I'm an experienced snake mom with 16 snakey babies. I also give talks at the Kids' Camp at the local vet hospital about snake/reptile care, husbandry, and illnesses. Snakes are fine for older responsible kids but I always tell the kids that if they want a snake they first need to do all the research and they need to make sure every member of the family is fine with it. Snakes are fed live or frozen/thawed mice, rats, chicks, etc. I think most kids aren't aware of this and how this can be icky (also handling of this sort of feed requires adult supervision). Snakes can be "easy care" if you've done all the research, have the correct optimal set up, and follow proper procedures for feeding, cleaning, etc.

As for the gay people comment, that's just ridiculous. Having been in the herpers community for a long time I've never even heard of that. I know numerous snake/reptile keepers and they cover the whole gamut of human varieties. You might suggest your son talk to someone who has a snake and learn about the responsibilities of snake care. There are usually local reptile societies or rescues that offer lectures or events. The best thing is to talk to someone who has experience with pet snakes, not prejudiced people who know nothing about snakes. Your son may learn some real reasons why a pet snake may not be right for him.

You don't say how old the child is. What kind of family member? sibling grandparent spouse? big differences on responses need more context to try to suggest something....

If your son is a minor, he might not be allowed to take his pet snake with him to a college dorm or to an apartment. A well cared for snake can live for twenty or more years, so one really has to look at meeting its needs now and in the future.

How about goldfish? They are quiet, easy to take care of and you can judge your son on how he takes care of the fish.

Why oh why would you get another "pet". Is he going to take care of it, or are you? As far as the gay bit, tell him family member talks out of his/her hat.

Having a garter garden snake is more work than walking dogs to capture or kill flies the harmless snakes need to eat ....as for homophobic snide remarks ...animal all need freedom and safety....compassion should be the message in this learning opportunity for an Atheist boy

Attempting to force a change of mind in this regard would likely have the opposite effect. A better approach might be having him do some research for you, ask him to find which snakes are the safest to have, what are their upkeep requirements, cost, how often does he need to feed it, learn something about their physiology, etc. Also have him do some research on similar pets, who knows, he might get side-tracked on something else . . . . take him to the pet store, let him look around and talk with others, see other choices . . . but in no way discourage his interest. If it comes down to the point were he has jumped all the hurdles and still wants one, can prove the type he wants is safe, easy enough to maintain, go for it . . . . he may learn a lot, and so might you. I do not particularly like snakes myself, but if it can get him interested in the science side of it, it might be worth it.

There is a difference between a "pet" and an exhibit.
Snakes are NOT pets.

Only gay people have snakes. Sadly the spread of such ignorance and hatefulness is prevalent in today’s society.

I do not agree with keeping exotic pets. The limit should be rats or rabbits.

Never get a pet for a kid, that you're not willing to take care of. Then, you might get a better result than expected... or you might not.

Just my $.02
Ignore the homophobic comment where your son is concerned unless he's concerned with it. If you want to address it with the older family member, deal with them separately.
You told your son no already? He's not living in his own place? I'd consider that discussion closed.

Snakes are not bad but he should be responsible first

"What part of 'No' don't you understand?" I asked my daughter.

By accepting him as gay, of course.