Opposition To Homosexuality

Opposition To Homosexuality

Societal attitudes toward homosexuality vary greatly in different cultures and different historical periods, as do attitudes toward sexual desire, activity and relationships in general. All cultures have their own values regarding appropriate and inappropriate sexuality; some sanction same-sex love and sexuality, while others disapprove of such activities. As with heterosexual behaviour, different sets of prescriptions and proscriptions may be given to individuals according to their gender, age, social status and/or class.

Most of the world's cultures have considered procreative sex within a recognized relationship to be a sexual norm — sometimes exclusively so, and sometimes alongside norms of same-sex love, whether passionate, intimate or sexual. Some right-wing sects within some religions, especially those influenced by the Abrahamic tradition, have traditionally censured homosexual acts and relationships, in some cases implementing severe punishments for offenders.

Since the 1970s, much of the world has become more accepting of same-sex sexuality between partners of legal age. The Pew Research Center's 2007 Global Attitudes Survey found that "eople in Africa and the Middle East strongly object to societal acceptance of homosexuality. Acceptance for homosexuality and bisexuality however is much higher in Western Europe, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and the United States. Many Latin American countries including Argentina, Brazil, Chile, and Mexico also have a gay-accepting majority.

Many countries have also seen rising support for LGBT rights in modern times (including the legalization of same-sex marriage and other such rights).

Read more about Opposition To Homosexuality:  Difficulties Interpreting Homosexuality in Different Cultures, Measuring Attitudes Toward Homosexuality, Law, Religion, Regions and Historical Periods

Famous quotes containing the words opposition to and/or opposition:

    At times it seems that the media have become the mainstream culture in children’s lives. Parents have become the alternative. Americans once expected parents to raise their children in accordance with the dominant cultural messages. Today they are expected to raise their children in opposition to it.
    Ellen Goodman (20th century)

    Commitment, by its nature, frees us from ourselves and, while it stands us in opposition to some, it joins us with others similarly committed. Commitment moves us from the mirror trap of the self absorbed with the self to the freedom of a community of shared values.
    Michael Lewis (late 20th century)