For example, between consenting adults why are prostitution, polygamy, gay marriage, incest (without procreation), and for that matter bestiality illegal?
Do these behaviors need to be supressed in a civilized society? And, if so - wouldn't social stigma and religion keep them that way?
Summary: I'm just looking for the sociological and psychological underpinnings of society's legislation of sexual behavior among adults.
2006-10-21 16:26:37 · 8 answers · asked by Anonymous in Politics & Government ➔ Law & Ethics
Before I get into my answer, I just want to make it clear that I am explaining how other people think, NOT how I think. I am opposed to any laws except those which prohibit force and fraud.
I think there are various reasons why society continues to legislate morality. One reason is that such laws have the force of tradition behind them. Society has always made laws regulating morality, so it is reasoned that they must have had a good reason, and that good reason must still apply today.
Why did these laws arise in the first place? Often times, for very practical reasons. Things like population growth, paternity, and the family unti were very important in early societies. For example, promiscuity in an ancient society could mean hordes of fatherless, starving children. It is not as if DNA testing was around in the B.C. years.
Another alleged reason for social regulation is that many of the "immoral" activites have an effect on the community as a whole. For example, it is claimed that prostitution is linked to the spread of STD's and drug abuse, so fighting prostitution is a means of promoting public health.
But I think the main reason for these laws is that people are simply uncomfotable with most of the prohibited behaviors. To many straight people, the idea of being sexually involved with someone of the same sex is so revolting that they want to eradicate any sings of it in society. We respect individual liberty enough to know that we can't outlaw homosexuality outright, but that doesn't prevent backdoor efforts to get it removed from open society.
As for my opinion: the law shouldn't be used against things we merely find disgusting. I believe that social stigma is more than sufficient to address the things you are talking about. In America, we've never passed laws against holding racist beliefs, yet racism has sharply declined in the last 60 years...all due to social stigma.
2006-10-21 16:56:47 · answer #1 · answered by timm1776 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Well if you are going to ask that - trust that there is someone out there who wil ask - but I love children, why is it wronmg for me to touch them? The answer is that society must come up with a basic set of rules that those living in it will be held to. Otherwise there is chaos. Now I realize copmparing gay marriage, prostitution and child molestion/rape is not at all fair, however the laws that we lived by were made by the people living in the society and based on what they thought was the best way to govern. If you don't like it - move to somewhere they do allow gay marriage or prostituion....or beastiality or whatever you so choose. You may have a problem finding a society to live in that won't try to govern your personal life as part of what is socially acceptable. I would be willing to wager that there are not any that would support child molestation or beastiality, but then again - there may be. The laws were put into place to uphold the moral values of the people living in the society. While some of the laws may be wrong (gay marriage....) others are necessary. But it is a hard line to draw between upholding societies values and invading on someones rights.
2006-10-21 23:36:35 · answer #2 · answered by Heather R 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Not everything is as cut and dry as just sex between consenting adults or animals. People fail to realize that there are consequences and that other people are affected by their actions. What about the further spread of AIDS through homosexual contact and don't tell me that condoms would stop that because that is not true. Condoms are made of surgical latex and they have microscopic holes in them that are 10 times larger than the AIDS virus. The holes are small enough that semen will not pass through but 10 AIDS viruses side by side can fit through these holes. To continue if prostitution were legal again you have another problem with the spread of STD's due to the fact that more men would be soliciting them since it is legal and they wouldn't have to be worried about arrest. Not to mention the spike in the divorce rate due to unfaithful spouses. There are many more reasons but not enough time or desire to list them here. Just because someone wants to do something does not make it good for society. If many things were allowed to go unchecked this would not be a civilized society any more. Some times we have to be protected for our own selfish desires. Just my opinion.
2006-10-21 23:45:01 · answer #3 · answered by ? 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
A society must put forward standards. Look at the rest of the problems these ills bring. Most people who gamble are impulsive. It ruins marriages.
Listen to Glen Beck on the pornography. He is on the radio and CNN. He makes a great case for why pornography is destructive. He does not advocate banning it, only being honest with the results you get.
2006-10-21 23:30:35 · answer #4 · answered by Chainsaw 6 · 1⤊ 1⤋
many of these behaviors lead to social chaos...........and some of these behaviors lead to the spreading of diseases.
The difference between man and animal is civalization, education, ......what is good for one my not be good or beneficial to all...........gay marriage,,,,,marriage is family and offspring.....a gay relationship is just that a strong loving relationship.....it is different.....why try to make it the same because there not
2006-10-21 23:33:26 · answer #5 · answered by Patrick 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Don't listen to Glen Beck. He's a right wing kook dressed in sheeps clothing.
2006-10-21 23:35:05 · answer #6 · answered by the shadow knows 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
How about these examples... murder, rape, assault. These are moral issues too. Should we abolish all laws?
2006-10-21 23:46:42 · answer #7 · answered by Ranger473 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
What are you? A dumb ***.
2006-10-21 23:34:38 · answer #8 · answered by jhunt1958 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋