The History of Homosexuality

1645 Words4 Pages

Every since 1977 people have been demanding that everyone get equal rights, particularly those who are homosexuals. Tricia Andryszewski says that homosexuality was “tolerated, occasionally celebrated…” and even “condemned” yet still, it was always around (11). In the mid-1960’s, groups of homosexuals fought against “anti homosexual discrimination” (11). On June 28, 1969, Policemen raided the Stonewall Inn, in New York City (9). The sole purpose was to harass the homosexuals, since the bar catered to them especially. “The raid itself, for alleged violation of liquor laws, was not unusual. Police often targeted such bars and their patrons for harassment” (9). Once the raid began, customers started to fight back and throw trash. Before the Stonewall Riot, it was illegal for homosexuals to partake in sexual activities, even in the privacy of their own homes (9). They were treated as if they were not people. Homosexuals should not be discriminated against because they do not choose their sexuality, they serve in the military heroically, and because they are able to maintain and support an efficient family lifestyle.
One right that many would oppose to give homosexuals is marriage. In “Against Homosexual Marriage” James Wilson says that “If a man also lie with mankind, as he lieth with a woman, both of them have committed abomination” (302). Apparently, those who partake in “Adultery, sodomy, premarital sex, and divorce” are in other words, casted to Hell. Religion is only one factor that stops homosexuals from getting the equal rights they deserve.
Firstly, homosexuals should not be discriminated against because they do not choose their sexuality. In “Virtually Normal” Andrew Sullivan says that “…Homosexuality is an essentially invo...

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Works Cited

Andryszewski, Tricia. Gay Rights. Brookfield, CT: Twenty-First Century Books, 2000. Print.
Cloud, David S. "New Obstacle for Gay Military Couples." Los Angeles Times: A.8. Oct 03 2013 SIRS Issues Researcher. Web. 7 Nov. 2013.
Jarvis, Craig. "Suit: Allow Same-Sex Couples to Adopt in N.C." News & Observer. 13 Jun 2012: n.p. SIRS Issues Researcher. Web. 18 Nov 2013
Lally, Kathy. "Law Makes Life Harder for Gay Teens in Russia." Washington Post: A.7. Sep 03 2013. SIRS Issues Researcher. Web. 7 Nov. 2013.
Sullivan, Andrew. “Virtually Normal.” Taking Sides: Clashing Views on Controversial Political Issues. Guilford, Connectitcut: Dushkin Publishing Group, 1997. Print.
Wilson, Q. James. “Against Homosexual Marriage.” Taking Sides: Clashing Views on Controversial Political Issues. Guilford, Connectitcut: Dushkin Publishing Group, 1997. Print.

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