This paper is a study of the current understanding about homosexuality, the state in which an individual is sexually attracted to members of his or her own gender instead of to members of the opposite sex. Estimates vary regarding the percentage of the population that can be defined as homosexual; some experts believe it may be as high as 10 percent but acknowledge that the precise number is impossible to determine since cultural and societal stigmas continue to make an openly homosexual lifestyle difficult and painful. While as recently as the early 1970s homosexuality was classified as a psychological disorder by the American Psychiatric Association, the majority of scientists now agree that sexual orientation is determined primarily by an individual's genes. However, many families, societies, organized religions, and legal systems continue to deny full acceptance to openly homosexual individuals, as the recent outcry over same-sex marriage clearly demonstrates. Because of this, an unknown number of people deny their natural feelings and remain closeted, despite a growing acceptance of homosexuality within some circles of society.
In late September 1996, President Clinton signed into law the Defense of Marriage Act, reserving federal rights and benefits exclusively for male-female couples and allowing states to keep from recognizing same-sex marriages performed in other states. The act was prompted by the ruling in Hawaii's Supreme Court that denial of a marriage license to same-gender couples violates the state's constitutional protection of equal rights by discriminating against individuals on the basis of gender. The case has been remanded to a lower court for a ruling late in 1997. If it passes, Hawaii will become the first state in the union to recognize same-sex marriages and award spousal privileges to gay couples, including medical benefits and hospital visitation rights.
The outcry which followed this ruling ...