Gay Rights: A Moral Travesty, or a Human Rights Issue?

The issue of gay rights has always been a subject of taboo., whenever and wherever the issue is raised. Pro-gay rights from the leftist camps against conservationists and religious leaders have often turned up into huge political battles, including the latest American elections. No small wonder, then, that gays have always been at the centre of controversy. In the minds of many heterosexuals, the question arises: After all, how can any man in his correct mind love another man?

In this article, I shall attempt to portray the concept of homosexuality from various perspectives.

1. THE HISTORICAL PERSPECTIVE

Contrary to the claims of some religious conservatives, male homosexuality is not a novel trend, nor has its sudden increase in numbers (According to some religious claims) imply a decline in morals. Gays have always existed, or rather co-existed with mainstream society.

In so-called conservative Asian nations such as China, male love has always been deemed legitimate by government authorities. In the southern province of Fujian, men would even marry youths in elaborate ceremonies. The marriages were long lasting. At the end of this marriage, the elder partner would help the younger find a wife (of course female!) so that he can settle down to raise a family.

The earliest accounts of same-sex marriage from Europe came from Ancient Greece, where the earliest western documents concerning same sex relationships still exists today. In ancient Greece, same-sex relationships were a societal norm. Certainly, these relationships did not replace marriage between man and woman, but occurred before and beside it.

Even world-renowned figures, such as, Alexander the Great, Plato, Hadrian, Virgil, Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo and Christopher Marlowe have been known to exhibit a tendency towards homosexuality at some point of their lives.

2. THE RELIGIOUS PERSPECTIVE

With regards to the religious perspective , Christianity comes to mind, since the bible has made it very clear, that not only is gay sex immoral, it is punishable by death: "If a man also lie with mankind, as he lieth with a woman, both of them have committed an abomination: they shall surely be put to death; their blood shall be upon them." - Leviticus 20.13

In the minds of early Christians, homosexuality was a terribly grave sin; religious oppression and possible punishment against gays meant that homosexuality was forced underground. But of course, it didn't bring an end to homosexuality in Europe, or anywhere else for that matter.

Other religions have also oppressed homosexuality at various points in history, but Christianity stands out due to its direct condemnation of gays.

There is also a tendency for religious leaders or even non-religious people to mix homosexuality with pedophilia. While there is no doubt that gays can be pedophiles, heterosexual males have also been caught and tried for such dastardly crimes. The truth is, both are completely separate sexual bonds, and should never be confused with one for another.

3. THE SCIENTIFIC PERSPECTIVE

Studies have suggested that gay tendencies can be attributed to a genetic make-up. There are also theories that suggested that the gay phenomenon is nature's way of population control, since the gay phenomenon has been observed in other species of animals as well.

4. SOCIAL PERSPECTIVE

Due to the rise of the Aids Epidemic, the gay issue has now emerged beyond simply religious issues. The AIDs epidemic that first spread through the gay community meant that they needed to take more precautions to protect themselves and their loved ones.

While certain religious institutions, most notably Christian churches. have had varying degrees of success when it comes to "reconverting" gays: I.e turn their sexual orientations to a more heterosexual lifestyle. Chances are, though such religious "deconversions" are not likely to work. Just as one does not expect a heterosexual male to love a male, one cannot expect the homosexual to progress the other way. Sexual preferences do not exist overnight. Be it a matter of genetics or environmental factors, they are likely going to be imprinted into the memory for life.

There is, of course, the matter of gay marriages. Gay activists in the United States, for example demand the right to marry and share the same state benefits as mainstream couples. Religious opposition and public skepticism has played a role in denying them their rights, and chances are it will stay this way for a long while yet.

CONCLUSION

While there is nothing morally wrong about gays demanding their rights, they must understand that with rights, comes the inevitable responsibilities. Public skepticism and religious opposition are just some of the obstacles they have to overcome, and they must understand that people in general are not accustomed to sudden changes, that prejudice against the gay community has existed for a very long time. Perceptions cannot, and will not change overnight.