First we should focus upon the strict laws in Cameroon. Long prison penalties and fines are not uncommon for homosexuality as well as being discriminated. Scratch that-- discrimination is too nice. Those in Cameroon who come out will be under the threat of death from common hate crimes in the country. These seem rather tame compared to laws in Uganda, where some acts can be punishable by a life sentence or death. Each country also practices public whippings for the offenders.
One doesn't even need to be seen preforming a homosexual act to be changed with it. One man was punished merely for buying a cream liquor, which was seen as a "women's drink."
These laws aren't even due to simply the Sharian law codes, they're simply ways for politicians to earn easy votes. The very homophobic public wishes to make them suffer, so if a leader is willing to enforce these huge violations of human rights will be elected in more easily.
These laws are also "supported" by the belief that homosexuality is merely a western fad.
No.
Evidence of it dates back to 2500 BC with the Egyptians, two men painted in various positions the Egyptians used to show a couple in love. After a bit of research, every culture on Earth has a history of gay people, many of which were widely accepted. The culture that began the penalties was actually the Romans.
Not only that, many animals can be in homosexual relationships, such as penguins.
Now, some may continue to back this up with support of the bible saying it a sin. This is true, but there's many other things one must look at. First off, the bible has been translated time after time after time, and if you've ever used Google translate, you can see how meanings can quickly be changed. Not only that, the bible was written by man and some things may have been added simply because of the authors personal beliefs.
Even if it was a sin, those who hate gay people and discriminate against them are sinning as they do. The bible also says "He who is without sin among you, let him be the first to throw a stone at her" John 8:7. his means only those who have not sinned may judge and punish another. The bible also says one must "love thy neighbour as thyself" Matthew 22:39. Whether you agree with it or not, the bible does not justify discrimination against those who are gay. Jesus Christ taught to love everyone, even if they are a sinner, and a true Christian would follow that first.
The treatment of people in Cameroon and Uganda is sick and I feel that people should be informed of this topic. If you're doing it too I'd love to discuss it with you!
Even though I didn't research this subject, I am passionate of the idea that everyone is created equal and that the idea of trying to control who someone loves is an extremely barbaric way to live. My heart goes out to the people that struggle to be accepted because of how they were born, not who they've chosen to become.
ReplyDeleteProps to you for researching something that you feel strongly about! I'm sure your projects will be excellent!
Thank you! I feel the same way. Love is love, and people should be allowed to be in healthy, beautiful relationships with whoever they wish to be with! I just can't wrap my mind around hating someone because of love.
DeleteWhat's your topic on?
Yes! I agree. People are people. We shouldn't treat anyone differently just because he/she might love people of the same gender.
DeleteExactly, like people try to change others or restrict them. The thing is love is love and it can go between any race, gender, or culture. It's annoying on how people say its wrong to have love between different races or same gender. Its not wrong, how come a mother can love child right when she sees the little one for the first time, or when a child gets a kitten and falls in love with it. Everything is equal and just wants a chance to be who they are.
DeleteI wholeheartedly agree with what you've said here, although this topic isn't what I'm researching.
ReplyDeleteEquality should be practiced no matter your values. Not only that, but religion is meant to be a guideline for practicing kindness and maintaining fair morals, and treating homosexuals badly doesn't reflect these goals. Additionally, the bible condemns many things, including the fig tree, and nobody seems to be protesting that.
I just think that no matter a person's sexuality, they are a human being and deserve to be treated as such.
I love your statement about the fig trees! The bible really does ban a long list of silly things no one pays attention to, so what makes a type of love any different?
DeleteI hate how much importance people can place upon a sexuality. It's just who we are and what we prefer! Just because someone likes men or women or both or nothing at all doesn't make them sick, it just makes them different!
Even though because of my religion i don't support gays i do agree that they shouldn't be treated unfairly. its dumb because Christianity is all about love and kindness and it would be going against it if they were to hate someone just because they sin differently than they do and when they do they're just being a hypocrite. So that's why i think and agree that they shouldn't be treated as horribly as they have been. And like you guys have been saying they are human beings just like the rest of us and we shouldn't treat them any differently.
ReplyDeleteI love hearing that from you. I know a ton of people disagree with their lifestyle, but I don't think it matters as much when they still respect their decisions and treat them kindly. Props to you for following the teachings and not just the words!
DeleteI'm also researching the topic of Lgbt rights in Cameroon, I especially love how you incorporated the bible's teachings on homosexuality. One of the main religions in Cameroon is Christianity and Islam. Do you know of any sources or sites on what the Qu'ran or any Islamic teachings have to say on Homosexuality?
ReplyDeleteNot yet, sadly :( but I'm looking into it! You may want to look at Uganda's laws for your project, too. They're even worse.
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