Today on Untapd’s “Ask Me Anything”, I will start by answering the first question I received on the last blog entry.
Tina Asks: “What is your opinion on homophobia and it’s current effects on the canadian population?”
To start off, let’s make sure that we are on the same page. The definition of Homophobia is: The fear or dislike of homosexuals (lesbians, gays). A homosexual is defined as; someone who is sexually attracted towards the same sex.
Alright, now that I have stated the obvious, I’m going to proceed to answering your question. I’ll state my position, I am against homophobia. Not to say I encourage parading around naked on the streets making out with people of the same sex to show one’s pride. Homosexuality and homophobia are a touchy subjects. I think it’s in everyone’s rights to be entitled to their own likes/dislikes. Hence the question regarding liking or disliking homosexuals is not of importance. In my opinion, I think there are many people need to toughen up, and learn to live with the fact that there are and always will be different types of people around the world.
I find it sad that Canada being a liberal country can discriminate on the bases of sexual orientation. There have been many cases in the past where homosexuals in Canada have been denied a career, undergone tormentation etc. due to personal prejiduce from the employer on homosexuals. I agree that it is hard for people of many faiths to accept homosexuality, but the fact is, hurting homosexuals, denying them of personal rights, and tormenting them is something very – very low. If it’s something that people are so much against, Canada gives them the freedom of speech for a reason. I think it’s alright to try proving a point, with a calm conversation. Rather than denying a human of basic needs.
Currently homophobia has played a grand role within the Canadian society. There’s actually something that I just cleared out, Homosexual marriages ARE legal in Canada. It is the religious leaders that aren’t approving to providing the religious ceremonies. Although there are some religious leaders who are performing same sex marriages. I think homophobia on this count, will take time to change. Religious leaders aren’t likely to do something that goes against their teachings of faith. The future out look on this can be pretty interesting, we’ll just have to see where time takes us.
Opinions anyone?
Hope this helps!
Thank you, Tina, for your question. Thank you Scarlet, for the clarification! =)
- Maria
“I think if there is any chance of homosexual marriages being legal in Canada (all parts of Canada)”
… Gay marriage IS legal in all parts of Canada. It was legalized in 2005, with the passing and royal assent of the Civil Marriage Act. Homosexuals can marry anywhere in Canada.
The only thing that may be a barrier is that religious officials (priests, rabbis, etc) have the right to refuse to wed the couple on the basis of religious belief. All it would mean is that the couple either has a non-religious wedding, or they find a religious official who does not object.
Just throwing that out there ^_^
Yes! That’s very true. Thank you Scarlet, for the heads up! … Now let me just change that =P
- Maria