Should HOMOSEXUALS have to adopt a conservative demeanor? Is that the only way society will "accept" them?

Question

I've heard many times over the years that homosexuals ought to behave in a mild, modest way, that they should conform to "proper" societal standards; that if only they'd stop putting rainbow stickers on their cars and marching in parades and embracing in public and demanding equal treatment under the law, they wouldn't be marginalized and mistreated.

Does this sound reasonable? Do homosexuals deserve respect and civility only if they contort into the mold deemed "appropriate"? Should they all assume a placid, reserved manner after being threatened with further bigotry, discrimination and mistreatment in the event that they fail to conform to the behavioral standards of society?

I ask in this section because it tends to be those of a strong Judeo-Christian conviction who assert the position in question, and what better place to ask than the section in which they're most likely to be?

Answer 1

It has been my experience that those who despise homosexuals do so, regardless. It has nothing to do with the manor in which, we conduct ourselves, so no, homosexuals should not have to conform to be given the respect deserved. We wouldn't ask that of heterosexuals who cross the boundaries of so called respectability, because that is what it comes down too. So why then, would we ask it of homosexuals, and again, those who despise us do so, regardless? And since the problem is not with the homosexual, leave it for them to deal with. Furthermore, not all homosexuals are alike. Just as with heterosexuals, there is much diversity.

Answer 2

I'm a Christian, of the strict Baptist variety. However, I've had two lesbian aunts. One remained lesbian till death, the other left the lesbian lifestyle.
Before I was converted, I have had close friends who were crossdressers, transvestites, and sodomites.
I have no problem with them as persons.
Some are more faithful friends than some "straights" I have known.
I have a nephew of close blood relation who is sodomite. Pardon me, but I will call a spade a spade.
The Biblical word for homosexual is sodomite.
Having said that, I have no respect for those who look down on these people as if they were more sinners than the rest of mankind, and I don't care if they are pastors, deacons, or churchgoers.
If I were pastoring a church, I would welcome them to come in and listen to the word of God, BUT, I will not waterdown the message that the Holy Spirit gives me just because they are in the congregation.
Neither will I deliberately steer the message their way.
Membership in the church, though, is not an option, unless they leave the lifestyle, because when you really go where the rubber meets the road, that's all it is, a lifestyle, a choice.
I do not believe one is born that way.
One chooses that lifestyle.

Answer 3

Fred Phelps own site states that homosexuals should be put to death, take a look at it. I know a lot of "Christians" who DO hate homosexuals. The usual argument is "hate the sin, but love the sinner." Sorry, this is a cop out. They have continued to wage a political war against them by trying to outlaw it (several states had anti-gay laws on the books that the Supreme Court overturned several years ago - here in Missouri they were getting ready to prosecute some gays for it). Also, in Springfield, Missouri, several Conservative Christians fought against a hate law specifically on the grounds that it added homosexuals to the list of groups the law protected. If they didn't hate them, why were they opposed to the law? If you disapprove, you disapprove, but attempting to pass laws blocking the rights of homosexuals, in my book, constitutes hate and/or discrimination.

Answer 4

Get over your self "BY His Grace" and learn to love every one like Christ did. You are not judge and jury unless you are God. I guess I should pray to you huh? I am truly disgusted on how the Christian's look at just one group and point out thier sins and do not look to thier own. What did Christ say "Woe unto you scribes & pharisees hypocrytes for ye pay the tithe of mint and anise and cummin and have omited mighter matters of the law,... 24 Ye blind guides which strain at a gnat but swallow a camel......28 Even so ye outwardly appear righteous unto men but within you are full of hypocrisy and inequity" All in Matt 23:23-29 So why don't you be concerned about the weeds growing in your yard before you tell some one to clean thiers. Yes all people need and deserve the respect but their are many who want to condem rather than love like Christ COMMANDED. Love your father in Heaven and then love your brother these are the two most important things I understood Christ said. So I must love "By his Grace" but I do not have to like his rhetoric. It's that simple.

Answer 5

Homosexuality, like many thoughts, expression, and actions we encounter in life is little understood by the people who claim to live in the "mainstream" of society. In reality, those of us in the "mainstream" do not understand the motivation that drives this life style. Thus, we fear what we do not understand. Most of us fear the Mormons, we fear New Thought religions, those who's skin color and speech differs from our own. We are, specifically, afraid of what we cannot, or choose not to, comprehend. As far a "societal standards" are concerned; who sets those standards? Are not homosexuals part of society?
Rainbow stickers, embracing in public, demanding equal treatment under the law, are those not the actions of all freedom loving Americans? How many of our ancestors, both hetero and homo paid with their lives to insure that we have freedom of expression?
Finally, your in a dark alley and three very big men want to kill you. It just happens that a very big man comes to your aid and will stand with you. Do you care what his lifestyle preference is?

Answer 6

Homosexuals should be under no obligation to conform to social norms except in matters of gross indecency (which would apply just as much to heterosexuals). Speaking as a heterosexual, there are aspects of the behavior of some homosexuals which I cannot understand - what might be called extreme camp - but it's not my business to tell people how to behave. It is probably true that it would be easier to avoid public disapproval by avoiding such behavior, but no one has a right to demand it.

Answer 7

I found your question interesting. My brother is a homosexual and was met with...well disapproval would be mild. In my mind, I believe the road to acceptance is knowledge. If you don't march, if you don't do what comes naturally to you, if you don't question the standards of society, then people like Martin Luther King, Rosa Parks, Susan B. Anthony, Sandra Day O'Connor, Medgar Evars, and many many more fought for nothing. Society can only be changed when there is a first person that goes that extra mile. My brother's significant other once chained himself to a court house door to fight bigotry. I'm not saying everyone should do this, but the only way for people to co-exist is to be tolerant.

Answer 8

In a democracy, the minority adjusts to the norms of the majority. Not the other way around. Don't worry, homosexual behaviour is gradually being tolerated by the heterosexual majority. However, it will be a long wait for a homosexual to sit in the Oval Office.

Answer 9

People should act as it is 'normal 'for them to act! If other people don't like it , too bad!
We worry entirely too much about what 'other' people think! Frankly I don't care what others think about me, and I never have! If people don't like me, well, then, it's their loss! But to tell certain people how to act, so that they won't offend anybody sucks!
And last time I looked, this was America, where you are entitled to pursuit of happiness! As long as it is not involving a child! They can pursue away, and it is none of my business!And I suggest everyone else, mind theirs! Religious zealots, take themselves to seriously! There are things, that are simply, no one elses' business!

Answer 10

No. They should repent and be saved.
You miss the point. We didn't make this up. God did. He makes the rules, and you either OBEY THEM, OR DISOBEY THEM. It has nothing to do with what "society" says. God's rules are in Black and White, not gray! If He says homosexuality is a sin, then it's a sin. In order to get into heaven, one must be born again, and that's EVERYBODY, not just gays. Repent, Confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord, live your life for Him, (not for yourself and your sinful fleshly ways) For ALL have sinned, and have fallen short of the Glory of God, not just homosexuals. But, in order to get into heaven, one must be BORN AGAIN. And if you are BORN AGAIN, you will not desire the sinful fleshly ways! Jesus will give you a new heart, and you will be a new creature in the Lord. Many many homosexuals have been saved. I suggest you ask them if it's right or wrong, if you don't believe me.

I'm sorry, but the rainbow is a symbol of the covenant that God made with Noah, and the earth that He would not flood the earth again. It is a Holy covenant, and I, for one don't appreciate someone taking that symbol (which God created) and make a mockery of it with sexual perversions! Why don't they make up their own symbol. Why do they have to use something Holy from God if they don't even obey the word of God? You cannot practice homosexuality and call yourself a Christian. A Christian is a follower of the Lord Jesus Christ. That means His commandments, and His Holy Word, the Bible. It's not meant to be twisted, and mocked. He destroyed Sodom and Gomorrah for the very reason of sexual perversion. (homomsexuality was part of it). He will come again, and this time it will be by fire. And all who do not FOLLOW HIM, will perish. God's words, not mine.