Love the sinner, hate the sin?

I was reading this article on the Berkely Marines thing and came across these passages:

Berkeley Eases Anti-Marines Stance

...The council members say they still strongly oppose the war and the recruitment of young people, but "deeply respect and support" the men and women of the armed forces.
...
Councilwoman Linda Maio said the council opposes recruitment, not the military. "It's behavior that we oppose, not the people," she said. ...

This sounds familiar. Kind of what Christians say about gays. "Hate the sin, love the sinner." But I don't think that sentiment is acceptable to gays, is it? Just as "I support the troops but not the mission" rings hollow to conservatives? Yet each side that says that thinks it's taking a principled stand while being tolerant and meeting the other side half way.

Related posts: Update on Berkeley Marines
Retreat? Hell, we just got here!