Homosexuality



Homosexuality is defined as sexual relationships with individuals of the same gender and it has always been seen as a immoral attitude. First place where it is considered abnormal is the Bible where homosexual people from the towns of Sodom and Gomorra are killed for their behavior.


Laws against homosexual behavior have varied from the severe (e.g. mutilation and execution) to the ridiculous and ineffectual. Homosexuals (i.e. male homosexuals rather than females) have often been prosecuted on charges of indecency for simply holding hands or trying to dance together.


Homosexuality, or the sexual and/or emotional desire for others of the same gender as oneself, is found widely among the societies of the world. However, the social acceptance of it varies dramatically. In fact, the range in permissiveness and restrictiveness with regards to homosexual acts is at least as great as it is for heterosexual, ones. In the United States, for instance, there has been a wide difference in legal restraints on sexuality from state to state. Some states, like California, essentially have the same restrictions on both homosexuality and heterosexuality. That is, essentially all sex acts that do not lead to bodily harm are legal as long as they are done with consenting adults in private. However, California shares the oldest age of consent (18) among the states. The youngest (13) is in New Mexico.


In some societies, homosexuality has been socially accepted but limited to certain times and to certain individuals. For example, The Papago Indians of southern Arizona traditionally set aside nights during which any man could perform homosexual acts. Women could as well if they had the permission of their husbands.


Some characteristics of homosexuality are:

  • Being heterosexual, most probably feel uncomfortable with the idea of homosexual behavior.
  • They may regard same-sex behavior as intrinsically sinful, no matter what the nature of the relationship.
  • They may respect and love the person even though they reject their behavior. They may believe that God feels that same way.
  • Most in the U.S. reject the concept of same-sex marriage; most in Canada accept it as a civil right.
  • Many favor allowing same-sex couples to enter into civil unions or domestic partnerships with some or all of the traditional benefits of marriage.
  • A large majority would like to see gays, lesbians, and bisexuals -- in fact, persons of all sexual orientations -- protected from abuse, firing, discrimination in accommodation, hate crimes, etc.
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