Homosexuality In The 19th Century Essay

For the past three centuries, religious leaders across most of Europe have declared homosexuality a sexual perversion that ran counter to the will of God1. Those found guilty of homosexuality were either executed or given prison sentences2. The end of the 19th century marks a change in status for homosexuality within Europe, from ‘sexual perversion’ to a recognised ‘psychological illness’3. Based on this premise, efforts to design conversion therapies begin. Homosexuality remains illegal. Convicted homosexuals are offered a choice between serving a prison sentence or accepting treatment for their illness4. Treatments offered to homosexuals include application of electroshocks to genitalia and nausea-inducing drugs while presented with erotic images, masturbatory reconditioning,

Several gay rights activists warn that this field of research may in fact be misused in order to facilitate efforts to either eradicate or ‘cure’ homosexuality26. While a eugenic-like movement to eradicate homosexuals may appear far-fetched, the tools, if not motivation, are already available. Pre-implantation screening of embryos for common genetic abnormalities already take place for those receiving IVF treatment. There is a mounting body of research demonstrating a significant biological basis to homosexuality, dismantling the fallacy that homosexuals choose their sexual orientation. Wider acknowledgement of biological determinants is important to eradicate misguided beliefs in places where homosexuality is illegal. However, gay rights should not be campaigned for basis that it is not ‘chosen’, for equality should not be contingent on the whims of current scientific opinion. Gay rights should be fought for in terms of their right to privacy, equality and justice. Queer research; the findings and ethical implications of studies into