2009-07-06, 07:43 AM
I know too many people who, when they discovered they are attracted to the same gender (or to a specific person of the same gender), did not even know there was a word for it. They were sure they were simply insane. Thought they were the only one in the world like that. Several wanted to kill themselves for being so twisted. They tried to change themselves, and failed.
Now, it's possible that they had in fact heard of same-gender sexual relations somewhere, and their subconscious wish to be different picked up on that, and "chose" homosexuality without the knowledge or consent of the conscious mind. But I think that's stretching the meaning of "choice" a little too far.
At any rate, homosexuality and homosexual behavior have been observed among animals, that make no "choices". Yes, it's a type of handicap, from the evolutionary perspective, and yet it persists.
I believe being homosexual is like being left-handed. An inborn trait which may make certain aspects of life a little harder. Not too long ago, left-handed children were believed to be demonically posessed or otherwise "wrong", and had their left hands bound up so they would be forced to use the right. Now, nobody cares. Hopefully, soon, a person's sexual orientation would be viewed the same way.
Finally, about marriage, I think any two adults who want to get state recognition of their partnership, should be able to do so. I also don't think any religious organization should be forced to do anything against the tenets of that religion. As far as the State is concerned, getting married in a church or in city hall is exactly the same. The status on the legal files should be the same.
Now, it's possible that they had in fact heard of same-gender sexual relations somewhere, and their subconscious wish to be different picked up on that, and "chose" homosexuality without the knowledge or consent of the conscious mind. But I think that's stretching the meaning of "choice" a little too far.
At any rate, homosexuality and homosexual behavior have been observed among animals, that make no "choices". Yes, it's a type of handicap, from the evolutionary perspective, and yet it persists.
I believe being homosexual is like being left-handed. An inborn trait which may make certain aspects of life a little harder. Not too long ago, left-handed children were believed to be demonically posessed or otherwise "wrong", and had their left hands bound up so they would be forced to use the right. Now, nobody cares. Hopefully, soon, a person's sexual orientation would be viewed the same way.
Finally, about marriage, I think any two adults who want to get state recognition of their partnership, should be able to do so. I also don't think any religious organization should be forced to do anything against the tenets of that religion. As far as the State is concerned, getting married in a church or in city hall is exactly the same. The status on the legal files should be the same.