This is right on point. There is no empirical evidence that I have seen, only speculation, that God created the heavens and the earth.

On the other hand, there is a plethora of empirical data, evidence, scholarly articles, research studies, and the like that support the theory of evolution.

To disagree blindly ignores the facts.

Being devote to a religion is admirable. But to follow its teachings, like Lemmings jumping over the cliff, without at least some critical thinking, is misguided.

I think that all people, irrespective of their personal choices, should be afforded the same rights and privileges in our society.

It make no sense to argue otherwise.

Pre WW2, Hitler, in his infinite wisdom, decided to persecute the Jews, Gays, Non-Arians, Gypsies, etc. Looking retrospectively, was that a well reasoned decision? If you agree that it was, then I would challenge you to provide any strong supporting evidence in favor of your position as to how that decision afforded any benefit at all to Germany at the time, or any other country for that matter.

The same holds true in our current example. I challenge you to provide any strong (not philosophical) argument(s) which would support giving gays / lesbians any less rights than non gays / lesbians.