Gay identity and experience in America

Gay

Homosexuality has become a hot political topic recently, especially when the State of California banned gay marriage in the November 2008 election. The passing of Proposition 8 showed that many Americans are fundamentally opposed to the idea that two men or two women should be able to wed. Gay marriages are all but unheard of in other cultures, so the issue of gay marriage has no legal or historical precedent. The issue of gay marriage has only come up recently in public debates. Californians made a clear call on November 8, one that did not necessarily relate to religious or political beliefs. The persons against gay marriage tend to be from broad backgrounds, including Christians, Jews, and Muslims. Gay marriage aside, homosexuality is itself a controversial issue. Some say that homosexuality is natural or even that genetics play a role in determining sexual preference. However, evidence has yet to support the claim that homosexuality has a biological basis. Homosexuality is clearly a choice and one that should be discouraged for both social and spiritual reasons.

Homosexuality and gay marriages threaten to break down the social fabric of American society. American society was built on the traditional family structure of mother, father, and children. To suddenly redefine family as being any two people who want to live together and have sexual relations could lead to social instability. The culture cannot sustain itself if rates of reproduction drop because individuals cohabit with persons of the same sex. Children will grow up believing that homosexuality is normal, when in fact most cultures around the world do not condone it. In fact, the majority of Americans do not believe that homosexuals should be allowed to marry ("Gay Marriage"). The issue of gay marriage is causing great conflict in America, even within the religious community ("Gay Marriage").

Interestingly, social cohesion is used as an argument in favor of gay marriage. Many Americans believe that gay marriage is a fundamental right, one of the civil liberties that is protected by the constitution. One organization claims, "the State should not interfere with same-gender couples who choose to marry and share fully an equally in the rights, responsibilities, and commitment of civil marriage," (LAMBDA, cited by Religious Tolerance). Civil rights are one of the most commonly cited reasons to support both homosexuality and gay marriage. Because of anti-gay "hate crimes" and what is known as "homophobia," many people believe that homosexuality and gay marriage should be protected under the law.

Although it is never right to hurt or kill another human being, it is not necessary to condone homosexuality or gay marriage to be in favor of civil rights. Most Americans do not believe that homosexuals should be allowed to marry ("Gay Marriage"). The option of civil unions for homosexuals should be sufficient to please civil rights activists. However, even civil unions are dangerous because they resemble marriage and send the message that homosexuality is an acceptable condition. Gays and lesbians in civil unions may even be permitted to adopt children, which would be raised in a confusing environment that could scar them for life. Supporters of homosexuality who claim that gay marriage would not hurt American families have no evidence to prove their point, since gay marriage has never stood the test of time. The support for gay marriage is new, and no longitudinal sociological studies even exist that would prove the effects of having same-sex parents.

Even religion is used to support gay marriage and homosexuality. The Quaker religion has spoken out in favor of homosexuality and gay marriage: "Love has many shapes and colors and is not finite. It can not be measured or defined in terms of sexual orientation," (cited by Religious Tolerance). However, Christians believe that the word of the Bible is supreme. The Bible clearly advises against homosexuality in passages such as Leviticus 18:22. Furthermore, love between two people of the same sex is not the same as sexual intercourse between two people of the same sex. We can love our best friends but not want to have sex with them. Religions that encourage universal love draw the line at fornication.

Therefore, religion is a reason to oppose homosexuality and gay marriage, not support it. The United States has a substantial religious community that helps guide social values in the country. Religious values are time-honored and time-tested, having been around for thousands of years. Gay marriage is just the opposite: homosexual marriages were practically non-existent until a few years ago. Only a few countries in Europe allow homosexual marriages. In the United States, gay marriage is banned in most states. Progressive social values threaten to undermine centuries of tradition in the United States, which is why gay marriage and homosexuality must be kept under wraps. Regardless of religious beliefs, homosexuality may be extremely harmful for children, communities, and the fabric of society.