Homosexuality In Modern Day Society | Religious and Societal Views

Homosexuality is a romantic or sexual attraction or behavior among members of the same sex. It refers to an enduring patterns of or disposition to experience sexual, affection, or romantic attractions primarily to people of the same sex. It is an individual’s sense of personal and social identity based on those attractions, behaviors expressing them, and membership in a community of those who share them.

Homosexuality nowadays, leads to Same-Sex Marriage, according to Oxford English Dictionary; it is a legally or socially recognized marriage between two persons of the same biological sex or social gender. It is in which other country like Netherlands is in favor of Same-Sex Marriage; while other country, particularly the Philippines does not agree or even implement the Same-Sex Marriage.

Since that the Philippines is the only Catholic country and Christian dominan country in Asia and it is 3rd in the world, we Filipinos live in a family-oriendted family. Hence, we are raised up with different values which include the Moral Values we obtain from the teachings of the Bible; the sacred book of Christianity.

If a man also lie with mankind, as he lieth with a woman, both of them have committed an abomination: they shall surely be put to death; their blood shall be upon them. (Leviticus 20:13)

There shall be no whore of the daughters of Israel, nor a sodomite of the sons of Israel. Thou shalt not bring the hire of a whore, or the price of a dog, into the house of the LORD thy God for any vow: for even both these are abominations unto the LORD thy God. (Deuteronomy 23:17-18)

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As years pass by, there are a lot of incidents which pertains to the Same-Sex Marriage. And as a growing community, authority speaks out and commented on the issue. Pope Benedict XVI gave his comment regarding the issue. He merely opposed to gay/lesbian marriage concerning about the environment, suggesting the law determining “the differences between the sexes” were threats to creation. Comments were made by the Pope addressing it to the Diplomats with the main theme of “The Environment and the protection of Creation,” whereas;

To carry our reflection further, we must remember that the problem of the environment is complex; one might compare it to a multifaceted prism.

Creature differs from one another and can be protected, endangered, in different ways, as we know from daily experience. One such attacks comes from laws or proposals which, in the name of fighting discrimination, strike at the biological basis of the differences between the sexes,”

Yet, freedom cannot be absolute, since man is not GOD, GOD’S CREATION. For man, the path to be taken cannot be determined by caprice or willfulness, but must rather correspond to the structure willed by the creator. (qtd in. Gay Marriage threat to Creation)

In lieu with this, Pope Benedict XVI, disagree in Same-Sex Marriage. Our body is sacred and its sacredness leads to the respect of each and every one of us.

It is indeed that each and every one of us has our own side on the issue – Same-Sex Marriage. Each religious group that is existing right now has their own stand regarding the issue.

Islamic law explicitly denounces homosexuality and the practice of homosexuality is a crime in many Islamic countries, including Iran and Saudi Arabia.

Although the Presbyterian Church’s governing body has not explicitly addressed the issue of gay marriage, the church issued a ruling in 1997 prohibiting the ordination of homosexuals. Regional bodies and clergy, however, have challenged this ruling, causing a major rift among Presbyterians.

Although the Episcopal Church has not explicitly established a position in favor of gay marriage, in 2006 the church stated its “support of gay and lesbian persons and [opposition to] any state or federal constitutional amendment” prohibiting gay marriages or civil unions. Furthermore, in 2009, the church’s national convention voted to give bishops the option to bless same-sex unions.

While the Reform and Reconstructionist Jewish movements are ardent supporters of gay and lesbian rights, including the right of same-sex couples to wed, they do not require rabbis to officiate at the weddings of gay couples. The Conservative movement, which does not sanctify gay marriage, grants autonomy to individual rabbis to choose whether or not to recognize same-sex unions. The leadership of Orthodox Judaism has defined marriage as an institution between a man and a woman and therefore does not accept same-sex marriage.

The essence of having a happy and healthy life is having a family. Family, in a sense that love and caring is within its family members. “Sexual interactions between same sexes are not capable of having a family”. Indeed, it is a very factual line that each of us agree.

Same-Sex Marriage as a matter of fact is not socially accepted here in the Philippines. These may lead to the discrimination of the homosexuals, bisexuals, transgender and others who belong to the third sex.

According to House Bill 1245, authored by Rep. Rozzano Rufino “Ruffy” Biazon, it is the amendment of the country’s Family Code to limit the marriage to natural born males and females only. Regards to this House Bill is the Total Ban of Same-Sex Marriage here in our country.

On the other hand, Sen. Miriam Defensor Santiago filed Senate Bill No. 1276 which aims to bar the Same-Sex Marriages celebrated abroad from getting legal recognition here in the Philippines. This Bill seeks to correct the Family Code, which does not explicitly void Same-Sex Marriage which was solemnized abroad. “Marriage is a Union founded on the distinction of sex.” (qtd. in Bill 1276)

As a Senate counterpart of House Bill 1245, Sen. Rodolfo Biazon filed Senate Bill No. 1575. A reaction to a number of rulings made by local courts which allow every citizen who are transsexuals to change their status from male to female. “with recent developments in the field of medicine, it is now possible to allow or to change a person’s sex organ to make it appear as that of the opposite sex.” In this Bill, it prohibits marriage between two men or two women, whom one of it had a sex organ exchange in which the Vatican disagree. (“House” 1245)

These Bills are all pending cases in the House Committee on Youth, Women and Family Relations. In which these Bills were merely discussed, evaluated and argued by the respectable Representatives and Senators of the Republic of the Philippines.

Issues are made due to Same-Sex Marriage which leads to the societal problems and misunderstandings. We respect every human being in this world.

Due to issues which damage the image of third sexes, many organizations and governing bodies were born, in order to protect the Civil Rights of each Third Sex. Each organization has its goal to end the discrimination and the criminalization towards the Third sexes. Laws protecting the Homosexuals were made and implemented. But there are only states who are merely implementing these laws.

Gay Rights Movement, an organization organized in America, which efforts were made in order for the Homosexuals to be treated equally among others. It aims that each Homosexuals must be respected and must not experience Discrimination from others. (“Gay” 95)

Many non profits, non partisan networks of the third sexes boomed here in the Philippines. These are Organizations and Individuals who are working towards achieving a society free from all forms of Discrimination, particularly those who are based on gender or sexual orientation.

Lesbian and Gay Legislative Advocacy Network-Philippines was formally launched in 1999. Its purpose is to advance and protect the Human Rights and fundamental freedoms of each Filipino who belongs to the Third Sex, especially in the area of Politics and Legislations.

Its advocacy is to push for laws that will promote the Third Sex Rights and Welfare. Indeed, campaigns were made to influence publics discourse on Sexuality and to raise the influence awareness of every Filipino regarding the situation of Lesbians and Gays.

Another organization here in the Philippines is the LADLAd, a network of Lesbian, Gays, Bisexuals, and transgender Filipinos. An organization formed last September 1, 2003. “Magladlad” means to unfurl the cape that used to cover one’s body as a shield. It simply means that each and every one of us who are experiencing something different relating to gender, must come out of the closet and reveals what’s inside and to standout with dignity. And as a result, you will find yourself to be free and respectable.

Ladlad run for a Party-list for Congress last elections and they bound to make History as the first ever political party which composed of different Filipino’s from the Third Sex that will claim and reclaim the rights that the Third Sexes lost from years of homophobia and Discrimination. They aims to be the organization which will provide comfort to the Third Sex. And a “sandigan” of the needy homosexuals who are abused, simply because of belonging to the third Sex. Ladlad also aims the following platforms, whereas;

Support for the Anti-Discrimination Bill that gives LGBT Filipinos equal opportunities in employment and equal treatment in schools, hospitals, restaurants, hotels, entertainment centers, and government offices.

Re-filing of the bill to repeal the Anti-Vagrancy Law that some unscrupulous policemen use to extort bribes from gay men without ID cards;

Setting up of micro-finance and livelihood projects for poor and handicapped LGBT Filipinos;

Setting up of centers for Golden Gays, or old and abandoned LGBTs, as well as young ones driven out of their homes. The centers will also offer legal aid and counseling, as well as information about LGBT issues, HIV-AIDS, and reproductive health. These centers will be set up initially in the key cities/metropolitan areas of the Philippines — Baguio, National Capital Region, Cebu and Davao. (“Ladlad” 101)

They differ in names, but they have their same goals and achievements. Campaigning in prohibiting the Discrimination of the Third Sexes.

Due to the issues and governing bodies which support Third Sex, effect cannot be vanished from this kind of scenarios. Each event that took place have effects. It may be Positive or Negative effects that can change or affects us, in a manner that we are concern in what’s the real score between the issue- Same-Sex Marriage.

According to Dr. Ambert, Same-Sex Marriage has possible positive and negative effect to children. She also stressed that through the vivid image that children saw in their Environment, really affects them in a good and bad manner. It is not whether children should be raised by same-sex parents, it is whether same-sex parents should be allowed to marry , or they ,must simply lived together-perhaps-with children under a status less than marriage, with reduced recognition and support by the state. (Same 97)

Children would benefit led by a family composing of Same-Sex Marriage.

“Without question, civil marriage enhances the ‘welfare of the community.’ It is a ‘social institution of the highest importance.’ French v. McAnarney, supra. Civil marriage anchors an ordered society by encouraging stable relationships over transient ones. It is central to the way the Commonwealth identifies individuals, provides for the orderly distribution of property, ensures that children and adults are cared for and supported whenever possible from private rather than public funds, and tracks important epidemiological and demographic data…..Where a married couple has children, their children are also directly or indirectly, but no less auspiciously, the recipients of the special legal and economic protections obtained by civil marriage…..marital children reap a measure of family stability and economic security based on their parents’ legally privileged status that is largely inaccessible, or not as readily accessible, to non-marital children. Some of these benefits are social, such as the enhanced approval that still attends the status of being a marital child. Others are material, such as the greater ease of access to family-based State and Federal benefits that attend the presumptions of one’s parentage.” (qtd. In More on the Hawaii Same-Sex Civil Marriage Case.)

Some would argue that when a state allows SSM, the public will gradually become more accepting of homosexual orientation and behavior. They will agree with professional mental health associations and recognize it as a normal, natural, unchosen and unchangeable sexual orientation for a minority of adults. This will reduce levels of discrimination, hatred, and oppression against gays and lesbians, and reduce the levels of ridicule that their children receive from fellow students.

Dr. Ambert comments that: “Lesbigays who have children often create a network of fictive kin or ‘chosen’ family (friends, former partners, and willing relatives) for social and emotional support as well as to offer their children suitable adult role models of the other sex. This support network may be entirely gay but generally represents a mixture.” This arrangement gives children many additional role models in their life, that children in families led by opposite-sex couples may not have. (“Same” 97)

Many religious and social conservatives disagree completely with professional mental health organizations and believe that homosexuality is abnormal, unnatural, chosen and changeable. Most disapprove of equal rights for gays and lesbians, including the right to marry the individual that they love. Many believe that homosexual behavior is hated by God. If these beliefs are true, then one might argue:

1. Children raised in families led by same-sex parents would be continually exposed to homosexuality. They may choose to become gay or lesbian at a higher rate than those raised by a father and mother.

2. Men and women have very different personalities, brain structure, talents, etc. They are designed to fit into very different roles within the family. In order for children to be properly socialized, they need to be brought up by both a father and a mother. The long range effects on children who are brought up by two women or two men are unknown and can only be speculated upon.

3. God may punish same-sex parents. This might adversely affect the children in their family.

4. God may also punish the nation as a whole if SSM is legalized. That would harm all children in the nation.

5. Children of same-sex couples will be exposed to a great deal of ridicule and hatred by their fellow students. This could negatively affect their development. (Same 99)

Issues concerning health has an effect on Same-Sex Marriage.

Sexually transmitted diseases (also known as STDs – or STIs for “sexually transmitted infections”) are infectious diseases that spread from person to person through intimate contact. STDs can affect guys and girls of all ages and backgrounds who are having sex – it doesn’t matter if they’re rich or poor. ()

Unfortunately, STDs have become common among teens and also sex by the same-sex. Because same gender which is having sex is more at risk for getting some STDs, it’s important to learn what you can do to protect yourself.

STDs are more than just an embarrassment. They’re a serious health problem. If untreated, some STDs can cause permanent damage, such as infertility (the inability to have a baby) and even death (in the case of HIV/AIDS).

Some of the things that increase a person’s chances of getting an STD are:

Sexual activity at a young age. The younger a person starts having sex, the greater his or her chances of becoming infected with an STD.

Lots of sex partners. People who have sexual contact – not just I I ntercourse, but any form of intimate activity – with many different partners are more at risk than those who stay with the same partner.

Unprotected sex. Latex condoms are the only form of birth control that reduce your risk of getting an STD. Spermicides, diaphragms, and other birth control methods may help prevent pregnancy, but they don’t protect a person against STDs

AIDS is one of the most serious, deadly diseases in Human history. More than 20 years ago, doctors in the United States identified the first cases of AIDS in San Francisco and New York. Now there are an estimated 42 million people living with HIV or AIDS worldwide, and more than 3 million die every year from AIDS-related illnesses.

According to Oxford dictionary, AIDS is caused by the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). HIV destroys a type of defense cell in the body called a CD4 helper lymphocyte (pronounced: lim-fuh-site). These lymphocytes are part of the body’s immune system, the defense system that fights infectious diseases. But as HIV destroys these lymphocytes, people with the virus begin to get serious infections that they normally wouldn’t – that is, they become immune deficient. The name for this condition is acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS).

As the medical community learns more about how HIV works, they’ve been able to develop drugs to inhibit it (meaning they interfere with its growth). These drugs have been successful in slowing the progress of the disease, and people with the disease now live much longer. But there is still no cure for HIV and AIDS.

Hundreds of same-sex who are engaged in sex become infected with HIV each year. HIV can be transmitted from an infected person to another person through blood, semen (also known as “cum,” the fluid released from the penis when a male ejaculates), vaginal fluids, and breast milk.

The virus is spread through high-risk behaviors including:

– unprotected oral, vaginal, or anal sexual intercourse (“unprotected” means not using a condom)

– sharing needles, such as needles used to inject drugs (including needles used for injecting steroids) and those used for tattooing. (“AIDS” 25)

We have a great part on this issue, as well as it has a big impact to us, not only to us, but also, to the society. As a student, I am disagreeing at Same-Sex Marriage. It’s just simply because that my principle for this situation is that “god created only men and women” nevertheless, third sex is written in the bible. And having sex with the same gender is a big sin. And as for my contribution, I am one of the few people who respect their lifestyle, because we are all created equally in the image and likeness of God. And I do believe that we are all part of a big and happy family.