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Debate Info

31
70
Yes No
Debate Score:101
Arguments:37
Total Votes:138
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Argument Ratio

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 Yes (15)
 
 No (22)

Debate Creator

beanbag(157) pic



Was it wrong for the San Fransisco 1st graders to attend a gay wedding?

they shouldn't be exposed to this

Yes

Side Score: 31
VS.

No

Side Score: 70
3 points

well, i don't know much on the story, so i won't say it's wrong now, but if they were forced to, yeah, it's wrong.

now, if parents agreed to it, than i really don't have any problem with it. i didn't know 1st graders went on field trips to weddings, though. down here in the South East, we attended science museums back in Elementary School. I think there's a lot more educational values in a museum of science... but w/e. or IMAX, i remember seeing shit on Animals in the IMAX theaters.

it's really just ideological... but once again, if the parents agreed, i don't care. the school systems can focus their attention on pushing the gay agenda... for me? i rather take my kid to see a big ass movie on sharks.

Side: yes
waaykuul(325) Disputed
3 points

Read my argument (and the provided article) on the "No" side for more info. Basically, they weren't forced to. And one of the parents came up with the whole idea.

Side: No
1 point

Not because they shouldn't be exposed to it, but in 1st grade???

I think it's a good idea to teach the younger generation that homosexuality shouldn't be frowned upon because it's abnormal, but in first grade they should be more concerned about other things.

(I'm not sure what this debate is about specifically, so if my opinion doesn't apply down vote me)

Side: Better things to do
3 points

Bradf0rd? Abnormal? Is that a feeling or a scientific conclusion?

Side: No
0 points

It was very wrong for this event to have occurred and it has nothing to do with the morality or immorality of homosexual marriage. This was an inappropriate field trip not because it exposed young children to differing points of view, but because it has nothing to do with school. Schools exist to educated children on academics. Morality, politics, and social issues are the realm of parents; not schools. Regardless of whether this was planned by the teacher or the parents, it is my understanding that the event was approved by the school and possibly even the school board (I'm not clear on the details but do know that in some districts the school board approves field trips).

No matter how one justifies this action it all comes down to this: the school system in San Fransisco is supporting a political and social view. In sponsoring this trip the school has gone very far beyond its mandate to educate children. As I said before the realm of moral, social, and political education is firmly in the parents' ballpark. Schools should be focused on academics at the elementary level. Perhaps in a high school class the discussion of diversity might be more appropriate, when the students are old enough to form their own opinions and better differentiate between a fact and an opinion. But for a six or seven year old to be exposed to these views in a classroom is unacceptable. It is nothing less than political meddling. If the parents of these children wanted to expose their children to the ideas of homosexuality then that should be done outside of an official classroom setting.

Surely if a teacher isn't allowed to pray in school they shouldn't be allowed to discuss their political and moral views either.

Side: yes
-1 points

After reading the story in the SF Gate, I am no longer quite so sure that I say this is an innocent and right event. First, the argument used by the school administrator to make the case that this is living history and part of teaching civil rights, is fine on the surface but in light of the battle going for prop 8 in the city/state right now is not clearly an innocent statement. I am bothered that a child was wearing a "No on Prop 8" button. I am bothered that the story clearly says the teacher emphasized the word "wed" to make a political statement. Bothered to the point of thinking this was wrong? Not sure but as usual, the details muddy the waters. On the face of it, parents are OK, then I am OK. But I am not sure that it is all quite so straight forward. As usual.

Side: yes
-6 points
4 points

What do you mean "exposed to this kind of stuff"? The union of two people who have decided to spend the rest of their lives together? Watching their teacher marry the woman she loves? Is that what's wrong to you?

Secondly, what God are you talking about? Last time I checked the 1st amendment states "Congress shall make no law respecting the establishment of religion..." So if you think legal unions should be based on the definition of marriage in the constitution then you are violating the separation of church and state, one of our nations founding principles. So I say to you: if you want to live in a theocracy I suggest you "go somewhere else" and take your bigotry with you.

Side: No
3 points

Where to bean? Where is somewhere else? Why not teach them the differences in all things and show them what it's all about. You're saying....not in my backyard! You're saying not under my God's heaven or watch. We are all children of God Bean and God's children are in all places....so then where should we run off to?

Side: No
waaykuul(325) Disputed
2 points

Your belief about marriage doesn't necessarily mean that attending the wedding was wrong.

And I don't support gay marriage, but I'm just wondering how you (or anyone) would answer the following questions: What makes gay marriage "wrong"? God? And even if you disagree with the idea of gay marriage, can you deny the fact that some people really are gay? And if you concede the fact that "gayness" actually exists: if you vote 'yes' on prop 8, are you just trying to force your view on someone? What valid reason do you have to take away from others' happiness, while not necessarily taking from your own (no one's making you become gay)?

Side: No
Inkwell(328) Disputed
2 points

What might make same sex marriage "wrong" differs for different opponents. Religiously the bible says it is an abomination. Socially, it furthers the destruction of a core of our nation's stability, the family which has been torn asunder by a constant onslaught since the forties. Scientifically it is an unnatural act as sex, coupling and family are about procreation and the survival of the species. So there are many arguments that can be made as to why it is wrong but it is up to each of us to decide if any of them hold water or are just sophistry or just interesting theories or arguments. Then, if we do come to the conclusion that it is "wrong", we still have the legal issue of whether it is wrong in a legal or constitutional sense, or a moral but not legal sense or just in an "icky" sense. And lastly, the decision as to whether those who do this "wrong" act are evil or criminals or just like drinkers. We agree that drinking too much is bad but we don't arrest anyone just for that. Way too complicated to just ask, is it good or bad, right or wrong, and leave it at that. It is also simplistic to assume that acts by a significant number of others has no effect on us. That was once believed about smoking and drunk driving. If we should not interfere with one man's pleasure if it doesn't hurt someone else, Why is it OK to say that how much Warren Buffett or Bill Gates makes is too much and he should have his income capped or pay more because of it? It doesn't hurt you for him to have 40B dollars, does it? and if so is it any different than how same sex marriage might hurt you?

Side: yes
7 points

Are you serious? First graders surprising their teacher on her wedding is nothing less than sweet. It's no different than if the trip was planned to see a straight teacher get married (something not all that uncommon). Kids were not forced to go, and I think the fact that all but two families gave permission for the field trip shows that it's obviously not an issue in their neighborhood. And who knows, maybe those parents opted out because they felt it was inappropriate for their kids to miss school for ANY wedding....

The fact that California schools and the California state superintendent have taken an official stand against prop 8, and are running ads to clear up the lies about "gay marriage" being taught (which in California, Marriage in general never has and never will be taught in schools) just shows how full of lies the campaign is for this Proposition.

To people who had issue with this, get your own life and stop trying to live other peoples.

Side: Better things to do
5 points

The kids chose to go attend the wedding of their teacher. In fact, the parents planned it to surprise the teacher. No one was forced to go; two families opted out without any difficulties.

I'm not saying gay marriage is good/bad. I'm just saying that it wasn't wrong to visit a wedding.

Supporting Evidence: Class surprises lesbian teacher on wedding day (www.sfgate.com)
Side: No

Kids need to be exposed to all that's out there so that they learn to deal with it when they grow up.

Side: No
4 points

Oh people...this comes down to matters of the church again.

All religions have different views on this. When it comes down to it...Religion should be out of the schools and government and in the homes and hearts.

What I do think is important is that "should children be taught to believe that gay people are evil or different." Should you be teaching your children to hate or look at people who are different though eyes of immorality? What message is that sending them?

This was their teacher, I imagine that they already knew who their teachers partner was. And gay marriages are legal right now, in California.

What a person sex preference is, no child's' business...nor ours. for that fact.

Should you not be teaching them that love is good and hate is wrong?

I don't think that in today world that children think anything about much about gay people. They see it every day and probably have someone in their family that is and if they don't then they haven't come out of the closet yet...because of such attitudes.

Love is the answer...as John Lennon Said "IMAGINE...a world with out hate...

Southern smiles and world peace

Sharon

~The Baby Boomer Queen~

PS...if the teacher that got married is reading these..."Congratulations!"

Side: IMAGINE a World without HATE
2 points

Why should school resources be used to take kids to a marriage? Any marriage? Even the marriage of their teacher? And has the school system ever organized, in the respect that a field trip is "school system organizing" a field trip to a heterosexual marriage? Or was this trip planned specifically and exclusively BECAUSE this was a same sex marriage? I don't know this buit was the marriage during normal school hours? While the teacher would normally be teaching? Couldnt parents take their kids if the kids wanted to go? Why was the school involved? If so, isn't it possible that using the school system to organize this trip is what you say you are against? The government getting involved where it shouldn't, just as religion shouldn't? Is polygamy next to be accepted as a nontraditional family unit? arranged marriages? Like it or not, Religion, schools, government, families and morality all overlap.

Side: No
pvtNobody(645) Disputed
1 point

Public schools have only one purpose: to educate young people in academics. They are not a platform for political or social change. I personally have nothing against gay marriages, however I do strongly oppose schools teaching any political opinions. Teaching children to accept people who are different is not the responsibility of the school system. It is up to the parents to teach their children a moral and ethical code that fits into widespread societal standards; that is there are obviously accepted rules and standards in place and these are enforced. However beyond these basic standards no agent of the government can enforce their beliefs.

Schools should be politically neutral and should stick to academics. Instead, this instance illustrates the tendency of teachers to bring their political opinions into a classroom. If the teacher wanted her students at her wedding then she could contact the parents and invite the students to come. But the school should not have approved the trip as a sponsored event.

This is not about the fact that the teacher was gay; I would be equally upset if the teacher was marrying a man and not a woman. The fact is this wasn't an appropriate field trip especially for six and seven year olds who are not old enough to form an informed opinion on their own.

Side: yes
4 points

If, as has been represented, each attending child's parent was informed and gave permission, what grounds for complaint can there be? My, or any person or church's views on homosexuality or same sex marriage are not germane here.

Side: No

From what Kuul says it was planned, announced and the whole nine yards with parental participation. Yes, first grade is young, however, how much do you think these little sponges absorb in a family where bigotry, hatred or ignorance abounds? I've heard a first grader in Alabama refer to a black child as a "NIGGER"...now where do you think that comes from? I've heard worse than that from younger than that as well. It's high time we exposed our children to all the different things that are out there whether it be religion, race, creed, belief system or what have you. We are all different yet share the same hopes, dreams and desires no matter where you are and no matter where you come from. No, it wasn't wrong since it was done in this way. I wish it was like that when I was growing up.

Side: No

Would anyone object to a 1st graders attending a straight marriage? Of course not. There is no difference.

Side: No
4 points

Yeah, other people said it on this side in a round about way, but people need to not worry what other people do. Seriously, just butt out. If parents want to take their kids to a gay wedding, they have every right, if parents don't because they are against gay marriage, fine. The Constitution clearly states the rights of Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness. This clearly falls under Liberty for the parents of the kids, and Pursuit of Happiness for the homo's. Only closet queers are so against gay people that they give a s*&t;.

Side: mind your business
2 points

No, it is not wrong for first graders to have attended a gay wedding. Children can not be shielded from this kind of information, and there are many parents out there that are anti-gay marriage and are teaching their kids that it is wrong, but are never exposing them to it, or even giving them a chance to see or experience it for themselves. We should be treating everyone with equality, and not to mention not hiding these issues from our children. It is better they know and understand them while they are young, so they can grow up creating their own opinion.

Side: No