ThirstyFish

The Philadelphia "gayborhood" is designated by these rainbow street signs.

Discrimination is discrimination irrespective of the form it takes. It is especially problematic for the so called Biblical literalists. In the Old Testament homosexuality is condemned. Leviticus 20:13 states: "If a man practices homosexuality, having sex with another man as with a woman, both men have committed a detestable act. They must both be put to death, for they are guilty of a capital offense". But then how consider this passage: Leviticus 20:9: "For anyone who curses his father or his mother shall surely be put to death; he has cursed his father or his mother; his blood is upon him". Should we be putting "dishonorable" kids to death? The New Testament also condemns homosexuality but seems to refer punishment to the "eternal fire" (Jude 1:7). The Quran does not seem to take a legal position on homosexuality alone, but there is a punishment of "public flogging" for adultery as there is a punishment in the Bible.

Throughout the ages, passages such as these have been interpreted by clergy in different ways - some outright brutal, others more understanding. Irrespective, "religious interpretations" have, and are still continuing to form the basis for the widespread LGBT discrimination. The most recent example is Indiana's "Religious Freedom" Law.