Pope Benedict XVI has called abortion and same-sex marriage two of the most “insidious and dangerous” threats facing the world today.

Benedict made the comments Thursday to Catholic educators, social workers and others after celebrating Mass before an estimated 400,000 people in Fatima, one of the most important shrines in Christianity. He was interrupted by applause several times.

Can anyone really consider gay marriage the “most insidious” threat the Church should concern itself with, especially in the wake of its own shocking impropriety?

The counter-argument, as presented in a letter to the editor by David Smith, Executive Director of the Illinois Family Institute:

If marriages were centrally or solely about affirming love between individuals, the government would have no reason to be involved in the business of sanctioning marriage. Government sanctions the type of relationship into which children may be born and raised because the government recognizes that that institution which best serves the needs and rights of children is the institution that best serves a healthy society.

Smith’s excuses against same-sex marriage are poorly thought out and, quite bluntly, lies. The same tired arguments again and again.

If marriage is, as Smith attests, for procreation and the stability a father-mother household provides, the government should be regulating based on those guidelines. Instead, straight couples that lack any stability and, in some cases, present a hostile environment to children are allowed to marry. Straight couples who won’t have children (by choice or because they cannot) are allowed to wed.

There is literature proving children of same-sex couples fare no better or worse than children of “traditional” families. The American Psychological Association backs gay marriage for its benefits — the same benefits marriage can provide straight couples.

I understand there will always be those against gay marriage. It is a question of civil rights that, for many, is a religious and moral debate. All I ask is a little ownership of why it’s being fought. Don’t hide behind lies and blatantly incorrect information.

There is a lot of talk about “family values” when gay marriage is discussed. Quite simply, “family values” should not dictate civil rights. Marriage can be a beautiful thing. Why are we denying a whole segment of our population that right?

Rep. Deborah Mell, one of only two openly gay state lawmakers, silenced the normally bustling House chamber Wednesday by announcing her plans to marry her partner and making an impassioned case for legalizing same-sex marriages.

While personal announcements are not uncommon in the chamber, Mell’s dramatic disclosure fell outside the norm as she described why a joyous moment for her was “bittersweet” and called out Gov. Quinn for not endorsing same-sex marriages.

“I know our governor and many of you on both sides of the aisle do not consider me equal to you and our relationship equal to the relationship you share with your spouse,” Mell said. “I think we are more alike than we are different.”

Mell intends to wed Christin Baker in Iowa, one of only five states where same-sex marriage is legal.

I applaud Rep. Mell for calling attention to an issue that is so critical to gay rights. This is the first step. These issues aren’t going to address themselves; the problem isn’t going to be fixed without work. The gay community needs to keep vocalizing this — our civil rights are being denied and something needs to be done about it. We should rally around and support candidates, especially gay candidates, who are willing to take this stand.