Gay and Lesbian Movements

BECAUSE HOMOSEXUALITY has historically been defined as “deviant” behavior, social, political, economic, and legal discrimination against openly homosexual individuals has been documented in most societies around the world. Several decades after gay and lesbian movements received public attention, the battle over why an individual is gay affects public attitudes toward homosexuality. Forty percent of the population now believes that homosexuality is a biological condition. They feel that no one should be punished for something beyond their control. Those who believe, as do the religious right and other ultraconservatives, that homosexuality is a life-style choice tend to be the most vocal critics of the extension of gay rights. Many conservatives justify their attack on gays and lesbians as attacks on atheists who reject biblical teaching. Some ...