Is homosexuality against nature?
In Iran, homosexual intercourse is punishable by the death penalty. In Chechnya, those who have had it are tortured or murdered. In France, they are stigmatized in certain demonstrations. Some say that homosexuality would be “unnatural”. People often ask if homosexuality against nature? Yes, of course, since that is the main homophobic argument. However, this reasoning is based on a slightly scientific basis. The human species would therefore be the only one to prohibit homosexuality within it. In other words, what would be unnatural would be homophobia. We agree ?
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However, many species of animals also have same-sex relationships. In 1999, Bruce Bagemihl, a Canadian biologist, studied the intercourse of 1,500 species and found that almost a third of them had it. Why? For fun of course, but also, surprisingly, to promote the survival of their species. Until now many people keep asking whether homosexuality is against nature?
In 12 countries, including Qatar and Iran, homosexuality is punishable by death. It is illegal in 70 countries. Morocco, Malaysia, Syria, Sri Lanka and even Tanzania penalize homosexual relations.
I respect culture, tradition and religion, but they can never justify the denial of basic rights – Ban Ki Moon. My promise to the lesbian, homosexual, bisexual and transgender members of the human family is this: I’m with you. I promise that as Secretary-General of the United Nations I will denounce attacks against you and I will keep pressing leaders for progress.” – United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon to the International Conference on Human Rights, Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity (Oslo, 15-16 April 2013). UNFE
May 17 – International Day against Homophobia
May 17 was chosen (at the initiative of Louis-Georges Tin) as a symbolic date for the international day against homophobia and transphobia to commemorate the decision of the WHO on May 17, 1990 to no longer consider homosexuality like a mental illness.
The purpose of this day is to promote awareness-raising and prevention actions to fight against homophobia, lesbophobia, biphobia and transphobia.
Beginning in 2004, 17 May is now celebrated in more than 130 countries and is a moment to unite in support of the recognition of human rights for all, irrespective of sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, and to celebrate gender and sexual diversity.
So is homosexuality against nature?
But does observing it in nature, in insects, mammals or even reptiles, mean that homosexuality is not unnatural? Only this argument is put forward today in an attempt to show that homosexuality does exist in nature. In reality, there is no research or scientific evidence that can confirm or refute this argument. Because the term “against nature” evokes many fantasies and fuels debates that are impossible to prove…
Finally, the idea that homosexuality is against nature is used mainly by those who do not accept this practice to condemn it. Strong opponents of homosexuality rely on morals and beliefs due to a lack of scientific evidence. But in reality, actions that harm others can be punished with justice. Which, in many countries, is no longer the case with homosexuality but with homophobia.
Sources: PinterPandai, BBC, WHO, May 17
Photo credit: Pixy
Sexuality: Straight, Gay, Sapio, Aromantic, Pansexual… What Are You?
