With many debates on abortion and gay marriage (etc.), it comes down to the individual's right. Is it her right to abort the baby? Is it their right to get married?

Of course, many religions do not accept homosexuality or abortions (which I understand but do not agree with), but why is it necessary for them to interfere with others' choices? Shouldn't the government allow us to make our choices somewhat freely? Abortions and marriages should be a personal choice, yet there are those who feel that no one should be allowed to have an abortion or marry the same sex.

I do not mean for this discussion to come down to the ethics of abortion and gay marriage; I just wanted opinions on why people attempt to interfere with others' rights that would not affect them if they chose not to use those rights.

Some people feel that they are "saving" other people by "interfering."

^ Yeah, I think that's basically what it is. I know its mostly Christians and other religious people who are like that. It's almost like they think our nation should revolve around their religion, and what it teaches. Not what someone else may believe. It's like that with everything. Abortions, marriage, sex, raising your children, our government officials... even down to what we should and shouldnt listen to and watch on tv. How absurd.

Does separation of church and state not mean anything to people who think like that?

some "christians" do try to live other people's lives for then. notice i said some. i'm not one of those. i believe it should be the individual's choice as to what they do in their life. it's their job to make choices for themselves. i am pro-choice. it's a woman's right to have an abortion.

That's good that you're one of the few that's opened their eyes and feels that way.

You're right, there are exceptions to what I said, but a large majority of Christians actually do feel that way.

you're right. but i'm one of the open-minded christians. people in general are hyprocrits though. it's not just the so-called christians. anyways, the ones who judge aren't truely considering christians in certain eyes.

Interference, or at least some limitations to personal decisions that will affect society is/can be a good thing.

Our laws changes as our society changes. Societal change begins with one person. Law affects everyone as a society. So, how can we say one person's personal decision doesn't affect other people?

That's true. When it comes to abortion, people abuses it. But abortion would keep the world from over populating.

being gay, having vasectomies and "tying your tubes" can keep the world from overpopulation and they hurt less than abortion.

that's not a valid reason to be for abortions.

I didn't say I was for abortion. No abortion isn't the only thing that keeps the world from overpopulating, so I agree with the things you mention, they contribute also. Why would you say abortion hurt less? I think abortion is worse. I couldn't kill a helpless baby.

I think people should learn what's the difference between a moral/belief and a law.

It's someone choice to murder someone, but a lot of people think that's wrong and would interfere. Some people view the things you mentioned in the same light, seeing it as hurting someone or even effecting their own lives by witnessing it.

that's why for abortion it comes down to PRO-CHOICE. get it? CHOICE HELLO HELLO!? choice as in YOU DON'T HAVE TO GET ONE IF YOU DON'T WANT ONE. OKAY? okay.

Even though its against my religion..

I think gay marriage is okay. You cant help if you love someone thats the same gender.

Interfering w/ someone trying to tell them how bad their grammar is and telling them how imperative it is to have good grammar is only a good thing, imo. It helps them later in life and helps them look considerably more intelligent on teh int3rnetz

let people do whatever they want. they will all die eventually anyway. let them enjoy what they want to do with the life they have.

yea i think im gonna go on a killing spree because its my "choice" to do so...i believe if you're irresponsible enough to do the deed without being ready for the consequences, then you should be forced to deal with it.

People will try to interfere by saying that they are "saving your"
but in reality, they are trying to change who your are, and saving
you from yourself, and threat/danger to them.

... and I didn't even say anything about whether or not you're for or against. Frankly, I don't care.

The point I was making is that controlling the population is a horrible excuse for abortions and that there are options (the ones I listed) that hurt less.

How are you reading that abortions hurt less? I said the options I listed hurt less.

well, thats how America began.
It began with all schools being Christian schools, and teachers being allowed to pray, and laws against anything anti religious
But, over the years America has eased up, I believe.

sure its that individuals right to get married, but the laws just haven't eased up that much yet.

Life's a competition. You pick the people you can trust, and you save them and yourself.

So you should let people murder because they will all die eventually anyway? Wow.

But anyway, religion interfering with laws is against the constitution: seperation of church and state, but it's difficult for religious people to make decisions without being influenced by their religious beliefs.

^^^well i don't think programmer meant that people should be allowed to commit illegal acts because they will die eventually.

but i believe that some people like to interfere in the lives of others because they want to be in control. and the truth of the matter is we all would like to have most things go our way so that we can be happy.

I think, in a sense, that it would depend on who interfers. If it's some stranger trying to talk a woman out of making the choice of having an abortion, I don't think it's their place. I don't see a problem when her family and friends discussing to her about her choice, because they know her and her situation.