Alph4
(NOTE: This topic has been approved by Fubenkunai, it's not a repeat-topic.)
TRC Approved:
My Sexuality Is NOT A Preference Why We NEED Gay-Pride A Real Solution To The Gay-Marriage Issue Transgender Issues - Not Just "Men In Dresses"The NEW Gay-Adoption Topic:
Welcome to The NEW Gay-Adoption Topic, this thread has been created to replace the Should gay people be allowed to adopt? thread.
You may be wondering:
'Why should we allow Gay-Adoption?'
It's really quite simple...
'Why should we allow Straight-Adoption?'
Because children need a family.
And because...
The Universal Declaration Of Human Rights - Article 16
...the right to marry and to found a family.
So why do people dis-agree?
Why are people against Gay-Adoption?
- Gay people are not moral.
Just because it happens in nature, does not mean that it is natural.
Being gay is a choice.
The Bible says that it is wrong.
Gay men have a higher chance of getting AIDS than lesbians.
Coming out of the closet is rude.
Society isn't ready for it.
The child will be prone to psychological-problems, related to their sexuality and low self-esteem.
The children will get bullied.
They just want Special-Rights.
So let's address these points...
Gay people are not moral.
Lisa S. Lawless
Gay Relationships Are Immoral
Says who? The Bible? Somehow, I always thought that freedom of religion implied the right to freedom from religion as well. The Bible has absolutely no standing in American law, and because it doesn't, no one has the right to impose rules on anyone else simply because of something they perceive to be mandated by the Bible.
Not all world religions have a problem with homosexuality; many sects of Buddhism, for example, celebrate gay relationships freely and would like to have the authority to make them legal marriages. In that sense, their religious freedom is being infringed. If one believes in religious freedom, the recognition that opposition to gay marriage is based on religious arguments is reason enough to discount this argument.
Says who? The Bible? Somehow, I always thought that freedom of religion implied the right to freedom from religion as well. The Bible has absolutely no standing in American law, and because it doesn't, no one has the right to impose rules on anyone else simply because of something they perceive to be mandated by the Bible.
Not all world religions have a problem with homosexuality; many sects of Buddhism, for example, celebrate gay relationships freely and would like to have the authority to make them legal marriages. In that sense, their religious freedom is being infringed. If one believes in religious freedom, the recognition that opposition to gay marriage is based on religious arguments is reason enough to discount this argument.
Just because it happens in nature, does not mean that it is natural.
Lisa S. Lawless
Gay Sex Is Un-Natural
This argument, often encoded in the very name of sodomy statutes, betrays a considerable ignorance of behavior in the animal kingdom. The fact is that among 1,500 animal species whose behavior has been extensively studied, homosexual behavior in animals has been described in at least 450 of those species.
It ranges from displays of affection to life-long pair bonding including sex and even adopting and raising orphans. The reality is that it is so common that it begs for an explanation, and sociobiologists have proposed a wide variety of explanations to account for it. The fact that it is so common also means that it has evolutionary significance, which applies as much to humans as it does to other animal species.
This argument, often encoded in the very name of sodomy statutes, betrays a considerable ignorance of behavior in the animal kingdom. The fact is that among 1,500 animal species whose behavior has been extensively studied, homosexual behavior in animals has been described in at least 450 of those species.
It ranges from displays of affection to life-long pair bonding including sex and even adopting and raising orphans. The reality is that it is so common that it begs for an explanation, and sociobiologists have proposed a wide variety of explanations to account for it. The fact that it is so common also means that it has evolutionary significance, which applies as much to humans as it does to other animal species.
Natural - DefinitionHomosexuality In Animals
Biological Exuberance: Animal Homosexuality & Natural Diversity Salon: The Fabulous Kingdom Of Gay Animals Homosexual Behaviors In Animals National Geographic: Homosexual Activity Among Animals Stirs Debate Seattle Times Article Conversion Therapy Did Not Work For Penguins More Fruit Flies: FemalesEvolution's Rainbow:
Evolution's Rainbow [Part 1] Evolution's Rainbow [Part 2] Evolution's Rainbow [Part 3]Being gay is a choice.
The APA
Is Sexual Orientation A Choice?
No, human beings can not choose to be either gay or straight. Sexual orientation emerges for most people in early adolescence without any prior sexual experience. Although we can choose whether to act on our feelings, psychologists do not consider sexual orientation to be a conscious choice that can be voluntarily changed.
Is Sexual Orientation A Choice?
No, human beings can not choose to be either gay or straight. Sexual orientation emerges for most people in early adolescence without any prior sexual experience. Although we can choose whether to act on our feelings, psychologists do not consider sexual orientation to be a conscious choice that can be voluntarily changed.
Is Sexual Orientation A Choice? Sexuality Is Not A ChoiceHormones & Pheromones:
Brain Responses Differ In Gay/Straight Men Gay Men Respond Differently To Pheromones Pheromone Attracts Straight Women & Gay Men Research Finds Differences In Lesbian Brains Homosexuality: A Natural Cause?Reparative-Therapy:
Estimates Of Success Anything But Straight: Ex-Gay History Ex-Gay Watch: News & Analysis Of Ex-Gay Politics The Ex-Files: Not Your Usual Gays Facts About Changing Sexual Orientation Critique Of Spitzer's "Ex-Gay" StudyThe Bible says that it is wrong.
Lisa S. Lawless
It Offends Everything Religion Stands For
Whose religion?
Many mainstream Christian denominations, to be sure, and definitely most branches of Islam and Orthodox Judaism, but outside those, most religions are unopposed to gay marriage, and many actually favor it. When the Mormon church arrogantly claimed to represent all religions in the Baehr vs. Lewin trial in Hawaii, the principal Buddhist sect in that state made it very clear that the Mormon church didn't represent them, and made it very clear that they support the right of gay couples to marry.
That particular Buddhist sect claims many more members in Hawaii than does the Mormon church. In a society that claims to offer religious freedom, the use of the power of the state to enforce private religious sensibilities is an affront to all who would claim the right to worship according to the dictates of their own conscience.
Regardless, religious freedom does not just mean the right to worship with your choice of religion, but also freedom FROM religion.
Whose religion?
Many mainstream Christian denominations, to be sure, and definitely most branches of Islam and Orthodox Judaism, but outside those, most religions are unopposed to gay marriage, and many actually favor it. When the Mormon church arrogantly claimed to represent all religions in the Baehr vs. Lewin trial in Hawaii, the principal Buddhist sect in that state made it very clear that the Mormon church didn't represent them, and made it very clear that they support the right of gay couples to marry.
That particular Buddhist sect claims many more members in Hawaii than does the Mormon church. In a society that claims to offer religious freedom, the use of the power of the state to enforce private religious sensibilities is an affront to all who would claim the right to worship according to the dictates of their own conscience.
Regardless, religious freedom does not just mean the right to worship with your choice of religion, but also freedom FROM religion.
The Bible On Same-Gender Sexual Behaviour Ananel's ThesisGay men have a higher chance of getting AIDS than lesbians.
The APA
Are All Gay & Bisexual Men HIV Infected?
No. This is a commonly held myth. In reality, the risk of exposure to HIV is related to a person's behavior, not their sexual orientation. What's important to remember about HIV/AIDS is it is a preventable disease through the use of safe sex practices and by not using drugs.
Are All Gay & Bisexual Men HIV Infected?
No. This is a commonly held myth. In reality, the risk of exposure to HIV is related to a person's behavior, not their sexual orientation. What's important to remember about HIV/AIDS is it is a preventable disease through the use of safe sex practices and by not using drugs.
Are All Gay & Bisexual Men HIV Infected? Study Looks At Risky Sex Amongst 3,700 HIV+ Americans The Origin Of HIV & The First Cases Of AIDS Lesbians, Bisexual Women & Safe-SexComing out of the closet is rude.
The APA
Why Do Some Gay Men, Lesbians and Bisexuals Tell People About Their Sexual Orientation?
Because sharing that aspect of themselves with others is important to their mental health. In fact, the process of identity development for lesbians, gay men and bisexuals called "coming out", has been found to be strongly related to psychological adjustment—the more positive the gay, lesbian, or bisexual identity, the better one's mental health and the higher one's self-esteem.
Why Do Some Gay Men, Lesbians and Bisexuals Tell People About Their Sexual Orientation?
Because sharing that aspect of themselves with others is important to their mental health. In fact, the process of identity development for lesbians, gay men and bisexuals called "coming out", has been found to be strongly related to psychological adjustment—the more positive the gay, lesbian, or bisexual identity, the better one's mental health and the higher one's self-esteem.
Why Do Some Gay Men, Lesbians and Bisexuals Tell People About Their Sexual Orientation?The APA
Why Is the "Coming Out" Process Difficult For Some Gay, Lesbian & Bisexual People?
For some gay and bisexual people the coming out process is difficult, for others it is not. Often lesbian, gay and bisexual people feel afraid, different, and alone when they first realize that their sexual orientation is different from the community norm. This is particularly true for people becoming aware of their gay, lesbian, or bisexual orientation as a child or adolescent, which is not uncommon. And, depending on their families and where they live, they may have to struggle against prejudice and misinformation about homosexuality. Children and adolescents may be particularly vulnerable to the deleterious effects of bias and stereotypes. They may also fear being rejected by family, friends,co-workers, and religious institutions. Some gay people have to worry about losing their jobs or being harassed at school if their sexual orientation became well known. Unfortunately, gay, lesbian and bisexual people are at a higher risk for physical assault and violence than are heterosexuals. Studies done in California in the mid 1990s showed that nearly one-fifth of all lesbians who took part in the study and more than one-fourth of all gay men who participated had been the victim of a hate crime based on their sexual orientation. In another California study of approximately 500 young adults, half of all the young men participating in the study admitted to some form of anti-gay aggression from name-calling to physical violence.
Why Is the "Coming Out" Process Difficult For Some Gay, Lesbian & Bisexual People?
For some gay and bisexual people the coming out process is difficult, for others it is not. Often lesbian, gay and bisexual people feel afraid, different, and alone when they first realize that their sexual orientation is different from the community norm. This is particularly true for people becoming aware of their gay, lesbian, or bisexual orientation as a child or adolescent, which is not uncommon. And, depending on their families and where they live, they may have to struggle against prejudice and misinformation about homosexuality. Children and adolescents may be particularly vulnerable to the deleterious effects of bias and stereotypes. They may also fear being rejected by family, friends,co-workers, and religious institutions. Some gay people have to worry about losing their jobs or being harassed at school if their sexual orientation became well known. Unfortunately, gay, lesbian and bisexual people are at a higher risk for physical assault and violence than are heterosexuals. Studies done in California in the mid 1990s showed that nearly one-fifth of all lesbians who took part in the study and more than one-fourth of all gay men who participated had been the victim of a hate crime based on their sexual orientation. In another California study of approximately 500 young adults, half of all the young men participating in the study admitted to some form of anti-gay aggression from name-calling to physical violence.
Why Is the "Coming Out" Process Difficult For Some Gay, Lesbian & Bisexual People? Coming Out - What Does Coming Out Mean?Society isn't ready for it.
The APA
What Can Be Done To Overcome The Prejudice & Discrimination The Gay Men, Lesbians & Bisexuals Experience?
Research has found that the people who have the most positive attitudes toward gay men, lesbians and bisexuals are those who say they know one or more gay, lesbian or bisexual person well—often as a friend or co-worker. For this reason, psychologists believe negative attitudes toward gay people as a group are prejudices that are not grounded in actual experiences but are based on stereotypes and prejudice.
Furthermore, protection against violence and discrimination is very important, just as it is for other minority groups. Some states include violence against an individual on the basis of his or her sexual orientation as a "hate crime" and 10 U.S. states have laws against discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation.
What Can Be Done To Overcome The Prejudice & Discrimination The Gay Men, Lesbians & Bisexuals Experience?
Research has found that the people who have the most positive attitudes toward gay men, lesbians and bisexuals are those who say they know one or more gay, lesbian or bisexual person well—often as a friend or co-worker. For this reason, psychologists believe negative attitudes toward gay people as a group are prejudices that are not grounded in actual experiences but are based on stereotypes and prejudice.
Furthermore, protection against violence and discrimination is very important, just as it is for other minority groups. Some states include violence against an individual on the basis of his or her sexual orientation as a "hate crime" and 10 U.S. states have laws against discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation.
What Can Be Done To Overcome The Prejudice & Discrimination The Gay Men, Lesbians & Bisexuals Experience?The APA
Why Is It Important For Society To Be Better Educated About Homosexuality?
Educating all people about sexual orientation and homosexuality is likely to diminish anti-gay prejudice. Accurate information about homosexuality is especially important to young people who are first discovering and seeking to understand their sexuality—whether homosexual, bisexual, or heterosexual. Fears that access to such information will make more people gay have no validity—information about homosexuality does not make someone gay or straight.
Why Is It Important For Society To Be Better Educated About Homosexuality?
Educating all people about sexual orientation and homosexuality is likely to diminish anti-gay prejudice. Accurate information about homosexuality is especially important to young people who are first discovering and seeking to understand their sexuality—whether homosexual, bisexual, or heterosexual. Fears that access to such information will make more people gay have no validity—information about homosexuality does not make someone gay or straight.
Why Is It Important For Society To Be Better Educated About Homosexuality?Lisa S. Lawless
Not Comfortable With The Idea Of It
We all have the right not to be comfortable with things. However, if you live in a country where you are comfortable with everything then you probably aren't living in a free democracy. That is part of the compromise of freedom. There are going to be things that make some people uncomfortable with what you believe and how you live. For example, I am uncomfortable with racists and fundamentalist religions but I respect that they have the right to believe what they want to. I certainly would not advocate for laws to be passed that support my beliefs and infringe on their rights.
I mean, I would love to pass a law that made everyone have to own sex toys so that they would not be so up tight and hateful toward other people... but out of respect for their freedom to live their life the way they see fit I refrain from enforcing a vibrator and pocket p***y requirement law. (Hope that made you smile... as it was intended to do so.)
The other point that I wanted to make about the gay marriage debate was made by Bill Maher (Real Time Show on HBO) who said homophobics think that - "The only thing that a man should put in another man is a bullet." He also made the point that it is not lesbians that seem to disturb most people, it is gay men. I have to say that I agree that most people are more disturbed by gay sex and that is something I will reserve for another article as there is much to be said about the vast differences in attitude.
We all have the right not to be comfortable with things. However, if you live in a country where you are comfortable with everything then you probably aren't living in a free democracy. That is part of the compromise of freedom. There are going to be things that make some people uncomfortable with what you believe and how you live. For example, I am uncomfortable with racists and fundamentalist religions but I respect that they have the right to believe what they want to. I certainly would not advocate for laws to be passed that support my beliefs and infringe on their rights.
I mean, I would love to pass a law that made everyone have to own sex toys so that they would not be so up tight and hateful toward other people... but out of respect for their freedom to live their life the way they see fit I refrain from enforcing a vibrator and pocket p***y requirement law. (Hope that made you smile... as it was intended to do so.)
The other point that I wanted to make about the gay marriage debate was made by Bill Maher (Real Time Show on HBO) who said homophobics think that - "The only thing that a man should put in another man is a bullet." He also made the point that it is not lesbians that seem to disturb most people, it is gay men. I have to say that I agree that most people are more disturbed by gay sex and that is something I will reserve for another article as there is much to be said about the vast differences in attitude.
Polls Show Support For ACT Gay LawsThe child will be prone to psychological-problems, related to their sexuality and low self-esteem.
The APA
Can Lesbians, Gay Men & Bisexuals Be Good Parents?
Yes. Studies comparing groups of children raised by homosexual and by heterosexual parents find no developmental differences between the two groups of children in four critical areas: their intelligence, psychological adjustment, social adjustment, and popularity with friends. It is also important to realize that a parent's sexual orientation does not dictate his or her children's.
Another myth about homosexuality is the mistaken belief that gay men have more of a tendency than heterosexual men to sexually molest children. There is no evidence to suggest that homosexuals are more likely than heterosexuals to molest children.
Can Lesbians, Gay Men & Bisexuals Be Good Parents?
Yes. Studies comparing groups of children raised by homosexual and by heterosexual parents find no developmental differences between the two groups of children in four critical areas: their intelligence, psychological adjustment, social adjustment, and popularity with friends. It is also important to realize that a parent's sexual orientation does not dictate his or her children's.
Another myth about homosexuality is the mistaken belief that gay men have more of a tendency than heterosexual men to sexually molest children. There is no evidence to suggest that homosexuals are more likely than heterosexuals to molest children.
Can Lesbians, Gay Men & Bisexuals Be Good Parents? APA: The Children Of Same-Sex CouplesThe children will get bullied.
The APA
Concern About Homophobia
Many parents worry that their children will be taunted or even assaulted by their peers as a result of their unusual family structure, says Judith E. Snow, a Michigan-based therapist. Such teasing is likely to happen, but parents can help their kids prepare to respond constructively by role-playing and by modeling appropriate responses in their day-to-day lives, she says. For example, parents who stand up for themselves without escalating a situation help their children learn to do the same, says Snow.
Concern About Homophobia
Many parents worry that their children will be taunted or even assaulted by their peers as a result of their unusual family structure, says Judith E. Snow, a Michigan-based therapist. Such teasing is likely to happen, but parents can help their kids prepare to respond constructively by role-playing and by modeling appropriate responses in their day-to-day lives, she says. For example, parents who stand up for themselves without escalating a situation help their children learn to do the same, says Snow.
Concern About HomophobiaThey just want Special-Rights.
Lisa S. Lawless
Why This Is A Civil Rights Issue
Did you know that homosexuals cannot make medical decisions for their partners in an emergency. Instead, the hospitals are usually forced by state laws or to go to the families who may be estranged from them for decades, who are often hostile to them, and totally ignore their wishes for the treatment of their partners.
If their partners are arrested, they can be compelled to testify against them or provide evidence against them, which legally married couples are not forced to do. Is this fair?
In many cases, even carefully drawn wills and durable powers of attorney have proven to not be enough if a family wishes to challenge a will, overturn a custody decision, or exclude them from a funeral or deny them the right to visit a partner's grave. As survivors, they can even seize a real estate property that they may have been buying together for years, quickly sell it at a huge loss and stick them with the remaining debt on a property they no longer own. Is this fair?
These aren't just theoretical issues, either; they happen often. Almost any older gay couple can tell you horror stories of friends who have been victimized in such ways.
Did you know that homosexuals cannot make medical decisions for their partners in an emergency. Instead, the hospitals are usually forced by state laws or to go to the families who may be estranged from them for decades, who are often hostile to them, and totally ignore their wishes for the treatment of their partners.
If their partners are arrested, they can be compelled to testify against them or provide evidence against them, which legally married couples are not forced to do. Is this fair?
In many cases, even carefully drawn wills and durable powers of attorney have proven to not be enough if a family wishes to challenge a will, overturn a custody decision, or exclude them from a funeral or deny them the right to visit a partner's grave. As survivors, they can even seize a real estate property that they may have been buying together for years, quickly sell it at a huge loss and stick them with the remaining debt on a property they no longer own. Is this fair?
These aren't just theoretical issues, either; they happen often. Almost any older gay couple can tell you horror stories of friends who have been victimized in such ways.
Marriage & Civil Unions:
1049 Federal Rights Depend On Marital Status Marriage VS. Civil UnionsDiscuss:
- Are you Pro/Anti Gay-Adoption?
Why?
Guild Pimping:
The Rainbow Connection The BabyEaters The GumDrop ButtonsI'd like to thank TheRC for their help.
You're all faaabulous. <3
