How Can We Fight The Underlying Motives And Pathologies Of Religious Homophobia?
LGBTQ (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, & Questioning) Americans have come a long way throughout the late 20th century and today. It was only in 2003 that sexual activity between two mutual adults was officially legalized in the United States. The landmark Supreme Court case, Lawrence vs. Texas struck down “sodomy” laws in Texas and in other thirteen states. The outcome of this landmark case was the pinnacle point for LGBT activists. However, there were additional discriminatory laws that gay rights advocates wanted to confront such as the right for gays to marry, access to housing, and employment.
Eleven years later, there have been drastic developments …show more content…
Since same-sex marriage is spreading all throughout the United States, religious and conservative organizations have utilized the exemption of religious liberty to continue anti-gay discrimination and homophobia. Actress and comedian, Whoopi Goldberg stated that “If you’re not into gay marriage, don’t marry a gay person.” The statement implies that its fine to disagree with the idea of same-sex marriage, but this disagreement should not develop into a legal enactment that regulates the LGBT population to second-class citizens or denies them business and medical service.
The nature of some religions is to share their beliefs to others as a means to recruit new followers. For example, many Christian denominations have practice proselytism for centuries. This practice has been protected by the first amendment of the U.S. Constitution. The establishment of tax-exempt churches, missionary work, religious speeches, and pamphleting in public spaces are all facets of religious freedom and expression. However, the constitution states “congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion.” This means that although one has a right to practice their religion, another has the right not to practice or follow any religion. It is a fair balance between religious freedom and freedom from religion. Yet, the rise of religious organizations is taking hold in the political and state
LGBTQ (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, & Questioning) Americans have come a long way throughout the late 20th century and today. It was only in 2003 that sexual activity between two mutual adults was officially legalized in the United States. The landmark Supreme Court case, Lawrence vs. Texas struck down “sodomy” laws in Texas and in other thirteen states. The outcome of this landmark case was the pinnacle point for LGBT activists. However, there were additional discriminatory laws that gay rights advocates wanted to confront such as the right for gays to marry, access to housing, and employment.
Eleven years later, there have been drastic developments …show more content…
Since same-sex marriage is spreading all throughout the United States, religious and conservative organizations have utilized the exemption of religious liberty to continue anti-gay discrimination and homophobia. Actress and comedian, Whoopi Goldberg stated that “If you’re not into gay marriage, don’t marry a gay person.” The statement implies that its fine to disagree with the idea of same-sex marriage, but this disagreement should not develop into a legal enactment that regulates the LGBT population to second-class citizens or denies them business and medical service.
The nature of some religions is to share their beliefs to others as a means to recruit new followers. For example, many Christian denominations have practice proselytism for centuries. This practice has been protected by the first amendment of the U.S. Constitution. The establishment of tax-exempt churches, missionary work, religious speeches, and pamphleting in public spaces are all facets of religious freedom and expression. However, the constitution states “congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion.” This means that although one has a right to practice their religion, another has the right not to practice or follow any religion. It is a fair balance between religious freedom and freedom from religion. Yet, the rise of religious organizations is taking hold in the political and state