In 130 A.D. Roman Emperor Hadrian’s homosexual lover Antinous was most likely murdered either by Hadrian or by a small group of the priesthood of Cybele and Attis who saw him as a threat to their power over the Emperor. Hadrian’s grief was immense had Antinous proclaimed a god and a star was named after him. For a time he replaced Hermes in the pantheon of gods and temples were built to him all through the Empire and a new “Edict” went out that all Romans were to worship Antinous as a god. The Christians and Jews refused and after the Second Revolt was put down, Hadrian banned the Jews from Jerusalem, banned circumcision and other traditions and he began a rounding up of Christians and gave them a choice; burn incense at the altar of Antinous or die as an “Enemy of the State”. This continued after his death to various degrees until Constantine. So to all you citizens who have bought the idea that “What can it hurt, it’s only two loving people wanting to express their love”, remember how Hadrian’s expression of love turned out and think about this, when the jack booted thugs come to your church and turn it into a temple to Antinous, will you burn the incense?