In Robert Zeis’ column of October 11, he compares the homosexual “urge” to other “urges” such as pedophilia and his own penchant for anger, his argument resting on the premise that these are “urges” that should be repressed.

I won’t argue that, in a civilized society, the damaging effects of pedophilia and unbridled anger justify their repression, but why homosexuality? Sex isn’t violent, Mr. Zeis (though it can be, but rape is almost always heterosexual in nature). What damaging effects are symptomatic of homosexual couplings?

I’ll venture that the only people hurt by the homosexual “urge” are the lesbian/gay/bisexuals who are assaulted, verbally, emotionally, and physically, by people bent on imposing their own belief system on others, as evidenced by Reis Pearson’s “In My View…” on the facing page (Thank you, Ms. Pearson).

It’s this oppression that acts as impetus for the rallies Mr. Zeis seems to hold in such contempt. If, whenever you were seen holding hands with your significant other, Mr. Zeis, someone muttered “fucking hetero,” wouldn’t that “short fuse” of yours make you want to shout “I’m straight and I’m proud!”?

Homosexuality has been around for a long time, and contrary to Mr. Zeis’ assertion that “there is no religion. . .that endorses marriage of homosexuals,” it has played a significant part in a number of cultures and religions throughout human history.

Among these is Christianity, which, at one point, sanctioned gay marriage ceremonies. These ceremonies have since been eradicated, of course, due to the tendency of the majority to manipulatively interpret religion, but that’s a different issue.

Jeff Hankens

Junior

Computer Science