The Reverend Sheldon then points out that "American families do not want the 'normalcy' of homosexual marriage taught to their children." This too is flawed thinking, for if homosexuality is an inherited trait and not behavior-based, then children who are "normal," i.e. with heterosexual tendencies, will not be drawn into the homosexual "lifestyle" unless as adults they decide to "experience" certain sexual activities. Also, homosexuality will not be "taught" to children in the classroom through the usual educational processes but will be pointed out as a common yet often unacceptable form of human behavior. Reverend Sheldon also appears to be attempting to speak for all American families, especially those with fundamentalist Christian beliefs, yet he overlooks the fact that no all American families are Christians which indicates that he considers such families as having more morals than others.
In regard to the church and homosexual unions, Reverend Sheldon maintains that churches "may not be forced to perform homosexual weddings but individual churches that resist may be subjected to civil suits for sexual discrimination." Legally, homosexual marriages are not permitted in many U.S. states, yet in recent years, a number of states have enacted laws that allow for gays and lesbians to become officially married partners. Logically, any homosexual couple that wishes to become married understands that most traditional churches, especially those that follow Christian theology, will not agree to marry them in a ceremony. Obviously,...
Also, if homosexuality is not considered as sexually / genetically based, then how could a homosexual couple sue the church for sexual discrimination?
Finally, Reverend Sheldon concludes his argument against homosexual marriage by declaring that "Americans know that "homosexual marriage" is an oxymoron," and that such a thing is "unnatural and against our country's most basic standards." He also points out that "every reputable public opinion poll demonstrates that nearly eight of every 10 Americans don't accept the pretense of "homosexual marriage." For the most part, all of the arguments by the Reverend Sheldon are quite weak, and his summation that Americans know that homosexuality is "unnatural" and goes against our "most basic standards" is also flawed. If the basis of homosexuality is currently unknown, meaning that scientists and researchers are still in the dark as to its genetic or behavioral foundations, then how can Americans know that homosexuality is "unnatural"? Once again, the Reverend Sheldon is assuming that homosexuality is "unnatural," due to his religious beliefs and his fears that gay marriage will destroy American society. With such a subjective viewpoint, the Reverend Sheldon should confine his opinions to religious matters and leave the hard-core research to medical professionals and researchers.
Bibliography
McCuen, Gary E. Homosexuality and Gay Rights: Ideas in Conflict. Hudson, WI: Gem Publications, Inc., 1994.
