Justice for Homosexuals

Abstract

Eliminating injustice in our society will, with regard to homosexuals, mean eliminating the forms of discrimination against them that still remain, in spite of the considerable liberalization of our sexual mores and attitudes in recent decades. In this paper I review the main types of such discrimination both by the state and state-funded agencies and by private individuals and corporations, and discuss the arguments offered as their justification. I try to show that these arguments are unconvincing, and argue, first, that there are no good grounds for the higher age of consent to sex for homosexuals than for heterosexuals. I also argue that the state and state-funded institutions should stop discriminating against homosexuals in employment (in education, diplomacy, and intelligence agencies), and that they are entitled to full integration into the armed forces as well. I then discuss the proposal that the law should prohibit discrimination against homosexuals in employment and housing by private individuals and corporations. I state the main pros and cons, but do not try to settle the issue. Finally, I try to show that there is no good reason for denying homosexuals the rights and benefits provided by the institution of legal marriage. In a free society, civil marriage should not be restricted to heterosexuals.