Sodomy

The definition of sodomy is discussed, as well as whether sodomy is unnatural and thus punishable as a "crime against nature" - the rationale underlying the sodomy laws.  

Many argue that if sodomy does not occur in nature, is an uncommon practice or is against natural design, it is unnatural and therefore immoral.  Enshrining this logic are sodomy laws of various countries in punishing the "abominable and detestable" crime against nature or oral or anal intercourse with a member of the same or opposite sex, the legal definition of sodomy.  

People frequently claim that homosexual behavior is wrong because it does not take place in nature.  Research, however, shows otherwise.  Mounting behavior between male chimpanzees, pairs of male Canadian geese sharing nests, and female grizzly bears with cubs together have all been observed in the wild.  In fact, from insects through primates, similar activities have been noted throughout the natural realm between animals of the same-sex.

But is an activity right simply because it takes place in nature? Animals eat their young, engage in fratricide, and harass those in their group who are sick and injured, yet we do not think these activities are right soley because of their natural occurrence.

Conversely, with few ethical qualms, we engage in pursuits not found in nature.  Things like building skyscrapers, working on computers, and eating on tables are all unnatural, however none of these endeavors seem to be cause for moral censure.

One common argument is that sodomy is wrong because it is not "normal," or engaged in by a majority of people.  But writing left-handed, walking backwards, and skydiving are not practiced by most, yet these activities do not meet with our moral disapproval simply for that reason.  

Others say that using body parts for other than their original, natural purpose is morally deficient.  Thus, according to this claim, it would be wrong to use genitals for ends which are non-procreative.  

But hands were initially meant to climb trees, gather food, or catch prey, yet many no longer use these appendages whatsoever for such purposes - and now build fires, paint pictures, perform sign language, write and so forth with no thought of these actions as being morally problemmatic.  

By Truthseeker

Resources

• Sodomy Laws: a comprehensive look at sodomy laws around the world.

• Sodomy Law - Wikipedia: Sodomy laws and their impact on homosexuals.

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