LBPOST.com: UPDATED: LB Dems Question Candidate's Gay Marriage Stance

Thursday, September 2, 2010

UPDATED: LB Dems Question Candidate's Gay Marriage Stance

by Ryan ZumMallen | Long Beach News | 02.09.10 |

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Photo courtesy of Ian Foxx via steveneal.org

1:25pm 02/09/10 UPDATE | Steven Neal has issued a written response to local Democratic leaders who criticized comments that the 9th District Council candidate made to the Long Beach Business Journal about his opinions on a citywide Equal Benefits Ordinance and Proposition 8.

In the response, Neal stresses that he did not intend to cause concern among the LGBT community and pledged to continue his progressive work for all Long Beach residents. The letter is provided in full, below.

In recent days it has become clear that my comments in the Long Beach Business Journal have caused concern within the LGBT community. To be clear, that was not my intention.

As an active member of the Democratic Party and tireless advocate for progressive causes, I have spent my career serving all segments of our community - regardless of race, gender, or sexual orientation.

I have reached out to Councilmembers Garcia and Schipske, as well as the Long Beach Lambda Democratic Club to have a meaningful dialogue on this important matter.

Should I have the honor of serving the residents of the 9th District on the Long Beach City Council, I look forward to working with the LGBT communty to meet the needs of all Long Beach residents.

Respectfully,

Steven Neal, Candidate

Long Beach City Council

12:05pm 02/08/10 | Four local Democratic clubs have issued an open letter to 9th District Council candidate Steven Neal asking him to clarify statements made to the Long Beach Business Journal about his opinions on a citywide Equal Benefits Ordinance and Proposition 8.

Neal, himself a Democrat, told the Business Journal that he believes marriage is instituted by God and he does not think �man has the ability or the right to change that.� The Democratic Club also points out that Neal referred to the LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender) community as �a lifestyle that people choose.� The Democratic Club is asking for clarification on Neal�s statements and calls them �anti-LGBT comments.�

�We as leaders in the Democratic Party representing the City of Long Beach are deeply disturbed by these comments,� reads the letter, signed by presidents of four local Democratic clubs.

�We hope that we can work together in the future on these issues and ask that you will stand with us to fight the inequality ad injustice that our LGBT brothers and sisters face every single day.�

Neal is running for the 9th District City Council seat against Brad Shore, Dan Pressburg and incumbent Val Lerch. He narrowly lost to Lerch for the same seat in a 2006 election. The Democratic Club did not issue an endorsement for any 9th District candidate because no candidate received 60% support from the club.

The four Democratic club presidents who signed the letter are as follows:

Stephanie Loftin - Long Beach Lambda Democratic Club
Taylor Honrath - Long Beach Democratic Club
Bianca Villanueva - Long Beach Young Democrats Club
Honorable Betty Karnette - Long Beach Democratic Women's Study Club

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Comments

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99 Comments so far.

Courage
Three cheers to the Democratic party for becoming publicly vocal about this important issue. The Democratic party should be more publicly involved in local issues - this is a great step forward.

Robert
Just what we need. Another politician spouting the Bible, at this point if he can't separate church and state its next candidate please!

jypsyjen
He DOESN'T get my vote!!!

Disgusted in North Long B
I am a personally religious person, but there is no need to mix your religion with politics. I am impressed with the local clubs for taking a stand on this - I never realized they were so active. Do they have a website?

tragicomedy
What a shame. Mr Neal is so progressive in so many ways, but his remarks are tone-deaf and insensitive. "Scripture" is not a basis for public policy! Are you kidding, Steve? Cripes, no I have to vote for Val Lerch? sigh.

Anonymous
Here we go again with the gay and lesbian community attacking individuals who do not support their issues. It should not be either or, it should be we respectfully agree to disagree.

he is the worst
this guy would be horrible even if he wasn't wrong on this issue. He is as much of a union lackey as uranga. maybe worse...and he's done nothing for the district. he doesn't even go to church in lb. he drives out to corona.

Chris Winsdor
Another African-American politician makes the unfortunate decision to hide his bigotry behind the cloak of Christianity. We all know how lukewarm Laura Richardson was on the issue.

Julie
UGH - really Mr Neal? You had my vote until this. I really did not want to vote for Val Lerch again.

Sammy
Marriage is taken Call it something else Just simply find a different word!!! FMD

LBProgressive
Very impressed with this letter and putting these insensitive comments on public display. I don't read the Business Journal and never would have heard these remarks. My next question is this: What do those that have endorsed Mr. Neal think about his comments. I want to hear from them. I understand that Councilwoman Uranga supports Neal. What does she think of him now? And Assemblymember Furutani?

Mary
It does not seem to be too difficult to create a new verb....a new word that describes such a union/contract/agreement/law. If it differs (which it does), . don't use the same word to describe it. Use su cabaza......

Pedro Ayala
Tonia Uranga has been a fighter for our community, please don't tell me she is supporting this guy!!!! Does she even know his position on this basic civil rights issue?

puritan
If Mr Neal and others on this thread support the "scriptural" definition of marriage, then we can expect all of you, including Mr Neal, to come out in favor of: * banning divorce...*allowing only virgins to marry...*requiring fathers' consent for all marriages...*allowing polygamy...*forcing un-engaged virgins who are raped to marry their rapist....otherwise, you are all HYPOCRITES!

niksmom
separation of church and state. Does he realize that he lives in a highly populated gay city. Maybe he should run for mayor of San Fran!! No vote from me!

get a life
Candidate Neal is not only a union advocate who will only vote to support the unions in LB no matter what the cost to the taxpayers, but now will not support one of the strongest groups in our city - the gay and lesbian community - if he would have done his homework he would have seen that if elected he would work with Councilman Garcia and Councilwoman Schipske, but that is not going to happen now - he has lost many votes as a result - he should respectfully drop out.

to pedro
uranga has been a fighter for non-resident city employees...not for our community.

Seek the Truth
It's funny how when people speak the truth, it creates such a stir...

Tim P
To "Anonymous"; three of the four Club Presidents listed are actually not gay, but are all showing the true spirit of the Democratic Party by working for inclusion and defending the rights of others. I'm a proud member of all four clubs, Vice President of one (the Democratic Women's Study Club) and half of one of the 18,000 couples who were allowed to marry before the right was ripped away from the rest of the LGBT community by Prop. 8. I'm proud the presidents for having chosen to take what I believe is an unprecedented public stand on this issue.

Neil
Farriage Tarriage Barriage Carriage Narriage Werriage Sharraige Omerriage Garriage Darriage Lessarriage Mannarriage Womarriage Just buy a vowel..... and you get plenty of votes (not just your own)

Matt
meh, he gets what he deserves. Perhaps a more organized campaign could have seen this fiasco ahead of time and prevented it by clarifying his position earlier.

hey zeus
@seek the truth: What "truth" did mr neal speak? Please be specific.

LB Repub
Doesn't Neal have a right to believe how he wishes? Aren't we guaranteed Freedom OF Religion, and not Freedom FROM it? Neal has never hidden his religious beliefs, and his website has numerous civic and religious leaders behind him. If truth be told, it's the local Democratic clubs that need to decide if they are the ones being close-minded. Rights are emunerated in the Constitution, and marraige is not one of them. No one is entitled to be married; what we need is protection for families, including those of gay couples, to be able to provide for their children and each other. Ensuring civil unions and domestic partnerships are recognized under contract law can be done without attacking religious sacraments. The Baptist vote & Catholic vote is very strong, as we learned last year. The Democrats would be wise not to challenge it, especially in 2010. They're doing enough already to foster opposition already without ostracizing their minority base. If Neal cannot find respect for his religious beliefs in the Democratic party, I'll be happy to visit him with a change of registration form and information on the Republican Party. We welcome EVERY religious belief in the Grand Ole Party!

Pedro Ayala
@topedro. I meant "our community" as the LGBT community. She's been great for our issues. This is a big dissapointment.

Bixby Knoll Resident
Let me get this straight - the LGBT community has deemed themselves the only community worthy of identifying who is truly a Democrat? And, if you disagree with their agenda, whether you consider yourself a Democrat or not because of your stance on helping the needy, poor, teachers and anit-big business - if you are "anti-LGBT" according to them you are not a "true" Democrat? Talk about devisive!

Bob M.
@LBRepub, you can have him. Democrats actually stand up for people. We fight for equality for everyone. I've never been involved in any of the Democratic clubs, but proud to know they are representing us well.

GEORGE WASHINGTON
NEAL FOR PRESIDENT

hey zeus
Hey LB REPUB: Mr Neal has the right to BELIEVE anything he wants. What no elected official has a right to do is IMPOSE religious beliefs on the electorate. Justiyfing the exclusionary right of heterosexuals to a GOVERNMENT OFFICIATED CEREMONY based on SCRIPTURE is a very clear conflation of church with state. And in this case, freedom OF religion and freedom FROM religion amount to the same thing: Only certain branches of Christianity, Judaism, and Islam prohibit gay marriage; some Christian churches and Jewish Synagogues ALLOW it. Therefore, for the STATE to favor heterosexual marriage over gay marriage is a clear violation of the First Amendment, as it expresses a PREFERENCE for certain relgious groups. Anyone who claims not to get this is either a liar or just doesn't undertand, or care to undertand, the American tradition and Constitutional requirement of SECULAR jurisprudence and legislation.

BB
Forget this guy, Val has done a good job for the 9th and the city. Write in Val's name and check the box. We all win.

Kate K
Mr. Neal has the right to believe in any way that he chooses as long as it doesn't interfere with objectivity as a politician. And anyone living in the 9th District has a right to vote or not to vote for him. It's good for him to be honest (which should not be confused with "truthful") about his views, because it gives us information whether to give him a vote. Having written that, and my own objectivity put aside, if I lived in that district, I wouldn't vote for him even if I were promised a first edition of the Gutenberg Bible. I'm wary of anyone's specific religious beliefs entering a public office venue, and I'm especially put off by the civil rights of a group of people being denied. What really got me, though, is the ignorance: Who deliberately "chooses" whom they love?

Seek the Truth
@hey zeus: I'm glad you asked, The Bible is the one and only truth left in this world, if you read it from cover to cover I guarantee you will believe that. God bless you!

Wondering?
What does Brad Shore think about this? He's also a candidate in this race and openly gay. One thing is for sure, Neal scews any chance of Shore supporting him if he were to make the run-off with Val Lerch. All Neal has done is given Lerch and Shore an incentive to support each other.

Oh no!
Republican or Democrat, Long Beach does not need this mentality on their City Council!

Wile1
If you truly believe in separation of Church and State, It would not matter what an individual whose running for office believes. Faith is between the individual and God. Most of the founding fathers of our great nation had strong religious views, but set them aside to provide freedom of religion to ALL.

hey zeus
@ Seek the truth: So the Bible is infallibly true? So you support banning divorce? Forcing rape victims to marry the rapist? Allowing polygamy? Banning pork products? Stoning adulterers and gay people to death? I cant wait to hear your reply!

Resident
As we all have the right to our own opinion and to believe what we want, so does Steven Neal, and any other elected official in this great country. If you don't want to elect someone that will say what he believes, especially on this subject, I guess you can vote for someone that does not believe in our most important rights, to have our own opinion and to believe what we like.

jon in 90808
With the quick pace of posts here it seems that Mr. Neal has, with one comment (and full on bigotry against a large part of the citizens he is supposed to represent), has snatched defeat from the jaws of possible victory. I am one straight guy that thinks we should leave the gays alone. It does not matter if I believe in "Gay Marriage" or not. Nor should you, unless you are gay and wanting to be married. Nor should government. If you think that 2 gay people getting married is going to hurt your "Traditional" marriage - then your marriage is already in trouble. Better get divorced quick and move to a country where you don't have to see others enjoy.... freedom.

jon in 90808
re "Resident": "I guess you can vote for someone that does not believe in our most important rights, to have our own opinion and to believe what we like." I completly agree... that you are describing Steven Neal with this final line. I love irony... And by the way, I suggest voting for Brad Shore - who talks AND walks in regards to this issue - and does not force his opinions about it on others.

Randy LB Res
Dear "Anonymous." I totally agree with you! That is, the Dem Clubs and most of Long Beach "Agree to Disagree in that we most likely will vote for Lerch." I like that Anonymous, we can agree to disagree. So, agree with me to disagree to vote for Neal. Oh, and I totally disagree with you in that no one has "attacked anyone." See you at the Polls...

jon in 90808
Randy, go easy on Anon... he just wants people to have the right to take away others rights, is all.

mikebh
If we were going to base our laws on the Bible than it would be illegal to eat shrimp and ham. By law, we would have to stone all the heterosexual women that have gotten a second marriage while there ex husbands were alive �' yeah that sounds like a plan!

Brandon
Wow, I knew the LGBT were the picture of reverse discrimination - but I didn't realize how ridiculous they've become. Quit forcing your views on society already. Why is that if someone disagrees with this group that they are bigots, but they can disagree with whomever they want and pretend they're heroes. It's just an opinion. I mean, how is it 'Anti-LGBT' to say that homosexuality is a lifestyle choice?!?! Face it, this is not nature's choice. The natural kingdom utilizes sex for procreation. Those unfit to reproduce are naturally selected for removal. Since homosexuality cannot naturally procreate, then it has obviously been selected by nature for removal. That said, why should they get to rewrite our socital standards, or have any input at all? They need to keep it to themselves, stop hammering society with their beliefs, and sit this one out.

GH
From my research on homosexuality (googled "what causes homosexuality"), it is not a choice, but rather something that is developed from early childhood. As for marraige, there needs to be some kind of definition, otherwise adult siblings should also be allowed to marry as well as adult mothers with their adult sons, etc. Civil unions would be a good solution to all of this.

A Proud Dem
@ Brandon: I think what this whole article about is to show that ALL the Dem Clubs in Long Beach have an issue with the comments that Mr. Neal made. I don't see their concern as a personal attack or decisive but as active constituents who want to voice their opinion and have a healthy discussion. Not people bash like your comment does.

greyzone
@brandon - homosexuality is well-documented in the animal kingdom. Also, since there is no biological correlation between having a gay parent and being gay yourself, the inability to reproduce clearly DOES NOT select out homosexuality - otherwise by now there wouldnt be any gay people. But far be it from me to teach you the basics of evolutionary biology. Please go take a class. Finally, I will say that your post is very silly: You are saying Mr Neal, a political candidate, can express discriminatory views, but those discriminated against are not allowed to say anything about it? So he has the right not just to BELIEVE gays are unequal, but he has the RIGHT to not be confronted about his beliefs, and the right to allow his religious beliefs to guide legislation? But LGBT folks have no right to say anything about it? Sorry Brandon - your logic wouldnt even pass muster in 7th grade, let alone in the adult world.

greyzone
@brandon: I'm sorry, did you just say that gay people should have no input at all into the social standards that govern their lives? How about this: Why should someone like you, who cant manage to think or speak logically and apparently doesnt understand separation of church and state, have any input at all?

bible = law
Any good religious person believes prayer should be balanced by action. So here, in support of the Prayer Team's admirable goals, is a proposed Constitutional Amendment codifying marriage entirely on biblical principles: Marriage in the United States shall consist of a union between one man and one or more women. (Gen 29:17-28; II Sam 3:2-5; Matthew 25:1) Marriage shall not impede a man's right to take concubines in addition to his wife or wives. (II Sam 5:13; I Kings 11:3; II Chron11:21) A marriage shall be considered valid only if the wife is a virgin. If the wife is not a virgin, she shall be executed. (Deut 22:13-21) Marriage of a believer and a non-believer shall be forbidden. (Gen 24:3; Num 25:1-9; Ezra 9:12; Neh 10:30) Since marriage is for life, neither this Constitution nor the constitution of any state, nor any state or federal law, shall be construed to permit divorce. (Deut 22:19; Mark 10:9) If a married man dies without children, his brother shall marry the widow. If he refuses to marry his brother's widow or deliberately does not give her children, he shall pay a fine of one shoe and be otherwise punished in a manner to be determined by law. (Gen. 38:6-10; Deut 25:5-10) In lieu of marriage, if there are no acceptable men in your town, it is required that you get your dad drunk and have sex with him (even if he had previously offered you up as a sex toy to men young and old), tag-teaming with any sisters you may have. Of course, this rule applies only if you are female. (Gen 19:31-36) -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- THE TOP 14 BIBLICAL WAYS TO ACQUIRE A WIFE (author unknown) Find an attractive prisoner of war, bring her home, shave her head, trim her nails, and give her new clothes. Then she's yours. (Deuteronomy 21:11-13) Find a prostitute and marry her. (Hosea 1:1-3) Find a man with seven daughters, and impress him by watering his flock. (Moses -- Exodus 2:16-21) Purchase a piece of property, and get a woman as part of the deal. (Boaz -- Ruth 4:5-10) Go to a party and hide. When the women come out to dance, grab one and carry her off to be your wife. (Benjaminites -- Judges 21:19-25) Have God create a wife for you while you sleep. Note: this will cost you. (Adam -- Genesis 2:19-24) Agree to work seven years in exchange for a woman's hand in marriage. Get tricked into marrying the wrong woman. Then work another seven years for the woman you wanted to marry in the first place. That's right. Fourteen years of toil for a wife. (Jacob -- Genesis 29:15-30) Cut 200 foreskins off of your future father-in-law's enemies and get his daughter for a wife. (David -- 1 Samuel 18:27) Even if no one is out there, just wander around a bit and you'll definitely find someone. (It's all relative, of course.) (Cain -- Genesis 4:16-17) Become the emperor of a huge nation and hold a beauty contest. (Xerxes or Ahasuerus -- Esther 2:3-4) When you see someone you like, go home and tell your parents, "I have seen a ... woman; now get her for me." If your parents question your decision, simply say, "Get her for me. She's the one for me." (Samson -- Judges 14:1-3) Kill any husband and take HIS wife (Prepare to lose four sons, though). (David -- 2 Samuel 11) Wait for your brother to die. Take his widow. (It's not just a good idea; it's the law.) (Onana and Boaz -- Deuteronomy or Leviticus, example in Ruth) Don't be so picky. Make up for quality with quantity. (Solomon -- 1 Kings 11:1-3) -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- TOP 7 BIBLICAL WAYS TO ACQUIRE A HUSBAND (from J. Duin) Have your husband act like a jerk toward a famous warlord while you secretly show up at the warlord's camp with muleloads of tasty provisions, at which point the warlord falls in love with you, after which point you inform your husband of the whole matter, at which point he has a stroke, dies and you marry the warlord. Show up at a threshing floor (if you can find one anywhere outside of Kansas) in the dead of night and uncover the feet of the best-looking guy there. Go to any old watering hole and start filling the watering jars of the guy with the most camels. Have your good-looking sister lure someone to marry her but substitute yourself for her on their wedding night. Hang around barren women and offer to be a concubine for their husbands' need. Take a bath on your roof preferably in view of some nearby apartment buildings. Make like a prostitute around guys who hear from God that they need to marry you to show the country the nature of their idolatrous ways. (You'll have to figure out the references yourself...) -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- BIBLICAL CONTRADICTIONS ON MARRIAGE He who finds a wife finds a good thing. (Proverbs 18:22) It is good for a man not to touch a woman. (1 Corinthians 7:1) A man shall marry his brother’s widow. (Deuteronomy 25:5) A marriage between a man and his brother’s widow is unclean. (Leviticus 20:21) It is better to be unmarried and a virgin, and live in a right way in undivided devotion to the Lord. (Paul -- 1 Corinthians 7:32-35) HEY MR NEAL: Let me know when you have drafted some legislation to support these parts of "scripture"

Disabled
Most persons who are anti gay are also for not improving access for persons with disabilities. We have had problems with other polititions who have expressed the anti gay sentiment who are for cutting benefits to seniors and persons with disabilities. I for one feel that bigitry against any person for sexuality, disability, race, or religion is bigitry against all. How about the other candidate running for the 9th district, Dan Pressberg. I believe that he accepts all people without condemination of any.

Sick of Shallow Politicia
Can you say: "buh bye" Mr. Neal? Too bad you just don't get it! You are running for a lowly city council seat---light years away from the priesthood! Your religious beliefs have no bearing on fixing potholes or pulling sneakers down off the power lines. Maybe when you try again in 4 years (and self-important people always try, and try again) you'll be a bit smarter, but you are akin to a divorced man this time around. In short, hopefully you'll learn something from this gaffe before you try again!

CHARLIE
Well Ryan, you did it again, you sure know how to bring the nay sayers out of the woodwork; The truth of the subject matter is: Steven Neal is absolutely Scripturally correct, [marriage is between a man and a woman] backed up by St.Paul, and as a matter of fact, St.Paul was very clear on the deposition of the subjects in the final judgement. The majority of the citizens of California agreed with Mr. Neal in the passage of Prop. 8... The problem is not with Mr. Neal...

Anonymous
Dude you are obviously not well educated in the bible if you think that is the purpose of the passage. The Book of Genesis is more history than it is geared towards moral understanding. At this point in time God had not yet laid down the laws of the land, this did no happen until several centuries later with the arrival of Moses. This story is told merely to help represent the lineage of David and eventually Jesus. The lineage starts with Adam and continues on all the way down to Jesus. The Bible is made to be a credible history book in this manner because it does not sugar coat it. It shows both the lows and the highs of the people it represents. This passage is clearly one of the low points of the history of the Jewish people. Everyone knows the story of Sodom and Gomorah, where God wiped out an entire society of people who partook in these very actions. This story directly follows it, and is and extension of its evils. Again, its purpose is not to pass judgment but merely to pass information of the lineage of the Kings of Israel. There are countless passages that openly condemn these actions. Read Deuteronomy. Read Leviticus. Read the ten commandments. Adultery in the bible is defined as any act of sex outside of marriage. Obviously Lot did not marry his daughters, so these actions are condemned. Read into stories before you go making false conclusions on them, yeah?

Whose God?
What a hypocrite invoking God's name. At least he is honest about his ignorance saying that the God he prays to does not believe the GLBTQQ community is not part of God's children or that the GLBTQQ community is not part of God. What pagan does he "pray" to? As he says and believes the GLBTQQ chooses their lifestyle..if that's true then he "chooses" he "lifestyle" as being straight; not withstanding that he could also "choose" to be gay, bi or transgendered. Sad...so Sad...where has he been in his lifetime? He needs to educate his ignorance.

Rick
Religion needs to get out of civic affairs otherwise we will be no worse than Iran...a country run by cults (religion). The bible, like all cult books have been written by man and look at what man has done...re-written them over and over to suit their purpose, preach based on what their followers want to hear and fill their pockets as their financial rewards. Don't get me wrong...religion actually helps and guides people to become better people but like everything else, the flip side of the coin is that is also helps and guides people to be less than a better person. People have become so fearful of their religious cult that they don't voice any displeasure about it because they might not be able to sustain themselves by thinking for themselves on what is right and what is wrong or whether it is ok or not to harm themselves or another. Books are a guide not a fact of life. BTW...look up the word cult....all religions fall into the cult definition; doesn't mean it is good or bad...

Steve Neal has right to h
Why do we try to destroy a person base on one comment. Check a person complete background,stance or history.North Long Beach has so many problem that need to be addressed.

ally
What bothers me isn't so much that Neal opposes gay marriage - although I disagree with that position. What's really troubling is how casually he, and others on this thread and in our country, justify their policy goals with "scripture" or "God". I'm a practicing Christian but I'm shocked to hear a candidate who believes his personal religious beliefs should be the basis of the law. Why isn't anyone arguing about the Constitution? @CHARLIE: Whether he's right or not about scripture is an interesting but irrelevant issue; in this country, WE DON'T GOVERN BASED ON SCRIPTURE. If you want to live in a theocracy, move to Iran or Israel.

CHARLIE
What'd I tell you? Right out of the woodwork:) Oh thou of little faith - Study your New Testiment, particularly Romans 1:18 thru 32; Our Heavenly Father gave you the free will to either accept or reject His Will. Now, of course, you have another problem - Outside The Church, there is No Salvation! Oh oh...

Joe
Maybe "Democrat" Steven Neal needs to be the subject of one of those "demon sheep" commericals...a right winger hypocrit in deomcratic clothing...

Were Adam and Eve married
I don't remember being taught that Adam and Eve were married, just that they were thrown out of the Garden of Eden. Where did god come into the picture and pronounce marriage. I googled it and this is what I found. "When did religion become involved? As the Roman Catholic Church became a powerful institution in Europe, the blessings of a priest became a necessary step for a marriage to be legally recognized. By the eighth century, marriage was widely accepted in the Catholic church as a sacrament, or a ceremony to bestow God’s grace. At the Council of Trent in 1563, the sacramental nature of marriage was written into canon law." So I ask when did God tell us that he wanted us to get married??? I guess Adam and Eve were living in sin and all their children as well. If you believe in Adam and Eve? Some people are so gullible in the writings of man. Of course we can trust humans to write the truth. lol. If Steven Neal wants to believe it he had his right to tell us so. But, Scripture - please!

MAF
To our African-American brothers and sisters who in their hearts think that we gay people are going against God's Word as interpreted by others, read St. Paul's, "Slaves be subject to your master." They used St. Paul against you for centuries. Please don't do that to us now.

We_Deserve_ Better
These comments are pretty shocking for 2010. I think Mr. Neal's campaign is effectively over. A lot of people who live here believe in "live and let live" and don't think their marriage is threatened by someone else's (and if you live in Long Beach and don't think this way, you must be in constant pain.) Other people's rights end where mine begin, and that includes smoking, loud parties, and religion. I can tolerate other people's beliefs that their religion is the only true faith or that the Bible is to be taken literally-- so long as they don't inflict those beliefs on me or my (straight) family, or my gay, straight, Jewish, or Muslim friends. I hope some of the Neal supporters take a good look at Brad Shore before they decide their "Plan B" is Lerch. Mr. Shore is a man who seems to treat people with understanding and respect-- wouldn't it be great to have someone on Council who works on building bridges instead of voting lock-step with others, who stands for something instead of changing his position when he learns what the big donors think, or who digs in his heels in "don't confuse me with facts" fashion?

Straight Christian Pro-pr
If marriage was "Instituted by God" as so many anti-prop 8 voters say, then why did I have to pay so much money to the courts, lawyers, county, state, and federal governments to get my "Marriage" dissolved and had to pay God nothing but a prayer for forgiveness? The institution of marriage is a legal agreement between two naive people and the government. If two people want to make such a stupid deal and get the government involved in their personal relationship, who am I to stop them? I certainly can't afford to do it again. Mr. Neal, I cannot vote for you because you do not believe in equal rights.

shadow_man
For those of you claiming homosexuality is a "lifestyle", that is a false and ignorant statement. 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. If you can, sorry, but you are not heterosexual, you are bi-sexual. 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 http://www.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. It is clearly evident that this candidate is ignorant of homosexuality and sexuality in general since he thinks you can "choose" your sexual orientation. Either that, or that's his excuse to cover up his bigotry.

I hope he wins
The Bible clearly states numerous times that male homosexual acts are sinful. This is consistent with the design of creation and the command of God for humans to populate the earth. As a Christian he is acting consistently with his faith. We should not ask him to do otherwise. As a political candidate he deserves the right to exercise his freedom of conscience. If anyone disagrees with his position, they should respect his personal convictions and just not vote for him. If i lived in his district, i would surely vote for him. All public policy is influenced by moral beliefs. There is absolutely nothing wrong for these moral beliefs to be shaped by one's religious beliefs and the scripture they are based on. Again, this is a democracy - we speak through our votes.

Mature Woman
Most of these comments tend to blow this out of all proportion. Believe what you will regarding religion, marriage, etc. Even though i am an heterosexual individual,I believe that gay marriage should be a matter decided by the individuals involved; if partners want to marry, let them. It hurts no one. Learn to take an individual at face value. Accept that there is some good in all people. As they say, "God didn't make no junk." Mr. Neal's comments are offensive to many of us, whether we are gay or straight. But he is, after all, entitled to make those comments.

John Greet
I think the Democratic Clubs that co-signed the Open Letter to Mr. Neal have failed to quote Mr. Neal either fully or accurately. Nor do I believe that the comments Mr. Neal *actually* made were in any way "anti-LGBT" as alleged by these four Clubs in their letter. This topic is clearly going to require it's own column and I'm working on that as you read this. Please watch for it and chime in once its published here at LBPOST.com!

Christal
Thanks Mr. Neal for speaking what you believe. Everyone else speaks what they believe with no comment, but the minute some stands up for what is morally and spiritually right, the venom comes out. Marriage is instituted by God, it was not man-made, and it is between a man and a woman regardless of what others may think or want.

Bixby Knolls Resident
This is wonderful! I can't wait for a really qualified Democrat to rise up in the political world only to get shot down my the LGBT. I'm not saying Mr. Neal is that person...but, I'd much rather have a doofus that appeases the LGBT and accomplishes nothing than a smart well educated democrat who is "anti-LGBT" that works with the system and destroys viable business enterprises in the name of "fairness". Excellent - keep up the good work!

SSS
Wow, look at all these posts! That's exactly why I stay mum on all the gay stuff that comes up before voters. You guys are vicious. Looks to me like Mr. Neal was probably asked a question (like his opinion) and he gave it. I'm sure if elected, will represent his constituents without interjecting his personal beliefs. Jeez, give the guy a chance.

Dan Brown
The "Inclusiveness" that the LB Democratic Clubs find so important, means that if you offend the Gay Community in any way, you are out. This is NOT the first time this has happened. Let's judge the person and not ANY one issue. I support Councilman Lerch, but find the gang-up job on Mr Neal shows their true motives and that you must follow the party lines top to bottom or they (the Presidents of these groups) will attempt to destroy you.

Resident
How did the LGBT vote in 2008 for President? Obama flat out said, "I believe that marriage is the union between a man and a woman." Why did not the LGBT community throw Obama under the bus? It's hypocrisy. You toss out one person for saying his opinion...but embrace the other who has the same opinion.

demo club looks goofy
typical gay response to something they don't understand...go marry men if you want just stay out of normal peoples lives. where is the man boy love club for the demo letter?

whodat
In place of MARRIAGE.......call it BARRIAGE... when it involves two persons of the same sex........then all citizens can enjoy a right to be Barried.........and should be happy with it

CHARLIE
To MAF... You have taken Paul's statement out of context; Now don't fool yourself - Read Romans 1:18 thru 32 if you really want the truth on the subject of gays & lesbians..Give it some serious thought for your own sakes, and I will be praying for you! C

Proud Dem
@ dem clubs look goofy If you notice this is not just the "gay" dem club but all 4 of them. And besides that, I don't think the intent was to challenge Mr. Neal's belief but to make clear his position on an important issue as it relates to his council race and potential other races.

Scott Blumenthal
Write in Val Lerch. He is the one person that needs to be on the ballot in the 9th district. He provides good leadership and as Vice-Mayor brings credibility and a bigger voice to North Long Beach. We need that. We need Val Lerch. Write him in.

Chuck D
I have to call this one like I see it. Mr. Neal's comments were really not that severe when kept in perspective. This hypersensitive response is an obvious attempt by the "City Hall Democrats" to undermine the character and integrity of Mr. Neal's 9th District campaign. The vile and calculated Foster machine will stop at nothing to maintain the status quo on the Council. Here's a man who goes an entire term subverting the interest of working families in Long Beach and yet the local Democratic Clubs have never uttered a word. Even though most active local Dems will privately tell you that Foster is really governs like a country club republican. Excluding Betty Karnette, everyone of the local club presidents are puppets for the Foster machine. At least two are on his payroll. Maybe we should bring Dan Baker back to town and have him remind us about Mr. Lerch's real views about the LGBT community. Sorry Dem presidents, I'm a loyal Dem who is not buying your bulloney.

Brian
At this point in my life, when a person starts talking about this issues and brings up the Bible to back up how they feel and why they are taking such a stance, I simply tune them out, because I know that he or she is not my type of person that I ever want to deal with anyway.

Brandon
..a reply to my confused 'friends'. A Proud Dem: I know you are confused, but if you don't think the LGFTQ (whatever) people bashes then you have proved me right. Just because you call it 'vocalizing' doesn't make it so. If you are entitled to your opinion, then so is everyone else. Don't bash others for their views, simply accept them for their societal contribution. That's what you want us to do, but you can't give the same courtesy. Wake up, and realize your are lost in your own depravity. greyzone: Geez, where do I start? You are so backward it's ridiculous. You say homosexuality is well documented in the animal kingdom, but please tell me what purpose it serves? It has no use in the animal kingdom, or anywhere. So, it has been selected for removal. Science has simply given you the ability to drag down the gene pool, but this is not natural. You also stated that there is no correlation between parent and child in passing this trait. Well said, this is the only time you were right. Homosexuality is NOT hereditary! You agreed to this in your comment. Which means it's a CHOICE (you said it, not me). There is nothing natural about it, it is the choosing of a confused, abused, or depraved mind. You obviously have trouble putting together an argument, and really shouldn't be adding your two cents. It is incoherant and contradictory. No, it is you that needs to go to class my foolish friend. The funniest part is that you tried to come back again with more. Give it up already. Why is it Long Beach that has to be like this? No other city I've been to has the nerve to remove the American flag once a year and replace it with an absurd rainbow flag for a whole month!!! If you want to be accepted, then accept others and stop telling us to change for you. It's a two way street!

Steve Conley
I'm a socially liberal Republican who is pleased to show your true colors: Government will take care of you as long as you vote as a Democrat and forget what else you believe in. Comeon, we all are Americans and deserve equal treatment under the law. Incidently, I have been maried for 50 years and have 3 children and 4 grandchildren.

The Other Brian
At this point in my life, when a person starts spouting trash about morality and acceptance, and does not bring up the Bible to back up how they feel and why they are taking such a stance, I simply tune them out, because I know that he or she is not my type of person that I ever want to deal with anyway. Without a foundation, there is no background to their belief. It's simply a feeling or emotion, which are dangerous elements to build on. Face it, right and wrong exists and has a foundation. Otherwise, who is to say that stealing or even murder is wrong? If I feel it's okay, then it's okay isn't it? No! There are guidelines, often religious, that tell us that there is order in this crazy world. But when you throw out the rules, what do you end up with? Confusion! ...enter homosexuality.

Randy LB Res
Ok, so now Neal is trying to back swim his way out of his hateful comments. Just read what his opening lines are, "In recent days it has become clear that my comments in the Long Beach Business Journal have caused concern within the LGBT community. To be clear, that was not my intent." He has already expressed his belief in that equality is not for all, especially marriage because it says so in the Bible. Well, that goes against the very grain of the LGBT Community. Very unfortunate!

4th Estate
The open letter asks neal to clarify his reference to the glbt lifestyle? The common definition includes individual moral standards: life�style/ Show Spelled Pronunciation [lahyf-stahyl] Show IPA - noun - the habits, attitudes, tastes, moral standards, economic level, etc., that together constitute the mode of living of an individual or group. his use seems to be consistent with the definition. why is that such an offensive word in the glbt community? what's the pc term?

GH
Question: Does the LB Democratic Club support marriage between an adult mother and an adult son?

4th Estate
Shadow Man, respectuflly, I don't understand why the term lifestyle is construed as a matter of choice. I also don't understand the comments regarding the bible. I am not a christian because I believe people who practice this religion rely on god as the creator of all things - including man and woman. It that is in fact the case, then one who references the bible as his belief of a "lifestyle" does so with the understanding that our lifestyles is not a choich at all be rather it is a divine right.

Juan
looks in this city the only important issue is the gays, nothing about high taxes, crime, bad roads, unemployment, graffiti...Have you gays noticed how much our taxes have going up and more people heading to the unemployment office?

DAVE
The Democratic Club pointed out that Neal referred to the LGBT community as “a lifestyle that people choose.” This statement implies to me that the Democratic Club spokespersons don’t think gays can change. If so, the National Association for Research and Therapy of Homosexuality (NARTH) would seem not to agree in their mission statement below. Right to Treatment NARTH respects each client's dignity, autonomy and free agency. We believe that clients have the right to claim a gay identity, or to diminish their homosexuality and to develop their heterosexual potential. The right to seek therapy to change one's sexual adaptation should be considered self-evident and inalienable. We call on our fellow mental-health association to stop falsely claiming to have "scientific knowledge" that settles the issue of homosexuality. Instead, our mental-health associations must leave room for diverse understandings of the family, of core human identity, and the meaning and purpose of human sexuality.

Rev.Jane
Congratulations to the Dem. Club of Long Beach for their awareness and action on this matter. This line of "I will work with all of the citizens, even though some are more equal than others" really needs to be a part of history. The bible is a fascinating book, and can be deeply inspiring, as can other sacred texts, but the use of it as a hammer, based upon ignorance of the context in which it was written causes pain, and has nothing to do with any spiritual path I know to be one of love...which is what the point of the thing is ...

Vinny47
I believe Mr. Neal should stand up for himself and testify for Jesus Christ. He should not soften his stance as he did with the letter above in order to gain "approval" or vote. People talk about being progressive, which is supposed to mean advancing "mankind" when in fact the gay and lesbian lifestyle only leads to death of society. I've never heard of 2 men making a baby, nor 2 women for that matter, naturally speaking that is. This lifestyle leads to no new life and only continuing death and destruction of society and no more family! All because you want to leave God out of your life and the whole world. You don't want to hear God or His words to us (BIBLE). Between man and God, who can go wrong? It's man, unfortunately. We need God, we need His LOVE and His Mercy!! Amen.

What's wrong with this p
I am very disappointed that no one has even considered that there are 4 people running in the 9th District. Dan Pressburg is the only candidate that answered this question correctly. He did not impose his beliefs on the 9th District residents - he clearly stated in other articles that no councilmember should vote their belief, THEY SHOULD VOTE THE WAY THE MAJORITY OF THEIR CONSTITUENTS WANT THEM TO VOTE! This election is not about personal beliefs, it is about People before Politics. Dan Pressburg is the only candidate that brought that forth! I believe NLB should be paying attention to someone who will do as they want and not as the councilmember pleases! Dan should get all the votes if the 9th district wants accountability!

Reader
If only the bigger issues that affect ALL citizens of Long Beach got this much emotion and interest!

Aaron
Brandon, if homosexuality is a "choice" but not nature's choice then how can they be "naturally selected for removal?" If you are saying that nature is selecting homosexuals for removal because they don't procreate that would indicate some kind of gay gene to cause such. But then this would indicate that homosexuality is then, by means of their genetic make up, not a conscious choice on their part. You can't have it both ways my friend. Your twisted evolutionary theories are circling back on themselves. But hey, at least you believe in evolution... I guess that's something positive.

Aaron
It is a shame that religion is the root of so much hatred and destruction in the world. And a bigger shame that those that practice it can't recognize it. It must be hard to see with all that blinding "light." Humankind will never reach true enlightenment until religion is gone.

Brandon
Aaron, you are confused all the way around. You said "if homosexuality is a "choice" but not nature's choice then how can they be "naturally selected for removal?" Huh?!?!? What are you talking about. Homosexuality is not nature's choice, which is why it's gotta go. There's no purpose behind it. Humans are great at twisting natural law and disrupting how things are meant to be. The crazy thing is how they twist wrong into right, and then try to justify it with absurd thinking and irrational logic. You are very confused, which is why something tells me you're gay. Vinny47, you rock! Your insight is the voice of reason amongst these depraved minds. "I've never heard of 2 men making a baby, nor 2 women for that matter, naturally speaking that is. This lifestyle leads to no new life and only continuing death and destruction of society and no more family!" You got it, brother! Oh, and Rev.Jane: If you're a reverend then you're a joke! Don't you know your own Bible refutes women in positions of authority in church. Or, let me guess, you just conveniently pass that by. If you can't believe it all (or it contradicts your lifestyle), don't change it for your own convenience. Get out of the pulpit!

Mark in LBC
SO tired of the LGBT community pushing their special interest agenda, and attacking any and everyone who doesn't agree with THEIR views. Let's see, it's wrong for someone to believe in God to voice their views, but it's ok for non-God believing people to be able to voice theirs? That's a double-standard, even by their own logic. It shows that their agenda isn't "freedom" at all, but just a push for a secular/progressive agenda.

Eagle Eye
The LGBT community is obviously the minority, yet they are the most obnoxious, arrogant, ignorant, disrespectful.... AND LOUDEST. How do you preach about "freedom" when you cannot respect the rights and views of others whom disagree with you???

Livid
To Chris Winsdor's IGNORANT comment: "Another African-American politician makes the unfortunate decision to hide his bigotry behind the cloak of Christianity." Please hear me - THIS IS NOT ABOUT COLOR! Ignorance and bigotry come in lots of different shades, buddy! Understand?

Aaron
Brandon, I was just repeating what you said... so it seems that you are so confusing you confuse yourself. To all those who are ranting about how tired they are of LGTB's not respecting YOUR rights to your opinion... um that's because your opinions come off as discriminatory and hateful. Why should we be accepting of that?

Kevin
If a white candidate in that district stated he believed it was wrong for the United Sates to have freed the slaves because the bible allows for this and then comes back and basically says he doesn’t hate black people, just wants to fallow his teachings in the bible, would you vote for him? Why is that wrong but with gay people all of a sudden the bible matters? I think there is more allowances about owning slaves as a property and even beating them almost to death as ok (Exodus 21:20-21 NAB) then there are about homosexuality. It’s really a weak excuse for bigotry to quote selective religious beliefs unless you fallow through with all of what the bible says.

CHARLIE to BRANDON
Your right, Brandon, confusion is the word for nonbelievers, and will never receive the peace, love and understanding Our Blessed Lord has in store for them, let alone Eternal Life!

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Ryan ZumMallen has served as the managing editor of the LBPOST.com since 2007. He graduated from CSULB with a degree in Print Journalism in 2008 and is a member of the 2009 class of Leadership Long Beach. You can find him on various basketball courts around the city.

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