The homosexual debate – those wanting change – offer reasons

Fri, Feb 8, 2013

Editor: Some very interesting points are being made in the homosexuality debate. As a society, we inherited the belief that homosexuality is wrong, and that belief is reflected in our laws.{{more}} There are persons in our society today who would like to change these laws, and who would like us to be more permissive about sexual orientation. They find support in changes of a similar nature being made in the USA and many parts of Europe. Of significance is that white, Western societies are the ones favouring the change, and this is staunchly opposed in the vast majority of non-white countries.

One writer tried to make a distinction on religious grounds, supposing that the main opposition came from those who practise Judeo-Christianity. So far, no one has refuted this by pointing out that no religious group supports homosexuality — not Islam, not Hinduism, not Buddhism, not any of the African religions.

I do not think the debate should be based on religion. It should not be decisive what Leviticus or St Paul or other Biblical characters say. Law is a codification of societal values, about how people en masse think and feel. If the majority of people wish to practise anal intercourse, then the law should reflect this preponderance of belief. Mutatis mutandis.

The proper role of religion is as a support to the conscience of individuals as they orientate themselves in this world. It cannot be used to clinch an argument between believers and non-believers. Pure rationality should guide debaters.

In the discussion so far, those in favour of greater permissiveness have not offered reasons, but have preferred to attack the other side. The attack is usually either personal or the denial of their religious base. In this debate, the onus has to be on those wanting change.

Cedric B Harold Cbharold@cwjamaica.com