Today, one of the deviant sexual behaviours gaining popularity globally and being promoted through deep conspiracies seeking legal recognition is homosexuality. The word “homosexuality” is derived from two words: the Greek “homo” meaning “same,” and the Latin “sexus” meaning “sexual desire.” Homosexuality refers to the tendency of individuals, whether male or female, to direct their sexual desires toward others of the same sex and fulfilling these desires through such relationships.

Perspectives and Philosophical Views

Every living creature is endowed with a specific way of life. Since the beginning of creation, living beings have adhered to their natural ways without deviation. However, humans, with their limited freedom of choice, sometimes misuse this freedom and deviate from their natural lifestyle, including in how they fulfil their sexual desires. Historically, individuals engaging in homosexual behaviour were always viewed with hatred and their actions were considered outrageous and an insult to finer human sensitivities. This behaviour was discouraged and punished; until the end of the 19th century, almost every country in the world deemed homosexuality a crime punishable by imprisonment or even death.

In the West, traditional social values were challenged during the rise of movements advocating for liberty, equality, and human rights. It was argued that humans are born free and have the right to exercise their will without restrictions. Imposing limitations on thoughts and actions was seen as infringing on the right to freedom, and discriminating against those with different views or behaviours was considered a violation of the right to equality. Consequently, in the West, homosexuality came to be seen as a behaviour rather than wrongdoing, supported by philosophical arguments.

Homosexuals and related groups can be categorised into several groups:

1. Lesbian: A woman who is sexually attracted to other women; a female homosexual.
2. Gay: A man who is sexually attracted to other men; a male homosexual.
3. Bisexual: A person, whether male or female, who is sexually attracted to both genders. The Kinsey Scale, developed by Alfred Kinsey, is used to describe a person’s sexual experience or response at a given time. The scale ranges from 0 (exclusively heterosexual) to 6 (exclusively homosexual). People who rank between 2 and 4 are often considered bisexual.
4. Transgender: Individuals who are born with typical male or female anatomies but feel as though they have been born into the “wrong body.” For instance, a person with female anatomy may feel like a male and vice versa. These individuals may dress and act as the gender they identify with and sometimes undergo hormone treatments or sex reassignment surgeries.
5. Queer/Questioning (Q+)*: This category includes individuals who do not exclusively identify as heterosexual or cisgender, as well as those who are exploring or questioning their sexual orientation or gender identity. The term “queer” can be an umbrella term for sexual and gender minorities who are not heterosexual or cisgender.

The acronym LGBTQ+ is used to refer to these groups. Members of these groups are considered a community. As their sexual orientations and identities have been recognised as natural, campaigns have been to be organised in their favour. Laws have been enacted and updated to remove discrimination and secure equal rights for them.

Does prohibiting homosexuality violate Human Rights?

Homosexuality and related identities have been recognised and guaranteed certain rights by the Constitution of India. Article 14 guarantees the Right to Equality before the law, ensuring that the State shall not deny any person equality before the law or equal protection of the laws within the territory of India. Article 21 guarantees the protection of life and personal liberty, stating that no person shall be deprived of life or personal liberty except according to the procedure established by law. Article 15 prohibits discrimination based on religion, race, caste, sex, or place of birth.

However, it is argued that the prohibition of homosexuality cannot be considered contrary to fundamental human rights. No person is given absolute freedom in a civilised society; they must follow and observe societal standards and established practices. For example, if a person were to go out in public nude and, when objected to, claim it is their right, it would not be accepted as such, and they would be prevented from this act. In such situations, referring to rights of equality and protection against discrimination is not deemed appropriate because, from preventing the individual from preventing the individual from committing the act, their other human rights are not being usurped, despised, or scorned as human beings.

Misguided notion of Mutual Consent

Another argument put forward is: what harm is done if two people engage in a sexual relationship with mutual consent, whether they are of the same sex or different sexes? Since consensual sex between people of different sexes is not prohibited or punishable by law, it is argued that consensual sex between people of the same sex should also not be banned.

This concept of mutual consent can only be made acceptable in a civilised society with scrutiny. It must be evaluated against established societal practices, laws, & regulations to determine whether it causes disruption or undermines societal cohesion. For example, corruption often occurs with the mutual consent of two parties but is still considered a crime & is punishable by law. Allowing corruption would lead to widespread plunder, deceit, & violation of people’s rights, resulting in societal chaos. Similarly, the exchange of dowry may seem consensual but is prohibited, & laws have been enacted to abolish the dowry system due to its harmful effects. Other wrongs can be compared in the same way.

Arguing that a wrongful act was committed with mutual consent is insufficient to establish its legality.

Is Homosexuality a result of Genetics or environment?

It is argued that homosexuality is genetic and congenital, determined during pregnancy, with certain genes in the human body responsible for it. These genes are believed to influence a person’s behaviour, mental composition, & temperament. While this could be correct to some extent, it is also accepted that a person’s genetic code is influenced by societal environment & life experiences. Changes in the environment can impact gene expression & behaviour.

Even if we accept the argument that homosexuality has a genetic basis, allowing such a mentality to be cultivated and propagated in society might still be questioned. For instance, it is claimed that some individuals have genes that predispose them to violent behaviour, terrorism, or suicidal tendencies. However, society does not grant such individuals the freedom to kill, commit acts of terror, or suicide. Such actions are not tolerated, and those who commit these crimes are subject to prosecution and punishment.

Similarly, safeguarding society from potentially harmful influences might involve restricting behaviours, even if they have a genetic component.

Is Homosexuality a Psychiatric Disorder?

Historically, homosexuality was considered a psychiatric disease or disorder. The American Psychiatric Association included homosexuality in its 1952 Diagnostic & Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-I). However, after facing significant objections, it was removed. Similarly, the World Health Organization (WHO) included homosexuality as a psychiatric disorder in its ICD-9. Following recommendations from the 43rd World Health Assembly in 1990, it was removed from the list in ICD-10. China also saw a shift: the Chinese Society of Psychiatry included homosexuality as a psychiatric disorder in 1966 but removed it five years later. This pattern suggests that the reclassification of homosexuality was influenced by societal pressure from the growing number of homosexuals globally.

Some argue that homosexuality should still be considered a psychiatric disorder and that those with homosexual tendencies should receive treatment, particularly if such tendencies are noticed in childhood. These advocates suggest that if homosexuality is genetic or congenital, appropriate remedial measures should be taken.

For example, children born with various physical defects, such as extra fingers or toes, cleft lips or palates, abnormally sized heads, malformed ears, or growth problems due to hormonal imbalances, are not left to fend for themselves. Instead, they receive medical or psychological treatment to help them lead normal lives. Similarly, if individuals are born with homosexual tendencies or defective sexual orientations, proponents argue that they should be treated as congenital abnormalities. According to this view, these tendencies should not be allowed to grow and propagate through laws favouring their acceptance.

Homosexuality: A Challenge to Human Nature

Homosexuality is often seen as a revolt and a declaration of war against human nature. Since the beginning of Creation, the pairing law has been evident in all of the Universe’s creations. This principle applies not only to living things but also to non-living entities. Even atoms, the basic units of matter, are composed of positively charged protons and electrically neutral neutrons.

In every living species, pairing is based on the difference of sex, ensuring the regeneration and survival of the species. Opposite sexes are naturally attracted to each other, and regeneration occurs through copulation. For humans, this pairing involves males and females, who have been created physically and mentally to be naturally attracted to each other. This attraction and resulting copulation ensure the continuation of future generations, with sexual enjoyment serving as an inducement and reward.

A person seeking this enjoyment through sex with someone of the same sex is viewed as rebelling against and declaring war on human nature. Nature has designed sexual pleasure to ensure species perpetuation. Therefore, if an individual seeks this pleasure without fulfilling the purpose of procreation, they are seen as a rebel. Such rebellion is believed to adversely affect both individuals physically and psychologically, as they are using their bodies in ways for which they were not created.

Homosexuality: A Threat to Family and Civilization

A family is formed when a man and a woman live together as husband and wife according to societal customs. Offspring are born, new kinship bonds develop, and a society is built where every person contributes to its development and upliftment. However, homosexuality is seen as striking at the root of the family structure, disrupting the natural way of family creation. A homosexual individual, by choosing not to marry someone of the opposite sex, is perceived as shirking their responsibility to contribute to the perpetuation of their species and avoiding the establishment of the basic societal unit—the family—and serving its members.

Homosexuals benefit from society but, in this view, do not take responsibility for its cultivation and development. Supporting and encouraging homosexuality is considered detrimental to the institution of family, which is seen as leading to societal disintegration.

Homosexuals demand the right to marry each other and receive the same privileges as married heterosexual couples. Granting this demand is viewed as an assault on the institution of marriage, diminishing its importance. In countries where these demands have been accepted, it is argued that the institution of marriage has lost its significance. Society in these countries is perceived as breaking down, with relationships based on material benefits, temporary cohabitation, and unrestricted sexual freedom, leading to a societal state akin to an animal enclosure.

The Stance of Major Religions on Homosexuality

Due to the perceived destructive and harmful effects of homosexuality, all major religions oppose it & consider it a crime against humanity. While homosexuality has become more prevalent in European Christian societies & has even affected the clergy, traditional Christian teachings still regard it as unlawful. Similarly, all major religions in India, including Hinduism, Jainism, & Sikhism, unanimously consider homosexuality to be illegal.

According to a United Nations report, 76 countries have declared homosexuality a crime punishable by death. Most of these countries are Muslim-majority, while the rest have populations that predominantly follow religions other than Christianity.

Islam’s stance on homosexuality is unequivocal. It strongly condemns the practice, has implemented preventive measures to eradicate it, and has established exemplary punishments for those who engage in it.

The Evil Behavior of the People of Lut: A lesson in divine Warning

The Holy Qur’an recounts the story of Prophet Lut (peace be upon him) and his people as a warning to others. His people were engaged in various evil practices, including idol worship and polytheism, but one of their major sins was homosexuality. Prophet Lut was sent by Allah to preach monotheism and to encourage his people to abandon their sinful behaviours. He particularly condemned homosexuality and warned them of its dire consequences. The Holy Qur’an quotes him:

“Do you commit lewdness such as no people in creation (ever) committed before you? For, you practice your lusts on men in preference to women: you are indeed a people transgressing beyond bounds.” (The Qur’an, 7:80-81)

“Of all the creatures in the world, will you approach males, and leave those whom Allah has created for you to be your mates? Nay, you are a people transgressing (all limits)!” (The Qur’an, 26:165-166)

Despite Prophet Lut’s remonstrations, his people persisted in their abominations and unnatural sexual practices. They even threatened to evict him from their cities and towns: “But his people gave no other answer but this: they said: ‘Drive out the followers of Lut from your city; these are indeed men who want to be clean & pure.’” (The Qur’an, 27:56)

Ultimately, when all warnings, cautions, and efforts to guide them failed, Allah issued a decree, and the people of Lut were obliterated. The Qur’an details their punishment in different chapters, where it is stated:

“When Our decree issued, We turned (the cities) upside down, and rained down on them brimstones hard as baked clay, spread, layer on layer marked as from thy Lord; nor are they ever far from those who do wrong!” (The Qur’an, 11:82-83)

This narrative warns about the consequences of defying divine guidance and engaging in sinful behaviours.

Responsibility of a Civilized and Ethical Society

From the above details, it is evident that homosexuality can be seen as disastrous for any society. It is viewed as a rebellion against human nature and a declaration of war against it. Homosexuals are not the only ones afflicted with fatal and incurable diseases; rather, the general health of society faces numerous problems. Furthermore, the foundations of family life are weakened, and the bonds of civilisation are ruptured. Therefore, it is the responsibility of the intellectuals and leaders of society to address this issue proactively. Homosexuality cannot be justified legally by appealing to principles of personal liberty, equality, & non-discrimination. Some perceive the propagation of homosexuality and the demands to legalise it as a well-planned conspiracy of Western imperialism aimed at destabilising societies. This perceived threat must be countered effectively to maintain an upright and healthy society.