Should Being Gay and Lesbian be Considered a Demographic?

Today the world is changing, as well as society. The topic of gays, lesbian, and bisexual is becoming more of the norm. The question that is being asked is: Should being gay or lesbian be considered a demographic? As a therapist, I will have to be dealing with these issues, for it is a VERY hot topic at the moment. At the NCFR Conference, it was discussed in a couple of sessions that I attended. There were many in the room who believed that it should be considered a demographic, and we should support those who are gay and lesbian and if I do feel otherwise, it is something that I must put my religion, my beliefs aside for, and ignore those values because it goes "against the code of ethics."  Does that mean I must check my religion at the door and ignore the beliefs that I have? As a therapist, how do I approach that situation of a same sex couple that comes to me with respect, but still have my beliefs? Can I still have my beliefs? There are many in this field who answer "no." One even asked the question, "Why are we still discussing this? Its and issue that should already be decided?" Why? Because it is still an issue and will continue to be an issue. This all goes back to the question..should it become a demographic? Should the term "gay" and "lesbian" become a statistical characteristic of a population? If so, how can I work with these couples respectively but be able to still have my beliefs? I believe that marriage should be between a man and a woman. I want to protect that, and I want to protect the meaning of families. So the question still stands: Should being gay or lesbian be considered a demographic?