“I’m the only Gay in the village” Homosexuality and Religion “The love that dare not speak its name” Oscar Wilde

» Homosexuality has been subjected to misunderstanding and discrimination. » Homosexuals have been branded as perverts, their behaviour unnatural and disgusting – a threat to society and responsible for the spread of Aids. » This fear has been labelled homophobia…

» Foucault analysed the ancient Greek view: » He argued that the Greeks saw it as bisexuality and did not think in terms of homosexuality – but some acts still looked upon with disgust. » Ethics at the time seen as whatever was beautiful, moderate and fulfilling » An adult married man could have sexual relationships with boys and girls without it threatening the household. » The telos (perpose/goal) of love for a boy was considered higher than the telos of love (reproduction) for a girl. » Relationship with a boy bad if boy over an age where his beauty had waned and it would cease to be an ‘erotic love’.

» Homosexuality considered a mental illness. It was not removed from the American list of psychiatric disorders until » Those who practised were placed in mental institutions. » Operation introduced – frontal leucotomy – which involved: “ opening the skull and cutting the nerve pathways from the frontal lobes to the rest of the brain.” » Many placed in all male jails, which increased the number of male sexual acts. » Lesbians largely tolerated or ignored. » 1957 Wolfenden Report marked a turning in attitudes – homosexual inclination seen as something innate.

Eighteen century philosopher Jean Jacques Rousseau believed that everybody is born essentially good and would remain so if they stayed close to nature. It is natural to obey the laws of nature (Aquinas would agree). Homosexuality does not promote or preserve life. Homosexual sex is not part of God’s creative propose. Sex acts should be open to achieving the final cause – PROCREATION. Masturbation, contraception, oral sex and homosexuality do not fill this purpose and are therefore wrong. Homosexuality is seen by some as a sin; it falls short of God’s expectations.

Some people believe that homosexuality is a moral issue. Many are concerned that it promotes promiscuity and undermines family values which make for an ordered society. Professor of applied Philosophy John Harris believes that sex activities should not even be viewed in a moral context. Sex acts that take place between two consenting adults may be considered obscene and disgusting by others. This is not a moral reaction. People have the right to be protected from danger and disgusting behaviour against their will, but they have no right stopping others from activities that don’t harm another. “the only purpose for which power can rightfully be exercised over any member of a civilised community against his will is to prevent harm to others” John Stuart Mill

Its hardly suprising when it states in the bible....

There is no longer Jew or Greek…there is no longer male and female; for all are one in Christ Jesus Galatians 3: 28 No man is to have sexual relations with another man; God hates that´ Leviticus ´Men do shameful things to each other, and as a result they bring upon themselves the punishment they deserve.´ Romans

Two young men about to be hanged. Their only crime being that they are homosexual.

» All such activity took place in private » Those involved were consenting adults aged 21 or over. However in 1994 the age of consent was reduced to 18 and later still to 16.

» The attitude to homosexuality has changed over time Positive changesNegative changes Age of consent is 16 (same as heterosexuals) Homosexuals still can ’ t marry Homosexuality is more accepted by society Can ’ t adopt children Civil partnerships are legally recognised – marriage is very close… Don ’ t have the same legal rights as married couples

» Despite what the Bible says there is a difference of opinion between Christian groups. » Most conservative (fundamental) christians believe the bible to be the word of God and believe homosexulaity to be sinful. » Roman Catholics believe homosexuality to be sinful. If someone is homosexual they have a duty to remain celibate so as not to live in sin. » Sex is only to take place within marriage between man and wife. Note: Jesus never spoke about Homosexuality The Church of England is divided. Some may accept practicing homosexuals. In fact there is a Gay Christian movement. Others remain opposed to it and believe the teachings of the bible. In Summary: The vast majority of Christians believe homosexual activity to be sinful, including Catholic and Protestants. However a minority believe it is acceptable and base the belief on the idea that God loves everyone.

» You can study views from more than one religion for this topic, but watch out for the wording of the question. If the question specifies that answers should come from one religion, then you are wasting your time if you write about more than one, If the question asks about a religious perspective, you can write about more than one religion. See Bowie – p

Most Muslims » There are many Muslim ’ s who believe that homosexuality is a grave sin and that homosexuality is a product of an individual ’ s environment, not as a result of their genetics. » These Muslim ’ s believe that humans have a choice and that they must choose not to be homosexual, just as an alcoholic must choose not to drink.

Liberal Muslims » More recently moderate Muslims have declared that Allah would not allow Muslims to treat homosexuals as sinner and that as Allah created everyone all people are acceptable to him. They also state that those who condemn homosexuals base their views on narrow minded interpretations of Islamic teachings. The Qur ’ an teaches » “ If two men among you commit indecency punish them both. If they repent and mend their ways, let them be. Allah is forgiving and merciful. ”

1.Define homosexual, heterosexual and homophobic. 2.List other words that have been used to describe homosexuality. Why do you think these particular words have been chosen? What do they show about peoples attitudes? 3.For each of the following theories state whether you think they suggest homosexuality is right or wrong. Give a reasoned response. a) Natural Law b) Situation Ethics c) Kantian Ethics d) Utilitarianism e) Virtue Ethics 4.Make a list of arguments to support the idea that the government has no right to interfere with an individual’s personal life. 5.Make a list of arguments to support the idea that the government does have the right to interfere with an individuals personal life.

» Mix-Pair-Share » Move around the room – sensibly! » When I shout pair grab a partner for the first 30 seconds tell your partner what Christians think about homosexuality. » For the last 30 seconds they should tell you what Muslim ’ s think about homosexuality.

» Homework … 1.Check – the other religious views on homosexuality (Sikh, Islam, Buddhist etc) in Bowie… 2.See the ‘Religious Tolerance’ website – recent debates… 3.‘How could you argue that contemporary Christian attitudes to sexuality and relationships have a lot to offer modern society’ [20]