by Ann Nelson-Russell

Created on: February 14, 2010   Last Updated: February 15, 2010

Views Concerning Homosexuality 

Homosexual behavior has been and currently remains a topic of great debate. One can find support of or opposing views within most any society. However, the general attitudes and knowledge concerning homosexuals has been shifting toward a more open minded society. The shifting views encompass a wide range of sectors; religious, political, legal, family and educational.

The topic on homosexuality allows one the opportunity to research and discuss the topic from many different perspectives. In this short paper the author will share examples of changing views toward homosexuality from a broad view and from her personal viewpoint.

Religious and Legal Sanctions

Legal sanctions against homosexuality has its’ roots planted deeply in the religious sector. Religious institutions viewed homosexual and other nonprocreative sexual acts as, unnatural, unclean, sinful and ungodly. The religious doctrine dated as far back as the 1500’s believed in strict punishments for homosexual behaviors.

The church’s philosophies became legal sanctions and the sodomy laws became a part of the government’s jurisdiction. Laws prohibiting homosexual behavior are commonly referred to as “sodomy laws." They have taken many forms in different jurisdictions as far back as biblical times.

Although in today’s society, many religious institutions remain steadfast in their intolerance of the homosexual lifestyle, it is not difficult to find congregations that prefer to allow God to be the judge.

History provides a glimpse into legal documented court punishments; death sentences or years of imprisonments. Those laws are no longer upheld by the American legal system. The U.S. Supreme Court ruled 6-3 that sodomy laws are unconstitutional on June 26, 2003.

Sodomy laws are now unenforceable in all of the United States of America. The author believes that the early punishments received for what was considered as wickedness from society was far worse than any court sentence could ever be.

Societal Shifts

“By the end of the 19th century, medicine and psychiatry were effectively competing with religion and the law for jurisdiction over sexuality” (Herek, 2009). How did this shift impact social views? Society began to view homosexuality as a sickness versus pure sinful nature.

Much of the studies conducted by psychologists and psychiatrists prior to the early 1950’s took place in prisons or with individuals in treatment

• 1
• 2
• 3
• Next Page >>