibleAbuse/BiblicalReferences.php
***.gaychristian101.com/
***.mccchurch.org/AM/Template.cfm?Section=Resources&Template=/CM/HTMLDisplay.cfm&ContentID=2121
***.wouldjesusdiscriminate.org/biblical_evidence.html
***.soulforce.org/article/homosexuality-bible-gay-christian
***.goodhopemcc.org/spirituality/sexuality-and-bible/homosexuality-not-a-sin-not-a-sickness.html
By shadow_man (I just got here) on Jan 31, 2012
shadow_man
This is the perfect example of how anti-gay people change the bible's words for their anti-gay agenda.

Corinthians 6:9-11
Let us examine that very closely.

Do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived; neither the immoral, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate [malakoi], nor homosexual offenders [arsenokoites], nor thieves, nor the greedy, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor robbers will inherit the kingdom of God.

First of all, before we address this line, let us consider one thing. Supposedly taken from a 2000+ year old book, understand that the word "homosexual" was not coined until 1869 by Austrian-born novelist Karl-Maria Kertbeny. So how it happens to be included in a true reading of the particular biblical passage should make you ponder how accurate the interpretation actually is. So man changing the words of the Bible to conveniently spread their anti-gay agenda?

Absolutely.
By shadow_man (I just got here) on Jan 31, 2012
shadow_man
This was taken from another poster that shows why we need to legalize gay marriage. If you don't feel for this person after reading it, you simply aren't human.

"I am not sure what our President thinks of this dicission but coming from a poor family and knowing what discrimination is all about I would assume he would not care if "Gays" have equal rights. The whole reason why they are asking for rights to be considered married is from the same reason why I would be for it. My own life partner commited suicide in our home with a gun to his heart. After a 28 year union I was deprived to even go his funeral. We had two plots next to each other. But because we did not have a marriage cirtificate "(Legal Document)" of our union his mother had him cremated and his ashes taken back to Missouri where we came from. That is only one example how painful it is. His suicide tramatized me so much and her disregard for my feelings only added to my heartach. That happened on March 21 of 2007 and I still cannot type this without crying for the trauma I have to endure each day. Oh did I mention I am in an electric wheelchair for life? Yes I am and it is very diffacult to find another mate when you are 58 and in a wheelchair. "
By Xyfer117 (SI Core) on Jan 31, 2012
Xyfer117
Anyone else remember when some christians tried to have pokemon banned?

Edit - That is not a dig at christians as a whole lol, SOME christians. ;)
By Chosen_One (SI Elite) on Jan 31, 2012
Chosen_One
Thanks to me and our debate we have 2 persons now in our ranks ) just because they couldn't stand aside of this topic. ) And, I do not remember pokemon ban attempts. (Maybe its just because I am atheist and did not care about religion at all).

But, it seems that everyone just love to fire at me. I'll make a simple point. Just try to understand me and stop flaming here.
I, am, not, against, gay persons, at all. The only thing, that I was just asking is that I against propaganda of it, in the games too (like in DA 2, where every male wanted to sex with you, U needed to choose very bad answer or else they'll try to well...U know). That is a very different things, so quit try to accuse me for being a bad person just because I have different point of view, U accusing me for not being tolerant to them, but U do show your intolerance towards me, just because I have another thought on this.
By Xyfer117 (SI Core) on Jan 31, 2012
Xyfer117
@Chosen - Your're getting flamed because of your persistence in getting your message/point across, your are entitled to your opinions, but not to force them on us, people who against discrimination don't state in each post "omg people who thinks being gay is wrong" or "people who believe in religion are stupid!" because if they did it would cause more debates and make them hypocrites as they would then be discriminating said discriminators.

Just because you disagree with homosexuality, doesnt mean you should start a discussion with such a harsh comment as "Gay's everywhere..wtf wrong with this world...." And NOT expect to get some flack back for that.
And I'm pretty sure at least on some level you knew what you were saying and what was going to start.

If I said I hate all religions and people who believe in religion are all stupid, I would know full well it would offend religious people and that it would cause an arguement, so I wouldnt say that.

I am an atheist but i dont think that at all btw I'm just making a point :)

Oh and I was a kid during the pokemon craze and I only found out about it through reading about it on the internet. It was probably just some extremeists desperate for attention or something.
By FoolWolf (SI Elite) on Jan 31, 2012
FoolWolf
@ Chosen_One I don't share your views on homosexuality and I even think that some of your comments are very insensitive. About not showing that you are gay openly etc. Just one quick question - do you feel the same way for other minorities?

I also understand that the views are yours and I respect that - I simply don't share much of them :)

I do agree with you that the gay theme or rather I would say - the overly sexualized relationships in DA2. If you sad yes I think you have nice hair you would end up in a relationship.... That is how easily I wished it would have been to woo some ladies as a teenager with raving hormones...
;).

So in some regards I really understand your opinion that you would want to not be exposed to the relationships - but I guess that then you would be bereft of all relationships in the DA2 story at least... No company would be brave enough to hit the big market and have a no-gay playmode...

Finally, to hit back on you being in the "line of fire" - you seem to be the minority in this thread. Most countries and societies have opened up a lot to gay community and being more open minded not only regarding homosexuality but minorities as a phenomenon.

And I think that, for me at least - and sorry if I have misunderstood you, saying that you are not against gay persons - but don't want them to show themselves openly and hide their preferences - is being against someone.
By SirRoderick (SI Elite) on Jan 31, 2012
SirRoderick
Pokemon is responsible for furries :D

...and actually, come to think of it, apparently they have a higher percentage of homosexuals in their ranks. Maybe they were on to something there.

/of course I'm not serious.
By Chosen_One (SI Elite) on Jan 31, 2012
Chosen_One
"Gay's everywhere..wtf wrong with this world...." If U read this topic, I misused this word. "Gay's everywhere"- I meant that almost every RPG game have that line. By saying "wtf with this world" - I expressed my emotion and anger, is it limited to express our emotion, or I must be reserved, not to express em?
By SirRoderick (SI Elite) on Jan 31, 2012
SirRoderick
In this case, yes it would have been better not to express them. Obviously no one is going to force you to do that, but surely you were expecting responses to that? I mean you even posted twice on the subject before I even asked for clarification.
By Chosen_One (SI Elite) on Jan 31, 2012
Chosen_One
[ADMIN DELETE: Topic shouldn't close with your post being the last]
By Kres (SI Elite) on Jan 31, 2012
Kres
Ok guys we're at our evolution limit here it seems. Lets stop this topic. Things are getting out of control. We've said all the things that made sense to anybody. So we're just beating up the topic now.

ALL FURTHER COMMENTS WILL BE DELETED.
By SirRoderick (SI Elite) on Jan 31, 2012
SirRoderick
[ADMIN DELETE: Topic closed]
By chiefone (SI Veteran Member) on Jan 31, 2012
chiefone
[ADMIN DELETE: Topic closed]
By Chosen_One (SI Elite) on Jan 31, 2012
Chosen_One
[ADMIN DELETE: Topic closed]
By hunter612 (SI Core) on Feb 01, 2012
hunter612
60 comments worth debate and another 20 or so discussing the closure of the topic. Go go SI! But back to the game, I'm unable to access the site? I want to register.
By Xyfer117 (SI Core) on Feb 01, 2012
Xyfer117
90+ comments, a record?
By Kres (SI Elite) on Feb 01, 2012
Kres
What site hunter?

Hm well competitions had more comments. But it could be a record for a news piece.
By SirRoderick (SI Elite) on Feb 01, 2012
SirRoderick
We don't have competitions anymore :(
By herodotus (SI Herodotus) on Feb 01, 2012
herodotus
We'll have them again, Roderick....just not for us poor old, forgotten, arse-end-of-the-world wombats.
By Chosen_One (SI Elite) on Feb 01, 2012
Chosen_One
hmmm... Shall we continue? )
By herodotus (SI Herodotus) on Feb 01, 2012
herodotus
No, that would be inflammatory. Let's discuss something non-controversial....like Russia's refusal to back UN Sanctions against Syria.
JUST KIDDING!
By Chosen_One (SI Elite) on Feb 01, 2012
Chosen_One
He he he. )) we just do not want Livia repeat )
By JonahFalcon (SI Elite) on Feb 01, 2012
JonahFalcon
Herodotus, that was #100! You get the prize!
By SirRoderick (SI Elite) on Feb 01, 2012
SirRoderick
And here it is!

http://images.wikia.com/hitchhikers/images/f/fa/Normal_pangalacticgargleblaster.jpg

Remember, carefully!
By herodotus (SI Herodotus) on Feb 01, 2012
herodotus
Woot! A plane ticket to the farthest reaches of the Globe?
Wait....I'm already living here:(
By Kres (SI Elite) on Feb 01, 2012
Kres
Yes it's a bummer for competitions. We were trying to get to some prizes but weren't able to. I'll see if I can get something arranged. Could try to get King Arthur 2. We're running an ad campaign for it. I'll try [I've asked]
By herodotus (SI Herodotus) on Feb 01, 2012
herodotus
Excellent Kres. That would be a great Comp. Fingers crossed+.
By Kres (SI Elite) on Feb 01, 2012
Kres
I've asked about something else just in case (Jagged Alliance: Back in Action; not sure though, but there will be an ad campaign for it soon).
By herodotus (SI Herodotus) on Feb 02, 2012
herodotus
Just not "Zumba Fitness", hehe.
By JustCommunication (SI Core) on Feb 02, 2012
JustCommunication
We've got some World of Tank copies lying around. I've been meaning to get a competition running with those but i've been so busy lately. Will see what I can do today.
By Kres (SI Elite) on Feb 02, 2012
Kres
Zumba Fitness! Good idea there Herod. You've mentioned how close you feel to the game. Well I can see why it's among the top games. :p

Ok we got King Arthur 2 copies too! They said we can do it. 5 copies. World of Tanks. Now we got more then we can handle x) which competition would you prefer guys?
By SirRoderick (SI Elite) on Feb 02, 2012
SirRoderick
KoAII gets my vote.
By nocutius (SI Elite) on Feb 02, 2012
nocutius
Maybe KoAII first and after that WoT.

Since WoT is free and available to everyone already and you only get a certain bonus with the prize while with KoAII you actually get a new game.
By Gyorn (SI Core) on Feb 02, 2012
Gyorn
Depending...if the competition involves beeing active i choose world of tanks...so KA2 comes up when im done with my exams :p
By Chosen_One (SI Elite) on Feb 02, 2012
Chosen_One
Dogfight in Battlefield 3 )
By hunter612 (SI Core) on Feb 02, 2012
hunter612
Civilized comment wars...thats one competition which will be fierce here. :P
By herodotus (SI Herodotus) on Feb 02, 2012
herodotus
"KA II" - I feel my presence (and your presents) is/are requested on the field, Sire!
By Kres (SI Elite) on Feb 03, 2012
Kres
We should start a controversial topic and see who makes the least problems in it? To make that a competition? Lol, I'm kidding.

Ok we're going to go with KA2. Has been confirmed. We got 5 digital copies on Steam to give so will be world wide. With Australia. :p

The old styled competitions didn't really made much sense as there was little effect to them.

Hm, send a naked picture while holding a paper where it says STRATEGY INFORMER over the sensitive area? That's it!
By FoolWolf (SI Elite) on Feb 03, 2012
FoolWolf
Zumba fitness competition would be to upload a video of yourself dancing horribly so you need the game to get into shape... I could definitely need some Zumba fitness... ;)
By Kres (SI Elite) on Feb 03, 2012
Kres
We'll do our usual competition it seems.

However, one change. It will be for Jagged Alliance. We just need to sort some details, and we'll then launch.
By SirRoderick (SI Elite) on Feb 03, 2012
SirRoderick
Lol, last minute change. JA eh? I thought the demo showed some promise, so I'll give that comp a whirl.
By Gyorn (SI Core) on Feb 03, 2012
Gyorn
A photo contest would be awesome...depict Arthur (or Arthurina ;) ) the best you can to win. Probably just wouldnt get too many participants :/
By nocutius (SI Elite) on Feb 03, 2012
nocutius
Not exactly my kind of a game so I guess I'll pass, better if someone that actually likes the series wins.
By Kres (SI Elite) on Feb 03, 2012
Kres
We have an ad campaign for JA running in USA, so the client asked for some extra potential coverage. And we came to a competition. So we'll need to do that first. But it is USA agency so there probably will be issues about where the prizes can be sent... We oughta make those digital copies? We've lost postal packages way too often...
By SirRoderick (SI Elite) on Feb 03, 2012
SirRoderick
Digital really is best, I agree. It would let you send it to anyone basically and they'll never get "lost" on the way.
By nocutius (SI Elite) on Feb 03, 2012
nocutius
Totally, digital all the way.
By herodotus (SI Herodotus) on Feb 03, 2012
herodotus
Well physical copies don't have AUSTRALIA included in the comp, so digital gets my vote (caps, just so anyone who'd forgotten we were here would sit up and notice).
Hehe....