Societal attitudes towards homosexuality: Meaning (information, definition, explanation, facts)

Societal attitudes towards homosexuality have varied over the centuries, from homophobia to social acceptance.

The religious response to homosexuality varies, though in most Abrahamic religions homosexuality is a sin; see religion and homosexuality for a comprehensive discussion.

In many cultures, especially those influenced by anti-gay religions, homosexuality is considered a perversion and has been outlawed (see sodomy law, consensual crime), in some nations a capital crime.

Persecution of homosexuals ("gay bashing") in such cultures is common; the experience of homosexuals in Nazi Germany is an egregious case.

Beginning in the 20th century, Gay rights movements, as part of the broader civil rights movements, have led to changes in social acceptance and in the media portrayal of homosexuality. The legalization of same-sex marriage and non-gender-specific civil unions is one of the major goals of gay rights activism.

Many moralists and religious groups view homosexuality to be a sin, though John Boswell argues that there are several periods in European history when homosexuality was tolerated or celebrated as with heterosexuality. See the article on Religion and homosexuality for a discussion of how homosexuality is viewed in Judaism, Christianity, Islam, Hinduism, Buddhism and in neo-pagan religions.

Some religious movements believe that they can heal or cure homosexuals' sexual orientation through "reparative therapy". However, all major American health and mental health professional organizations have concluded this therapy is ineffective, unnecessary, and potentially harmful. In 1973, the (US) American Psychological Association decided that it would no longer consider homosexuality to be a mental disorder. However, in some other parts of the world it is still considered to be a mental disorder and illness, although there is no consensus on what causes it or whether it is inborn. Research in this area in the USA is no longer sponsored because of pressure from gay and lesbian groups, but views of the scientific community and people around the globe are far from unanimous. Many oppose the gay and lesbian movement because they view it as an attempt to impose Western liberal values on other cultures, and thus as an instrument of oppression of the New World Order rather than a bid for the rights of the oppressed.

In the United States, the gay community is stereotyped as highly promiscuous and flighty. However, market research conducted by gay personals services indicates that less than 20% of sexually active gay males are interested in cruising for sex.