Gay marriages: Good or bad?

As promised, I have been following the American election and the campaign methods used by both the Republican party and defending Democratic party. One of the issues brought up to at the current moment about the election is the concept of gay marriages. After utilising a lot of time to consider the benefits and costs to society, Barrack Obama has finally announced his support for gay marriages. On the other hand, Matt Romney, the (seemingly) dominating Republican candidate, has announced his displeasure at the sound of Obama's decision and has stated that he is against gay marriages and refuses to allow mono-gender marriages.

By doing this, Obama has no doubt won the support of the gay community, of which are more socially accepted in an American society than an Asian society. However, he has also lost the support of those who are perhaps homophobic or religious members who look upon the Bible to state the fact that being gay is considered a "sin". Obama does this, hoping that the homosexual community that now supports him outnumbers the voters who have lost faith in his ability to run the country. Romney has quickly countered, voicing his disapproval for gay marriages. This would entice the voters that have left Obama's campaign to join Romney. Romney would have lost no voters because of this announcement as the gay voters in his party would have already left to join Obama; perhaps only a minute number due to other opinions based on his announcement or the way that it was presented. However, this was no doubt a good counter attack made by Romney. Time would tell if he would keep his word, which he most probably would as the feelings that he has towards the homosexual community seem to be sincere.

I myself wish to have a say in this issue (although I have no influence in the American election, no matter how minuscule it is as I am not an American citizen). In an attempt to be as logical as possible, I do not wish to bring up religion or any other supernatural force showing vague, very easily misinterpreted evidence against gays as a whole. I am confused with my personal opinions concerning the gay community due to the fact that I have not met a homosexual before and have yet to get an impression of them. However, what Obama had said in his announcement was true; that there were millions of homosexuals working hard or even risking their lives for a country where they can't even feel secure in, where they are made fun of every day. It doesn't take a genius to realise that this causes huge disadvantages to society in the long run if there is nothing done. They too are members of the human race and they deserve to be treated fairly and equally. Without the opinions of religion, I see no negative drawbacks of a gay community or gay marriages. This is my rational thinking towards this issue. However, if I did meet a gay personally, I would be very confused about how to act around him. Let us see what the voters would say about this in the final election: this would be a very important election indeed.