Jesus never condemned gays, lesbians

I commend The Gazette for presenting both sides of the gay and lesbian marriage controversy in “What's next in fight over same-sex marriage” (May 26) and “Opponents take to Paris streets” (May 27). Even though my wife and I are straight, we support gay and lesbian marriages. I have had many close friends who are gays and lesbians and was a faculty adviser that helped them form a gay and lesbian student organization at a university in South Florida in 1978. One of their members was called a fag and was beaten up by several ‘homophobes' outside our library.

I remind my Christian brothers and sisters on the right that Jesus never condemned gays or lesbians. They quote passages in the Old Testament such as Leviticus 18:22 to justify their hatred for gays. But this is the same book that also makes the ridiculous claim that people who eat shellfish are an abomination. The Old Testament also condones slavery and the beating of slaves.

It should not be use as a moral guide for behavior.

Jim Slitor

Decorah