Should Being Gay be illegal? What should be the punishment?

Malachi, your first paragraph is absolutely right. But wasn't that what I was saying? Surely you've heard two completely different interpretations of the same verse. Which is right? Is it the one you agree with? Is it the one I agree with? Are the Baptist's correct? Or maybe the Methodist's are? Or the Catholics? I'm sure each feels as passionately as you do.
As to your example: If I'm understanding you correctly Josie, a well paid receptionist, is sleeping with a married man who is giving her gifts, and she looks down on Mary, a street walker, who is poor. Is Josie wrong for passing judgement since she is doing the same thing as Mary? Is this what you're asking me? I suppose even I got your question incorrect my answer would be the same. It is not anyone's place to judge anyone else. What someone may believe is God's law is, in fact, their own interpretation of the Bible. Since neither woman is causing harm to anyone else, let God do the judging.
One last thing Malachi: I have a question. You're obviously very passionate about you're religion and part of that religion is the belief that homosexuality is wrong. I get that part. What I don't understand is why many Christians get so angry and hateful about gay people? Even if you're right and we will go to hell why do care? If you're trying to show us the light you're going about in an odd way.I also don't understand how my being gay affects your life in anyway. What you do in your home or your church is not by business, why is what I do yours?

Hello Malachi. Sorry it took me so long to reply but the holidays were quite hectic. Hope yours went well. In any case, I think you may have misunderstood my point. (or I expressed it badly.) The original question was "Should being gay be illegal?" and you response was "Let's see what God has to say about it.." and then you quoted scripture calling gays perverse and sinful. I countered that anyone can interpret the Bible in a way that supports their own opinion and find verses that will back them up. When people used scripture to justify slavery or the subjugation of women they were convinced it was God's will. Most people today would say that is wrong, even though those verses are still in the Bible. How many wars have been fought and how many millions of people have died in the name of God? My point is the Bible is not inerrant and it is open to both good and bad interpretations. If it truly is the exact word of God why does it contain contradictions? If there are verses telling us the proper way to treat slaves is slavery God's will? I personally don't think "Homosexuality should be illegal because the Bible says it is wrong." can be used as an argument.
As to your statement about laws forcing you to teach your child any life style is normal? All you have to teach your child is the difference between civil and religious law. The reality is I don't agree with most of your life style but I would never teach a child of mine you don't have the right to live as you choose.
One last thing Malachi; I would like to ask you a question, not to judge you but because I am truly interested in the answer. You said you had some gay friends you loved in spite of any differences you all may have. I have several friends who are quite religious and we also are very close. My question is; If you love these people and know them to be good and kind, do you still believe God will punish them for being gay? I'd very much like to hear your thoughts as I've often wondered about this.

Hi Chris and Happy New Year to you too. l really can't answer the question, because l do believe in God,what l think doesn't matter, it's what He says,He has the final say.and what people preceive as millions dying in the name of God. it is actually good vs evil. The word of God says that the human heart is desperately wicked, that only he can understand it,out of it comes all kinds of evil, man wanting what doesn't belong to him, oppressing others,
my children know that homosexuallity is wrong,BUT so is adultry,fornication, now these are sins that affect your body,it's not for me to judge,my children know this also.they don't either,
Now you asked me about my friends,....as much as l love my friends, let me put it this way l have a son who is in big time rebellion againest God. he claims to serve satan, you don't think this grieves and hurts my heart? as much as it hurts unless he repents,he too is lost...just because l'm his mother and a believer,doesn't mean that God is going to wink and say,that it's okay.all l can do is pray for them and ask God to be merciful..
again, when it comes to the things of God my opinion doesn't count. hell is going to be full of good people and in heaven will be many ex-drug addicts, prostitutes,gang members,thiefs, what made the difference? repentance and accepting Yeshua HaMashiach as their Saviour and Lord of their lives'.l know that this isn't really what you were probably wanting to hear...as l said,my opinion doesn't count. Yeshua Is the difference between being lost or saved, l wish l could tell you what you might have wanted to hear.. now this is what I believe as l understand the word of God. what do you think?and no you didn't express yourself bady,