The biggest issue I have with her stance on civil rights is her blatent opposition to gay rights. Consistent with most conservative Republicans, it is not surprising that she believes the same. The pioneers that founded our country laid out a vision of freedom, not oppression. They appreciated a society released from religious intervention, not shackled by it. An excerpt from an article written by Scott Bidstrup states it well. He states, "I always thought that freedom of religion implied the right to freedom from religion as well." Since when was the Bible the governing body on the definition of marriage. And if it is your governing authority, keep it that way. The definition of marriage ends, "consentual and contractual relationship recognized by law." How does denying members of the same sex the opportunity to marry, obtain benefits and offer them equal protection under the law benefit society? Are we still a primitive society in our assumption that people who are gay are second class citizens? This is America and it's the 21st century. The fact that we deny representation and support of couples who are the same sex is shameful. I for one think that such a close minded individual is not only unqualified to hold such high office, but see it as extremely dangerous.