You speak of  respecting "the dominant sentiments of large segments of the population".

To me, this sounds like getting the equal protections of the law should be subjected to a popularity contest.

Sorry, but when the likes of Charles McVety compare SSM to "sex with animals", "sex with inanimate objects", "sex with children" and rape, that is not a "sentiment" worthy of "respect", no matter the size of the segment of the population who might hold such.