Cultural responses to homosexuality can be improved through the practice of complete religious freedom along with the separation of state and religion. Church and state have been intertwined for as long as human history. This dilemma isn’t just an occurring theme between the United States and the Christian church, but it can also be observed with other religions around the world. These countries build their political system or set of laws on the basis of the predominant religion practiced there. This can have a major effect on certain minorities such as the LGBTQ (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer) community. This community has been fighting for equal rights for an extremely long period of time. It is not until recently that they …show more content…
But what about other religions such as Islam that do support self-defense and violence towards those they believe will corrupt society. Gay people might be able to walk around the united states freely, but in places like Saudi Arabia and other middle eastern countries, it can cost them their life. The Quran is not very clear on homosexuality and how it should be punished. However, according to Anissa Helie, a member of the international solidarity network, there are a total of eighty-three countries where homosexuality is condemned in the criminal code; twenty-eight of these are Muslim countries and seven the death penalty is carried if anyone is found guilty of homosexual acts (Helie 120). Some of these countries include Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Libya, Iran, Jordan, and Pakistan. The countries that believe that the appropriate punishment for this act is the death penalty, justify this doing with the “Sharia, which is the standard interpretation of Muslim Jurisprudence” (Helie 120). The Sharia is the basis of government in Muslim countries. Some horrific stories have taken place in these countries such as beating gays up, driving them out of a place, threatening them and some were even …show more content…
Through intercultural communication between the state and the church, we can come up with a way to completely separate the church from the government. The church’s actions will be limited to what concerns men’s souls and the state’s actions will be limited to what concerns the care of the commonwealth. The reason why minorities like homosexuals get trampled upon is because of the majorities of other cultures and religions that surround them. The beliefs of the majorities overthrow those of the minorities and we become convinced that the majorities’ beliefs must be correct and everything else is unfitting. It is absolutely ridiculous that hatred and discrimination against such groups are still very much relevant today just because we refuse to tolerate others with different
The movement of the gay and lesbian population in the United States is one that has been in progress since the early 1900s, and is still facing overwhelming controversy and backlash today. The push for gay liberation in a country founded on Christian morals and beliefs has subsequently led to struggles over equality of marriage, adoption, jobs, and healthcare. One side of the controversy argues that every individual deserves the same rights, while the opposing mindset argues that being homosexual puts you into a group of people that is different, and will therefore be treated as such.
The United States of America was founded as a secular sanctuary for ideals like freedom, equality, and tolerance – few will argue against that. Over its history American culture has radically evolved as it strived to meet the ideals its nation was based upon, making changes like ending slavery and providing legal equality for women and minorities, changes that at the time seemed absurd but today are unquestionable merits that define what an “American” is. The quest to reach the ultimate utopian society continues today as true Americans fight the evils of ignorance, stubborn bigotry and the fear to change that still manifest themselves in a large portion of U.S. citizens, preventing this nation from moving forward. One of the outstanding minorities still left to be granted the ideals of freedom, equality, and tolerance are homosexuals trying to obtain the right to marry the person they want to spend the rest of their life with, regardless of gender. Same-sex marriages should be recognized in the eyes of the U.S. government in accordance with its responsibility to provide all American citizens equal freedoms.
Although the gay community and unfortunately the Church often refuse to acknowledge a minority of Christians who experience same-sex attraction without label themselves as gay, these Christians are an example in which faith strictly affects attractions concerns. This is why some researchers (openly against religions) think that Christian beliefs and government institutions play a significant role in shaping societal attitudes about homosexuality, “promulgating beliefs and policies that place homosexuality in a negative light” (Henshaw, 2014, p. 959).
The LGBT community in the United States has always had massive difficulty fitting into our society. For many years they put up with constant mistreatment and other forms of abuse coming from the those who do not agree with their lifestyle. They have for long advocated for the acceptance of their existence and punishment for crimes committed against them. One of the hardest battles the community has had to face was the right to marry in a society that still holds the values of a traditional relationship which is between a male and female. The struggle was quite harsh but it all paid off by 2015 when the supreme court granted gay couples the right to marry. This historical decision did not go without outcry and criticisms. Most of the dissatisfaction came from those who hold very religious values and beliefs that claims homosexuality is a sin. Religion has always been a part of the American way of life since the nation's founding and with that homosexuality has been demonized throughout our society. Now that gay couple possess the legal rights to have a marriage license, religious companies and/or stores are now denying service to LGBT couples as they believe it sinful on their behalf to even take part. Many people gay or straight who fought for gay rights believe these is pure discrimination and that stores should not have the right to deny service for any customer for any reason. However, this belief is unconstitutional and goes
LGBT are cruelty criticised and discriminated, and there is when freedom of speech become harmful ; This fact is a serious national issue, especially in young people. Since now everybody have the right to speak out their mind, malicious people do not hesitate to mock others, leading to brutal consequences as depression and suicide. Each person should be able to live life the way they want, and not worry about others opinions if their comments will not contribute anything positive, at the end of the day, they would not solve one problems for one give so much importance to them. Is true that God made man and woman to be together, not man and man or woman and woman, but we not God to judge nobody, and God will do his job ; They do not bother or interfere in people's life, they just want to be happy and express their thoughts as a part of the community , and they have the right to do it so. “The Presbyterian Church (USA) joined other religious groups in the United States, including the Episcopal Church, that sanction same-sex marriage or the blessing of same-sex unions, according to the Pew Research Center” (Christian, Kurt). Gay marriage is a prove that everything is possible if we put effort on it, no matter what people say. Since by
Today in America there is a vast culture war occurring, with each side aligned based on feeling and deeply held personal belief. This is seen with the case of the Masterpiece Cakeshop v Colorado Civil Rights Commission. On one side, a devout and neighborly Christian baker; on the other, an energetic and excited gay couple. In the culturally divided United States of today, the argument dissolves into gay civil rights v religion. Tribes emerge, arguing you are either suppressing
In this article Michael Koziol discusses the conflict of the church when it comes to enacting legal protections for the LGBTI+ community. It particularly focuses the fact that both major political parties carry a fear of getting on the wrong side of church lobby groups and the effect that this has had the development, or lack there of, of the rights of the LGBTI+ community. He directly references times where this has been an issue for this community like the fact that the NSW Anti-Discrimination Act exempts private schools from the section on homosexuality and when this issue was brought to parliament by Alex Greenwich it had to be shelved due to the lack of support from the coalition.
LGBT rights in religion haven't been the best, multiple Christians and catholic are against the idea of gay marriage. It is deemed in the Christian/Catholic church that if an LGBT person commits any type of gay or lesbian act, they are committing a sin. Even though that there are millions of churches that don’t approve of these acts, there are some churches that embrace LGBT rights thanks to advocacy groups. The religions that mostly accept LGBT people are Buddhists, Jews, Hindus, and Catholic/Christians. While the religious groups that don’t fully support LGBT people are Evangelicals, Mormons, and Jehovah’s
The United states aim to protect US citizens on every constitutional level, mostly surrounding fairness and equality. Women's equality and gay rights are just two of many controversial topics that changed the course of US civil liberty. The advance of gay civil rights, in particular, plays up the nation’s stand on liberalism. It is apparent the US wants nothing to do with cultural or religious norms that stifle constitutional rights to citizens. For example, gays are explicitly denounced in the Bible, however, civil rights laws protect homosexual
Religion also plays a key role in the persecution of homosexuals. The belief that homosexuality is a sin seems to dominate the church community. Those of Islamic religion are strongly against the very idea of homosexuality and offer a strong punishment to those who oppose their views. "In Saudi Arabia on April 16, 2001, five homosexuals were sentenced to 2,600 lashes and 6 years in prison, and four others to 2,400 lashes and 5 years' imprisonment for "deviant sexual behavior.""(Associated Press 2001) As of today, same-sex intercourse is still prohibited in Islam. Bible-believing Christians have also responded to the apparent growth in acceptance of homosexuality in various ways. Many fundamentalists view homosexual behavior as a choice, and believe that it is possible and desirable to make a transition to heterosexuality. Many evangelical
Brian Whitaker, in his paper ‘Unspeakable Love: Gay and Lesbian Life in the Middle East’, argues that homophobia in Arab Muslim countries “is not a religious or a cultural issue, but is foremost a political problem of which culture and religion are reliant factors”, arguing that Homophobia in the Muslim world can be attributed to the attitude this world has to its counterpart, the modern secular European and Western
“And [We had sent] Lot when he said to his people, ‘Do you commit such immorality as no one has preceded you with from among the worlds? Indeed, you approach men with desire, instead of women. Rather, you are a transgressing people.’" (Sahih International Quran, 7.80, 7.81) Allah also insists upon punishing gays with death. Luckily, western cultures are starting to take these books less seriously, and no
The realization of the homosexuality in the modern western world as a cultural, sexual and a social category has been a result of complex power relations that surround sexuality and gender. The acceptance of homosexuality in the society has met its fair share of resistance and skepticism. The view that homosexuality can be in the same league as heterosexual has led it to be viewed as a normal behavioral and moral standard (Gallagher & Baker, 2006). Inasmuch as the skeptics may not want to accept the existence of homosexuality studies show that the habit is rampant today with many gay people coming out in the open. Of interest is the political acceptance of homosexuality with passing gay rights so that it can be recognized by law. This move has given homosexuals the ability to engage in legal entities like marriage (Gallagher & Baker, 2006).
In recent years, sexuality, specifically homosexuality, has become a large issue in America. Not to say that homosexuality is something relatively new, considering it was first noticed in the early twentieth century. After World War I, many men and women were dishonorably discharged due to their sexual status of homosexuality. Persecution of homosexuals became rampant. They were brutalized by the police, and often ostracized by family members and their communities. It even went as far as the president at the time, Dwight D. Eisenhower, even declaring that homosexuality was a just enough cause to terminate someone’s employment. However, through a series of events, such as the founding of the Mattachine Society, the first homosexual political organization, homosexuals have been able to acquire more of their rights (“Allies”). However, there is still a large amount of people who believe that homosexuality is indecent, and that it should not be allowed to happen. I say who are we to get in the way of another’s happiness if we so readily defend our own? I do no believe that others have the right to judge based on their own personal, religious, and emotional views on life.
Homosexuality is genetic! How can this statement be true? It is indeed true in the precise fact that Romans 3:23 points out, “for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,” Humanity has been cursed with being genetically embedded with sin and a sinful nature. The current worldview is that homosexuality and multiple sexual orientations come from nature, and not nurture. This viewpoint is correct in that it is human nature to sin and seek out one’s own selfish desire. However, No one is prescribing a remedy for this sin. “Become sober-minded as you ought, and stop sinning; for some have no knowledge of God. I speak this to your shame.” (1 Corinthians 15:34) What the world has done is celebrated this sin and deceive youth through their much-wanted desire for acceptance and identity. There is a copious amount of research out there, along with world definitions of each orientation, and a call for acceptance of others’ orientations. There is also the other side of the argument and the fundamental truths that come from the word of God. Various resources are available to help youth leaders, teachers, parents and pastors to have a higher understanding of this cultural issue and the solutions and treatments available for youth struggling in this area. Spiritual leaders in the home, church, and schools ought to be prepared to teach on these topics readily, since this world, in which many youth are daily immersed, will readily present its own point of view with utter