Opinion Page

However, I am frustrated with the on-going debate over homosexuality and religion. It is time to put this issue to rest.

I am a heterosexual white male, so it is easy for me to denounce the ideas behind these tough issues. This article is not going to have a radical impact on campus opinion. I do hope it will induce people to think more deeply about these issues.

The first step is awareness. Make yourselves aware of the fact that there are thousands of students on campus. We all some from different backgrounds; we all have different beliefs.

Opinions in the newspaper seem to reflect Christianity versus homosexuality. Not all religions pose such a threat to this lifestyle. A good example is Buddhism. Buddhism is non-judgmental regarding homosexuality. People use religion as a defense mechanism because they are threatened by something they do not understand. The best work to describe this phenomenon is homophobia.

Awareness precedes the need for education, and I don’t mean gathering information on gays and religion. Students need to listen to their professors and use this knowledge. There is some valuable information floating around this campus. In a previously printed opinion, Mr. Moor used science in an attempt to prove that homosexuality goes against nature.

Compromise is the final step in putting this issue to rest. I would like to address the gay community. I don’t know the discrimination you deal with.

I’m not asking gay people to hide what they are. All I’m saying is, don’t throw the issue in everyone’s face. What mature adults do in their homes is their business. Let’s face it - this is a conservative town, and homosexuality is not going to gain overnight approval. When you march on campus cheering, "We’re here, we’re queer, and we won’t go away!" I think, "Great! I’m straight and who cares?"

Now for those of you screaming homosexuality is wrong, wake up. Do you thing someone would actually choose to live a life that guarantees discrimination and ridicule?

This is the way some people are born. If you believe in the theory of evolution then blame it on evolution. If you are religious then blame it on your god. But don’t persecute someone for being different.

Mr. Moore, I realize you are a freshman. Maybe you will rethink your article in four years.

Once the high school mentality wears off, you will see there is a big world out there.