Homosexuality and Homophobia

Homosexuality Explained

• Homosexuality comes from the Greek word 'homo', meaning same, and refers to attraction between men and men or women and women.
• The word lesbian is used to describe attraction and sexual relationships between two women.

Views on Homosexuality

• In Jamaica, the topic of homosexuality is a matter of great contention and controversy, and is also an issue of serious moral debate.
• Some religious people disapprove of homosexuality because they believe God intended marriage to be a sacred bond between a man and a woman.

Reasons Why Homosexuals Keep Their Relationships Private

• In Jamaica, many homosexuals keep their sexual orientation a secret for fear that it will put their lives in danger.
• Homosexual people are sometimes feared, hated, and discriminated against, and may experience aggressive verbal attacks because of their sexuality.

Reasons People Engage in Homosexual Relationships

• Culture
• Home situations
• Hormones
• Sexual abuse
• Social environment
• Personal choice
• Peer pressure/curiosity

Homosexuality and the Law

• In Jamaica, it is currently illegal for men to have same-sex relations, and homosexual acts can result in up to ten years' imprisonment.
• Some people support this law and do not want it to be changed, while others believe individuals should have the right to make their own choices as long as it does not affect the freedom of others.

Religious Views on Homosexuality

• Many Christians believe homosexuality is condemned in the Old and New Testaments (Leviticus 20:13 and 1 Corinthians 6:9-10).
• Some religious people make a distinction between homosexual orientation and homosexual practice, and may accept that a person is attracted to people of the same sex but disapprove of the practice.
• Most Muslims believe homosexuality is condemned in the Qur'an.
• There is disagreement amongst Hindus as to whether homosexuality is acceptable or not.