Romanus Sindi
The topic of same-sex practice has been a subject of philosophical debate over the years. While some philosophers have expressed their opposition to same-sex practice, citing moral grounds, others have taken a different stance.
They argue that the way society perceives and interprets homosexuality is not an inherent trait but rather a product of social and cultural factors. This philosophical concept that explains the socially constructed nature of homosexuality is referred to as the social construction of homosexuality.
The concept implies that homosexuality is not an innate characteristic but rather a product of socialisation processes that shape individuals’ sexual orientation. It is imperative to delve into the social history of homosexuality. The Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy highlights a crucial issue raised by queer theory, which challenges the notion that homosexuality and bisexuality are solely driven by biological forces.
The practice of same-sex relationships, is a threat to procreation.
In same-sex relationships, there is no obligation to bear children or sustain communities, which is seen as discrimination against homosexuality in Namibia.
Plato posited that homosexuality is an unnatural practice since, in the animal kingdom, male animals solely engage in sexual activities with their female counterparts. Homosexuality is widely accepted only in the context of consensual intercourse between same-sex partners for the sake of pleasure or to select partners of one’s gender. However, any other aspect related to homosexuality is still taboo and stigmatised by some of our societies in our country.
Nevertheless, societal attitudes towards homosexuality should be strongly evolving, so that there is a long way to go before true equality is achieved. Through critical introspection, the court can challenge its prejudices and work towards a more equitable and inclusive society.
Aristotle posited that human beings are rational animals due to their capacity for abstract reasoning and critical thinking. Despite potential interest in homosexuality, individuals may utilise their rational faculties to counteract any negative attitudes or beliefs.
Furthermore, the ability to reason and think is what distinguishes humans from other members of the animal kingdom. By possessing the ability to think abstractly, humans can engage in complex problem-solving and decision-making processes.
Arguments against
The topic of homosexuality has long been a subject of debate, with various arguments being presented to oppose it. One of the most prominent arguments against homosexuality was proposed by Thomas Aquinas, a renowned Christian theologian. Aquinas argued that homosexual acts were contrary to the natural order and therefore morally wrong.
According to natural law theory, homosexual acts are considered a violation of the law because they do not lead to procreation, which is seen as the primary purpose of sexual activity. Thus, any sexual act that does not have procreation as its goal is deemed unnatural and immoral.
In Christianity, homosexual behaviour is often viewed as a violation of God’s will and natural law. This perspective is rooted in the belief that humans were created in God’s image and that sexual activity should be reserved for heterosexual marriage.
In Plato’s dialogue ‘Symposium’, an additional argument can be discerned, wherein he posits that the love between two men is primarily based on physical attraction and lust, whereas the love between a man and a woman is founded upon a deeper spiritual connection. According to him, homosexual relationships are deemed inferior to heterosexual ones, as eros (love) should not be fixated on the body but rather directed toward the soul.
An additional point of contention arises from the perspective of Aristotle. The philosopher posited that homosexuality was indicative of a deficiency in moral fortitude, given that it indicates a lack of self-control. Moreover, he believed that same-sex relations were often associated with other moral transgressions and lacked a genuine desire for emotional intimacy and companionship.
The act of allowing homosexuality in Namibia is viewed as a violation of our traditional social values and norms. My concern is what type of families will emerge from this practice. Moreover, our country lacks the philosophy of humanity that was once championed by Kenneth Kaunda, the founding president of Zambia. Kaunda emphasised the importance of translating love, truth, social justice, and fair play into action in all aspects of life.
In a nutshell, homosexuality is consistently viewed as inferior to heterosexuality as the acceptable form of sexual expression in Namibia due to its taboo status in certain cultural groups. All in all, those who are most involved in homosexual practices are the ones who view it positively. The question arises as to what extent Namibia can be effectively governed without confusing its citizens regarding this sensitive issue.
* Romanus Sindi is a seminarian under priesthood formation for about three years and completed a bachelor’s degree in philosophy (B.PH). He is currently pursuing a Postgraduate in Education secondary (PGDSE).