When you start to release a pressure that has been there for many years, it's inevitable that you'll get an overreaction, especially when there
are strident calls for a return to "traditional values" (whatever that means). As long as the religious agenda is against gays, they'll fight back.
"ever-straights don't make an issue of the sexual practices"
WHAT!!!!
This board is full of "being gay isn't a sin, it's gay sex that's sinful", or "be celibate" (which means unmarried, not chaste). If that's not making an issue of sexual practice I don't know what is.
If the only thing people see and say about gays is to do with sex, then I don't find it at all strange that they throw it straight back in your faces.
Your argument sounds just like that used against black activists - especially asking people not to rock the boat and be quiet so we can tell you how to live.
There _were_ gay couples living together in the 50s & 60s - usually in fear of being discovered, losing their jobs, and even being sent to prison. The only visible role models were people being entrapped in the only places they could meet. It's ludicrous to think that that would have anything but a negative effect on anybody.
Tax breaks - I know nothing of US tax. Here in the UK, being married had significant benefits until recently. Add in pension and death benefits and the argument DOES hold water.