The term ‘ homosexuality’ was coined in the late 19th century by a German psychologist, Karoly Maria Benkert. Although
the term is new, discussions about sexuality in general and same-sex attraction in particular, have occasioned philosophical discussion ranging from Plato''s Symposium to contemporary queer theory. '' Homosexuality is, in fact, an emotional disposition which leads to close and intimate contact between people of the same sex, a contact which may or may not be expressed sexually''. Researchers in recent years have concluded their efforts to understand sexual attraction will be more successful if the underlying processes are clarified before more specific problems are addressed. Understanding the mechanisms that underlie sexual attraction per se can be valuable in understanding what causes many people to feel sexual attraction primarily towards members of one sex or the other.
What ''causes'' homosexuality? The following are often stated:
· it is a genetic trait;
· it is the result of a hormone imbalance before birth; and
· it stems from the situation in which a child grows up (i.e. incest or child abuse) and the experiences he/she has of each sex.
As a result of this ignorance of cause, it is also very debatable whether homosexuality can be cured. Perhaps the main medical and psychiatric issue relates to paedophilia, a sexual perversion long associated in popular belief with homosexuals. The term refers to the sexual deviation in which an adult, male or female, seeks sexual gratification with a pre-adolescent child. It may be hetero- or homosexually directed, yet more often than not, it is linked with homosexuality.
Many religious fundamentalists in the United States and Islamic nations continue to strongly oppose homosexuality, calling it a sin. There are many norms on which western religious tradition has grounded its opposition to homosexuality: the law of God as found in Scripture indicates that the ideal of sexual love is to be found in the enduring relationship between man and woman; sexual love is ideally procreative; and homosexuality is a threat to the family and is therefore against nature.
Homosexuality was denounced many times in both the Old and New Testaments and the Hebrew legend of Sodom has also had much influence on Christian beliefs. Though its authenticity is debatable, the legend of Sodom tells of God''s destruction of this city as a punishment for homosexual practices and serves as a warning to others. Throughout history homosexuality has been proclaimed by Church and state either as a sin against nature (contra naturem) or a criminal offense. A vast array of viewpoints remains in contemporary society.
Normative philosophy of sex also addresses legal, social and political issues. Should society steer people in the direction of heterosexuality, marriage, family? May the law regulate sexual conduct by prohibiting prostitution or homosexuality? Normative philosophy of sex includes nonethical value questions as well. What is good sex? What is its contribution to the good life?
The Vatican or Roman Catholic tradition takes a very different view; the deontological view. Other denominations and religions, including atheists can also take this view. There are two types of deontology. The Roman Catholic tradition relies heavily on the idea of the nature of the action e.g. the main purpose of sexual intercourse is the production of children. Therefore, sexual intercourse is good as long as it produces children. Anything which prevents sexual intercourse from producing children must be bad; such as contraception and homosexuality.
Equally to be excluded, as the teaching authority of the Church has frequently declared, is direct sterilization, whether perpetual or temporary, whether of the man or of thilarly excluded is every action which, either in anticipation of the conjugal act, or in its accomplishment, or in the development of its natural consequences, propose, whether as an end or as a means, to render procreation impossible. Homosexuality is likely to cause unhappiness because it leaves unfulfilled an innate and innately rewarding desire.
Conclusion One thing is certain: Debate over the issues surrounding homosexuality will not go away. The fact still remains that homosexuals are a minority group in our society, and as such develop characteristics of defiance and persecution which can shape their personal attitudes in relationships. Many homosexual men are married and have families, though this is possibly due to more social and legal pressures than free choice. The debates about homosexuality, in part because they often involve public policy and legal issues, tend to be sharply polarized. Those most concerned with homosexuality, positively or negatively, are also those most engaged, with natural law theorists arguing for gays and lesbians having a reduced legal status, and queer theorists engaged in critique and deconstruction of what they see as a heterosexist regime. Yet as the foregoing also clearly shows, the policy and legal debates surrounding homosexuality involve fundamental issues of morality and justice.