| Line 1: |
Line 1: |
| − | Homosexuality is sexual attraction to a person of the same sex. | + | Homosexuality is a naturally-occurring sexual orientation found in human beings as well as many other vertebrate species. In general, homosexuality is described as a sexual attraction towards a member of one's own sex/gender. |
| | | | |
| | + | == Biblical Views on Homosexuality == |
| | | | |
| − | Biblical views on homosexuality:
| + | In the book of Leviticus (18:22) of the King James Version of the Bible is found the following verse: |
| | | | |
| − | ''You shall not lie with a male as with a woman; such thing is an abomination.'' Leviticus 18:22 | + | ''Thou shalt not lie with mankind, as with womankind: it is abomination.'' |
| | | | |
| − | see [[Boy Scouts]]
| + | This has been interpreted by many to be a condemnation of homosexual activity, but due to mistranslations and other errors may instead refer to the use of sexual intercourse to gain dominion over others and not to consenting and loving relationships between couples of the same sex. |
| | + | |
| | + | == Modern Views on Homosexuality == |
| | + | |
| | + | The American Psychiatric Association de-listed homosexuality as a mental disorder in 1975.[http://www.apa.org/pi/reslgbc.html] Since that time, homosexuals have advocated for recognition of their civil rights and for equal protection under the law. |
| | + | |
| | + | Legal marriage between same-sex couples is now recognized in several European nations as well as in the State of Massachusetts. In other states a more limited recognition of same-sex relationships is available and is called a "civil union". Many other states have passed constitutional amendments banning recognition of same-sex marriages performed anywhere and some groups on the far right advocate for a Federal amendment to deny equal marriage rights to same-sex couples. |