I notice that many arguments in support of restricting rights from gay people are fundamentally based on the notion that being gay is a choice.

If this is true there may be some logical basis for those arguments. I personally can't see that being gay is a choice and I base that assumption on the following:

Several years ago my wife and I were invited to go to a gay bar by a gay couple we happened to know. I was at first reluctant but eventually agreed to go.

When we got there, the first thing I noticed was how much my thinking had been skewed by bad stereotypes. True there were a few "flamers" who seemed to be the only people truly enjoying themselves but, as for the rest, all I saw were uber musceled uber handsome adoni that looked liked they'd just stepped off of the cover of a fashion magazine (it was a very trendy bar).

My wife went off to dance (for a change!) and I was left with the task of ordering the next round of drinks.

Sitting at the bar was one of the most attractive and glamorous women I had ever seen. She didn't look very happy though. We started to chat and it transpired that the guy she had come with (whom she knew to be gay) was somewhat ignoring her. I got the impression she was trying to do a "conversion job" but wasn't being that successful as the guy was more interested in talking to a bus driver called Dave.

At this point I reasoned that in no way could homosexuality be a matter of choice. I personaly know that I (were I not hitched) or any number of my straight mates would have SAWN OFF OUR RIGHT LEGS if we thought it would better our chances of getting within a mile of this goddess.

Not our gay guy though. Dave was definitely his flavour of the month.

I'd like to hear your views on this specific point. Please try to avoid political issues or religious arguments as they have been examined numerously in other posts.