Homosexuality and Religion Term Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1750 words

Homosexuality and Religion - Term Paper Example Human beings have inherent rights that States – and the Church – have the responsibility to protect. These rights are innate in them from the time they are born and no state can deprive them of such fundamental rights (Yecies 790). The question is: Is being gay or homosexual a fundamental and inherent right that States or the Church has to protect? This is a question for many theologians and scientists to debate. If being gay or homosexual is an inherent right then the Church must protect homosexuals and permit same-sex marriage. But as they say, it is open for debate. One thing is certain though – homosexuals are human beings and they have the right to be a part of the church as homosexuals. The UDHR espoused â€Å"a Kantian right to equality and moral autonomy for every human person into the circle of the family†, and according to this notion of human rights, there is equality in power and responsibility between the family’s adult members no matte r the sexual orientation. â€Å"In the human rights scheme, gender hierarchy is anathema† (Raday 211). ... Homosexual or heterosexual is not defined in the Bible as we are all members of humanity saved by the cross of Christ. In Christ, we become perfect and fully human but Christ’s work has yet to be completed. In other words, the term homosexual or heterosexual has a religious connotation. Homosexuals and heterosexuals do not defined themselves on the basis of their biological make up, or cultural orientation. To be homosexual or heterosexual is itself a conduct which is the result of factors beyond our control. A homosexual, that includes gay or lesbian, has sexual thoughts towards persons of the same sexual orientation (Bradshaw 120). Main Body Laws on homosexuality have traditionally been governed by promoting traditional morals. Gays have been considered â€Å"other† (Kershaw 559). This means gays are not considered the same with women, the disabled, or racial minority, or they are different. In the United States, even if federal laws prohibit discrimination on the bas is of race and gender, there is no law that explicitly protects homosexuals (qtd. in Kershaw 559). On the question of homosexual’s fundamental right, there are pros and cons to the argument that being gay is a fundamental right but sometimes it depends on what country you belong, i.e. according to the cultural orientation of that country. The UN encourages States to protect their citizens of fundamental rights. What is clear is that it cannot force a State to protect homosexuals of their â€Å"fundamental right†. What does the church, the Catholic Church in particular and other Protestant denominations, say about it? They can be divided about the issue. True, the Catholic Church and other monotheistic religions have condemned homosexuality,