The opposition to gay marriage in most cultures stems mainly from a deep-rooted homophobia that has been borne out of religious prejudice. While many do not realise that homophobia exists to the extent that it does, it is a very real part of every gay person’s life: just like racism is a very real part of every coloured person’s life. It is there, it is pervasive, and has far more serious consequences for society than most realise.
The arguments against gay marriage are clearly feeble, derisory and insufficient. Claims like same-sex environments are detrimental to the upbringing of a child have been slammed down – if convicted murderers, felons and molesters can raise children, it is ridiculous to hold the sexual orientation of a person as reason enough for him/her to be denied parental rights.
On the morality of gay relationships being questioned the problem lies solely in the interpretation of “freedom of religion”. Freedom of religion implies freedom from religion too. Not all religions oppose homosexuality. On the contrary, certain sects of Buddhism actually respect it. Additionally, many people continue to believe the misinformation from right-wing religious organisations that homosexuality is nothing but a sexual perversion. The reality is that it is multidimensional, and is much more about love and affection than it is about sex.
Homosexual sex is banned in several countries across the world. Heterosexuals would never allow such an intrusion to their private sex lives, but they see nothing wrong in using the power of the State to enforce their views globally.
However, the above mentioned arguments are only the publicly voiced ones. There are several reasons for the opposition of gay marriages that no one talks about openly. The majority of the people are just not comfortable with the idea, and hence oppose it. Societies have long since recognised that allowing civil rights to certain groups may offend some, and at times, even the majority. But that is why constitutional government was established – to ensure that powerless, unpopular minorities can be protected from the tyranny of the majority. Simple discomfort with a proposal is no reasonable basis for not allowing it.
The abolishment of Article 377 is a positive step towards acknowledging that there is nothing wrong with being homosexual. It appreciates that the minority deserve the same rights that the majority already enjoy.
Shachi Mohta
