<p class="has-drop-cap" value="<amp-fit-text layout="fixed-height" min-font-size="6" max-font-size="72" height="80">HOMOSEXUALS AND LESBIANS ET CETERAHOMOSEXUALS AND LESBIANS ET CETERA

HOMOSEXUALS AND LESBIANS ET CETERA

The sexual orientation issue is a vexing one. Since time immemorial the world has wrestled with this conundrum. Even though we have divine decrees to guide human sexual conduct. Mankind seems determined to pursue its own downward path. One of the conditions mandated by Jehovah to ancient Israel was that in order to inherit the promised land they would have to adhere to all of His laws: “The Lord said to Moses, ² “Speak to the Israelites and say to them: ‘I am the Lord your God. ³ You must not do as they do in Egypt, where you used to live, and you must not do as they do in the land of Canaan, where I am bringing you. Do not follow their practices. ⁴ You must obey my laws and be careful to follow my decrees. I am the Lord your God. ⁵ Keep my decrees and laws, for the person who obeys them will live by them. I am the Lord.” Leviticus 18:1-5. Unfortunately, it seems that humanity just cannot be bothered with the challenges imposed upon them by divine discipline. Because there are all kinds of sexual orentations in our world today. Governments do not only face the possibility of invoking the displeasure of the Church, both Catholic and Protestant. They also have to contend with the various political pressure groups. Progressives included, who want LGBTQ rights to be given an equal footing with regular civil rights. Modern society is in turmoil at present. Since we live in an age of dissolving certainties. During the Obama Presidency marriage laws were changed to accommodate Homosexual unions, in the United States. But this is nothing new. During the 1960’s when Harold Wilson was Prime Minister of England, legislation was passed in the British Parliament making it legal for Gays to marry. While growing up in England during my pubescent and adolescent years. I was not only intrigued when I saw two men embracing passionately during their public displays of affection; or holding hands as they walked on the pavement; or crossed some busy public thoroughfare. Such scenes stirred powerful feelings of revulsion within me. After hearing stories of different forms of sexual misconduct. Perpetrated against minors by homosexuals, my psychological and emotional alienation from that group crystallized into permanent prejudice. I ran into a variety of different homosexuals over the years. Some of them were music teachers that taught piano lessons to the children of colleagues. Others were church organists or people that I encountered from time to time. While working on my first graduate degree during extension classes on the Island of Jamaica, I ran into a closet homosexual. Most people who practice that lifestyle are easily identifiable because of their distinctly different demeanor. Closet homosexuals cannot be easily identified. The truth however is difficult to hide and it invariably surfaces in the most unexpected circumstances. I wrote a research paper in which I contended that homosexuality was a chosen lifestyle. My professor who was lecturing in Philosophy at a prominent North American denominational school. Could not conceal his rage and disdain at my naievete. He passionately argued that individuals categorized as LGBTQ’s were DNA victims. He rejected my paper outright and warned me that I would fail that class. Unless I submitted a different paper reflecting more thorough research and a deeper understanding and appreciation of the issue. I understood perfectly. I had unwittingly unearthed a queer. I either failed that class or I earned an Incomplete. Why providence would place me in circumstances wherein I would be subjected to an individual belonging to a group that I despised, was deeply perplexing. For about nine months I lived in a hostel in Chicago that was populated almost exclusively by Gays. Interestingly enough women were not permitted to enter the confines of that hotel at any time. I ran into many people there who openly admitted that they practised an alternative lifestyle. I treated them with respect and discovered from personal experience that most were courteous, humane, and compassionate people. If there were any delusions about them in my cranium, my mind was soon disabused of such misunderstandings. Every single night I heard them practicing their lifestyle. Not only the loud groans and breathless pants of powerful men gasping for air. But also the creaking, heavings, and shuddering of the beds as they supported the formidable manouvers and weights that had been placed upon them. (To Be Continued).