User:Ros Power/Opposition to homosexuality

Opposition to homosexuality can take a number of forms. These are usually moral, religious, philosophical, social, natural and physiological. Frequently, opponents of homosexuality reject or contest the current orthodoxy on homosexuality, such as concepts of "sexual orientation", rather emphasising the free will of the individual to make moral choices. Opponents of this view will often cite the lack of evidence that sexuality is a choice, or something that can be changed.

Moral opposition to homosexuality
One aspect of opposition to homosexuality derives from the belief that the two sexes are complementary, and that homosexuality is a negation of responsibility to the opposite sex, and thus to society and the common good. Opponents of homosexuality also argue that sex belongs between a husband and wife within marriage, that this is a formula that guarantees the best outcomes for society, and that homosexuality represents a violation of that principle. Frequently, opponents of homosexuality also cite statistically higher incidences of substance abuse, promiscuity and infidelity, physiological and psychiatric disorders amongst practising homosexuals as evidence of the immorality of homosexuality. These conclusions are often disputed by gay rights activists, however, alleging that such problems are caused by discrimination, such as the repression during teenage and young adult life, and the rejection/ejection from the family unit. In turn, opponents argue that such problems are not ameliorated, and in some cases exacerbated by, changing social attitudes.

Religious opposition to homosexuality
Although all major religions contain both supporters and opponents of homosexuality, the predominant view is that homosexuality is a sin in the eyes of God. Generally, this derives from the belief that the creation of people as men and women is a fundamental aspect of God's divine plan for humanity, and that homosexuality is a rejection, or a perversion, of the creative gift.

Contemporary Religious Authorities
Although Islam is not a strictly organised religion, and therefore recognises no formal leadership, most recognised Islamic authorities state that homosexuality is wrong. Dr. Muzammil Siddiqi of the Islamic Society of North America (ISNA) has written:


 * "Homosexuality is a moral disorder. It is a moral disease, a sin and corruption... No person is born homosexual, just like no one is born a thief, a liar or murderer. People acquire these evil habits due to a lack of proper guidance and education."


 * "There are many reasons why it is forbidden in Islam. Homosexuality is dangerous for the health of the individuals and for the society. It is a main cause of one of the most harmful and fatal diseases. It is disgraceful for both men and women. It degrades a person. Islam teaches that men should be men and women should be women. Homosexuality deprives a man of his manhood and a woman of her womanhood. It is the most un-natural way of life. Homosexuality leads to the destruction of family life."

Similarly, a Canadian Muslim group called Ahmadi Muslim Jama'at', has written (on the process of western acceptance of homosexuality) :


 * "As this process continues, people find and invent even more bizarre and perverted means to satisfy natural urges, and trends like child and adult pornography, bisexuality, homosexuality and bestiality appear. Homosexuality is utterly contrary to every natural law of human and animal life, and counter to the morals, purposes and institutions of a procreative society."

The Qu'ran
Muslims cite the Qu'ran as evidence of God's disapproval of homosexual acts.


 * SURA IV: 19-21


 * 21. And if two (men) of you commit it, then hurt them both; but if they turn again and amend, leave them alone, verily, God is easily turned, compassionate.


 * SURA VII: 78-84 [On Lot at Sodom]


 * 81. verily, ye approach men with lust rather than women- nay, ye are a people who exceed.'