Homosexuality has been around since the dawn of man's existence. It was also not an unknown
practice in many of the ancient cultures including Roman, Greek, and Egyptian cultures. Sociologist call
behavioral paterns that reoccur in every society cultural universals(Macionis 54). One theoretical model
of society called sociobiology argues that cultural universals have biological origins becuase human beings
all share common evolutionary ancestry(Macionis 54). This would suggest homosexuality is a function of
nature and genetics. Homosexuality is not a mental disease to be cured as some opponents have claimed.
Homosexuality was obviously not a recent developement in the United States but over the past few
decades homosexuals have begun pressing for their rights. The increasing numbers of organized
demonstrations ignited a political firestorm. There have been many publications and arguments about gay
rights.
Andrew Sullivan in a book called Virtually Normal An Argument About Homosexuality outlined the
progress and the remaining critical issues. Sullivan proposes there are still two serious issues to be
resolved. One issue is legalizing gay marriages. Sullivan marginalizes the biblical rereferences against
homosexuality by reminding readers of the United States Constitution's Bill of Rights' seperation of
church and state clause(80).
"Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free
excercise thereof;...."
This is the first sentence in the first Amendment in the Bill of Rights ratified to the US Constitution in
1791. Court rulings have upheld the interpretation of this Amendment to mean several things. One, a
law can not not promote a religious life over a secular one. Two, a law can not promote one
denomination over another. Three, a law can not promote a secular life over a religious life. Sullivan
feels the definition of marriage is the legal, cultural, and public acceptance of a personal commitment to
another human being(80). He feels marraige is much more than a function of procreaction and child
raising. It is essentially a civic function that helps create emotional and economic stability in the chaotic
world of relationships.
Another issue Sullivan points out is gays in the military(79). Although Homosexuals are allowed to
the military, the right to excercise their sexuality has been criminalized(79). These rules are
unconstitutional because it silences the minority for the emotional stability of the majority(80). The
military argues that open disclosure of homosexuality causes demoralization for the troops(79). Sullivan
counters that the same arguments were made against blacks and women.
James Q. Wilson wrote a counter to Sullivan's book in "Against Homosexual Marriage." He feels the
judicial system botched abortion and the courts will rule incorrectly on homosexual marriages as
well(83). Wilson argues the Old Testament prohibited homosexuality in Leviticus, and St. Paul in the
New Testament greatly criticized the practice of homosexuality. He feels Sullivan didn't sufficiently
argue against these points(85). The article points out that marriage has already been decimated by high
divorce rates and infidelity; moreover, the addition of homosexual marriages would kill this age old
institution(86). He believes that marriage will not break the promiscuity of homosexual males(86), and he
argues that marriage is still a child rearing function of society(87). The article admits homosexual couples
an unknown quantity as parents(87). The current study was on parenst who came out of the closet(87).
Wilson desires a policy based on, "the moral convictions of a people."
Wilson's argument is poor at best. He gave no reason that constitutes a "...compelling state interest
(qtd. 83)." He does not discuss the separation of church and state, and does not make any attempt to
counter it. Wilson's use of biblical reference is limited, and it is only an appeal to religous zealots and
unfounded bigotry. The biblical implications on homosexuality are a matter for the individual churches
and congregations. Wilson's argument against homosexual marriages is based on their(homosexuals)
unknown child rearing abilities. This is unfounded fear plain and simple. Mr Wilson feels that
homosexual male promiscuity might not be hindered by marriage, but turns around and admits that
heterosexual "married people are as imperfect as anyone else (85)." Wilson does not discuss the military.
My position while writing this paper has remained open, but concrete. I still feel sexuality has basis
both in genetics and society. Although I would never engage in homosexuality. I do not think
homosexuality is a disease to be cured. The United States Constitution should be race, color, gender, and
religion neutral. I do not see any logical reasoning that should prevent the government from being neutral
concern with sexuality. The government should not have the right to tell me whom I sleep with or whom
I marry. The US armed forces serves the Constitution. They can not oppress a minority for morale
purposes it is unconstitutional. The states should allow homosexuals to marry and to enter the military.
Macionis, Jon J. Society The basics. Sixth Edition. Prentice Hall. Upper Saddle River New Jersey 2002.
Sullivan, Andrew. Virtually Normal: An argument about homosexuality. Alfred A. Knopf, 1995.
Wilsons, James Q. "Against Homosexual Marriage." Commentary. March 1996
