As the nation responds to the Supreme Court decision to legalize same-sex marriage, there are individuals who are struggling with this monumental social change. The following information is being provided in an effort to inform and ease the strain.
Common Arguments Opposing Homosexuality
- It is a lifestyle choice
Since the 1950s, scientific studies have determined that homosexuality is not abnormal behavior but an aspect of human sexuality. Like any form of sexual orientation, it is deeply ingrained and impervious to change. The environment will impact how it is expressed but does not cause a certain orientation. Rather than chosen, it is something to which people awaken. Homosexuality has been found in all times and locations where humans have coexisted. It is also found amongst other species including African lions, rams, giraffes, albatross, dragon flies, and bottle-nosed dolphins!
- It is a disease that must be cured.
Disease suggests that something is wrong. According to the APA, “research has found no inherent association between any of these sexual orientations and psychopathology. Orientations represent normal forms of human experience and forms of bonding.”
There are people who have tried to “turn” gays and lesbians, using an approach called reparative therapy. Unsupported by evidence, the proponents boasted the ability to permanently change sexual orientation. Techniques were primarily forms of brainwashing, largely shame-based, to create the desired effect. The majority of cases saw no change in their sexual desires, only changes in conduct. However, the psychological damage caused by the “treatment” was significant. For example, the former head of Exodus International (a leader in reparative therapy) described a man who slashed his genitals and poured Drano on the wound. After two years in the program, his homosexual urges had not been changed and he was in despair. Time Magazine reported that nine former leaders of reparative organizations have formally apologized for the harm they inflicted on the vulnerable LGBT community. All legitimate forms of counseling have codes of ethics against this approach. The American Association of Pastoral Counselors even charged anyone who engaged in the practice guilty of “pastoral violence.”
- Love the sinner; hate the sin
As we consider this stance, remember that science has established that sexual orientation is natural. It is also a major component of identity that will have impact on behavior, socialization, and forms of connection. Therefore, it is not possible to separate a human being from their sexual orientation. Can you truly call it love when someone is asserting that a major part of their identity is something to be ashamed of? Bishop Spong wrote, “A just and moral society cannot be erected on a premise that some human beings are subhuman or perverted, not on the basis of their doing but on the basis of their being. It matters not what any source of ancient wisdom has previously declared. The Bible, for example, was once quoted to support slavery, to oppose science and to prevent women from achieving equality. On every one of those issues the Bible was quite simply wrong. To quote it now to uphold the evil of homophobia is no less wrong.”
This argument is homophobia- promoting the idea that there is something here to condemn. Fear and misunderstanding fester, so a person or group can engage in atrocities they feel completely justified to commit. Meanwhile, the lesbian and gay community have to endure with great cost. Consider the following:
- Individuals and couples must spend their energies hiding. This causes incredible stress on the individual and the relationship.
- Many teens are kicked out of their homes. Family alienation is common.
- The constant messages of shame lead to low self-esteem, depression, and suicide.
- There is discrimination found in housing, employment, health care, and entitlements.
- They are often denied the right to participate in a religious community or practice.
- They have to tolerate shaming labels as part of normal vernacular.
- They are a common target of bullying and harassment. One third of gay pupils do not feel safe at school.
- There is constant and real danger of being targeted for a hate crime. There is an annual “day of remembrance” to honor those who have been killed within the last year.
Marcus Borg brilliantly noted, “Jesus ignored social boundaries and violated purity protocol, demonstrating again and again that the letter of human-made law is less important than the spirit of God’s law, which is love and compassion.” (Meeting Jesus Again for the First Time)