Should gays and lesbians be allowed to speak freely in public on their feelings about their sexuality?

Let me put it this way -- Gays and lesbians should have the same rights as anyone else. If it is a situation where heterosexuals would be allowed to speak about their feelings, than homosexuals should, too.

So long as it's in a setting where it's appropriate to discuss sexuality in general, I have no problem with it.

If they honestly believe that there is nothing wrong with their way of life, then I think they should be proud of it and speak up.

Hey, the U.S. is a free country. People here can say whatever the fudge they want.

That's what the first amendment is for, right?

Free speech for all.

of course, but with moderation, just like anybody else...i mean some people are offended by the mildest of 'sex' talk

Yes - but I also get the freedom to avoid them if they're being annoying about it.

My view of free speech is that the right to speak should not be taken away from anyone either explicitly (by putting them in jail for speaking) nor implicitly (by paying them so little, so far below a living wage, that it is inconceivable that they would have the time or energy to speak out). But also that the right to not listen is equally important, both explicitly and implicitly. This means, to me, that free speech does not include going around with an amplified bull-horn on top of your car (explicit) nor filling spaces where people need to go (public transportation, school, health facilities) with advertising that is so obtrusive that it cannot be ignored (implicit - a person can read a book and not look at a placard, but it is neurologically very difficult to tune out flashing changing images from a television or audio signal).The specific content of the speech, sexuality, racism (for or against), nationalism, or a commercial endorsement, do not effect these beliefs (except for emergency notifications such as an air-raid warning).

Meaningful consensus on any issue can only be achieved if everyone is free to talk about the issue, no matter how distasteful some feel about it.

Ofcourse. I can't imagine anyone answering 'No' to this question. Unless you think Hitler was a cool guy too.

Of course

Yes, but really, appropriateness is important, too.

As much as anyone else can...

I personally don't want to hear about anywone's sexuality, whether they are gay, lesbian, straight, or whatever.

I guess it would depend on where they were and what was going on. There is the matter of free speech so I guess they can say what they please. If this included PDA, then no. But I also think that more then a small kiss and hug and hand holding is too much in public for any type of couple.

I think anyone should be allowed to speak freely in public about anything. It is your choice to listen or not.

why the hell should anyone go around talking publicly about their sexual preference? It shouldn't be an issue we are who we are!

Why the hell should anyone have to not talk publicly about their sexual preference? We tend to need to express our selves. We often need to tell the world who we are. If one is not allowed to express a part of themselves in public then what started as a basic part of themselves runs the risk of becoming a secret. It's a short step from "a secret" to "a guilty secret". That way lies self-loathing.

I just don't get it are we suppose to meet shake hands and say "Hi I'm homosexual, Hi I'm heterosexual." Who cares is my point. Why should it be a secret to confess or a "get it off my chest statement. It should be as natural as ones breathing not a decision to be debated.

As a pretty "out" lesbian, of COURSE I believe that we should! Be out & be proud, sisters & brothers! Don't be ashamed or afraid! We're coming out in a big way in the US these days! Thank you supporters for helping us! (Str8 allies)

Why not? If heterosexuals are allowed to than it would only be discriminatory to deny that same right to homosexuals.