Homosexuality - Research Paper Example

Understanding the Change in Society’s Perspective on Homosexuality and How These Changes Affected My Point Of View on the Issue In the olden times, homosexuality used to be seen a social stigma and people were reluctant to admit that there are certain people who have unorthodox sexual orientations. Homosexuals in different parts of the world had to hide their true identity for fear of public persecution. Different churches and conservation societies are so against the idea of homosexuality that these institutions often persecute homosexuals.

Stories of persecution of homosexuals can be found throughout the history. In England, one of the oldest recorded accounts of gays being persecuted through the courts of law was the case of Captain Edward Rigby in the early part 1698. Members of the Society for the Reformation of Manners in England accused Captain Rigby of sodomy. The captain was convicted and sentenced to serve one I year in prison. He was also made to stand in a public place where people get to humiliate him for his supposedly bad manners.

During the reign of Germany’s National Socialist (Nazi) government under the leadership of Adoft Hitler, the Nazi attempted to rid Germany of people whom they think do not fit their vision of the Aryan race. Since homosexuals do not fit into their vision of the Aryan race, many homosexuals were summarily put to death (see United States Holocaust Memorial Museum). Although times have changed since the open persecution of homosexuals through the courts and through summary execution, the public perception of homosexuals still remains mixed.

Some people have become more tolerant to gays while others remained close minded on the issue. In our modern times, homosexuals enjoy more freedom but still, there are areas where these people still do not enjoy the kind of freedom that most people have. A good example of this is the case of the military. During the Clinton Administration, the government adopted the “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” policy for gays in the military. This laws which took effect in 1993 authorized the government to discharge an American soldier for coming out as lesbian, gay or bisexual.

The rationale behind this legislation is that accepting people who are openly gay into the military would affect the high standard of morale in the military and would affect the implementation of good order and discipline among soldiers. The Bush administration supported the policy but the Obama administration promised to allow gays to openly serve the military. Of course this promise of President Obama is yet to be seen in the military. As of now, the “Don’t Ask Don’t Tell” policy still stands as it is.

Another big issue that concerns homosexuals in our modern times is gay marriage. Although five out of the 50 member states of the United States already legalize gay marriage, the other 45 states are still reluctant to follow suit. The debate as to whether or not gay couples should be allowed to enjoy the same privileges as heterosexual couples are still on. However, changes in leadership and changes in culture may eventually pave the way towards a more liberal treatment for gays. Government leadership plays a vital role in bringing about changes in different areas of society and when government enact laws that are pro-gays, the public will have to abide by these laws.

On the other hand, public awareness regarding the rights of individuals may also bring about changes in the societies perception of gays.I believe that the views of society regarding homosexuals have evolved considerable over time and it did not happen overnight. I took a while for homosexuals to come out from the closet. In fact, there are still thousands of them still hiding out there for fear of being ostracized by their peers and their families. The gay movement that started in the 1960s may be the biggest factor that gave these people the courage to come out and tell the public who they really are.

As more and more people admitted that they are homosexuals, family, friends and colleagues of these people become more open to the issue. My personal views regarding homosexuality are liberal and I have nothing against people who are openly gay. I support the changing perceptions of society when it comes to homosexuals. I strongly believe that each person is autonomous and has the right to be who he or she is. Society may have set norms on behaviors and manners but these sets of norms are not written in stone.

Time and again, social norms are challenged by things that are simply beyond the controls of individuals and societies. However, not all changes in the way society views homosexuals sits well with me. There are still certain issues related to homosexuals that I am not comfortable with. For instance, I still do not feel comfortable with the idea of gay marriage. Although gays have the right to love each other and stay together, for me, marriage should be between a man and a woman. I still believe that marriage ideals and stability of marriage and family should be preserved.

References:1. Adam, Barry D. The Rise of a Gay and Lesbian Movement, Boston, 19872. Dudley W. R. Bahlman (1957), The Moral Revolution of 1688 New Haven: Yale University Press3. The report of the trial is in a collection of Miscellaneous Sheets in the British Library, shelfmark 515.l.2.(168), An Account of the Proceedings Against Capt. Edward Rigby, Old Bailey Sessions for 7 December 1698.4. United States Holocaust Memorial Museum. Nazi Persecution of Homosexuals 1933-1945. retrieved February 11, 2010 http://www.ushmm.org/museum/exhibit/online/hsx/5.

Where Gays Can Wed. Newsweek. retrieved February 11, 2010 http://www.newsweek.com/id/142307