CHAPTER ONE
INTRODUCTION
1.1 Background
to the study
Homosexuality is
romantic or sexual intercourse or behaviour between members of the same sex
(beth 1992:2). As a sexual orientation, homosexuality refers to an enduring
pattern of or disposition to experience sexual, affectionate or romantic
attractions primarily and exclusively to people of the same sex (Redmond 1999).
The term homosexual is
derived from same. Thus connoting sexual acts and affections between members of
the same
sex.
Lesbianism is a sexual act between females while Gay generally refers to male
homosexuality. The word “Lesbians” is “Lesbos”, where the poet Sappho wrote
young women.
Historically,
homosexuality has attracted much interest and attention but attitudes towards
such preference of having sex with one of the same gender have varied in
different epochs and cultural groups ranging from acceptance as among the
ancient Greeks, to measured tolerance in the Roman times and outright
condemnations. (Greg Reeder 1999).
According to the old testament, Leviticus 16:8-22,
20:13) sex between men is an abomination and any involved will be put to death,
other parts of the Bible makes it known that homosexuality is a sin and any
involved in it faces strong penalty. Such books of the Bible like the book of
Romans 1:18-31, Corinthians 6:9 which says that homosexuals are unrighteous and
will not inherit the kingdom of God. This however has affected the
Judeo-Christian attitude towards homosexuality for centuries.
Also in primitive time, negative attitude is found
in different cultures even in Africa, there has been serious condemnation of
homosexuality such that anyone involved in act will be put to death.
In the late 19th
century ambivalent attitude have prevailed, that is, opposing feelings about
homosexuality such that some people fell homosexuality is normal and they tend
to fight for their freedom. In some primitive societies homosexual activities
are considered normal and socially acceptable. For instance in Arunta of
Central Australia, homosexuality is a common practice. Some nations such as
Great Britain, United States and West Germany to mention but a few have
recently legalized homosexual relations between consenting adults. In the
United states, in the 1940s homosexuality was classified as felony with
punishment up to life imprisonment in all states. (Frank Beach 1991).
By the early 1970s at least ten states had legalized
such acts between consenting adults. One third of the societies studied by ford
and Beach include many industrialized countries; give little or no sanction to
homosexuals.
In recent years in the United States such
organizations as the Gay Activities Alliance and the Daughters of Bilitis have
attempted to influence public opinion and legislation toward greater tolerance
of homosexuals. Their effort and other world associations and conferences such
as the 1974 Berkshire conference also the 1973 meeting of the Association of
homosexual activists and other various meetings along with Gay advocacy books
has created several attitudes among people of the world and attracted attentions.
Recently, even in Nigeria, homosexuality is beginning to spread and open up and
even though there has been a law against the act, still it is in existence in
the country and also in various institution of higher learning in the country.
Including Caritas University where there has been cases of homosexual
activities amongst students though not too obvious and popular but it exist and
there has been various attitudes towards it from other students who do not get
involved in the act.
While a lot of research have been carried out in
other aspect of students attitude very little or nothing has been done in the
area of research on the attitude of students towards homosexuality. It is on
this premise that this study seek to unravel the knowledge and general attitude
of students towards homosexuality.
1.2
Statement of the problem
With increasing urbanization in Nigeria and relative
freedom from parents and guardian enjoyed by students in various institutions
of higher learning in Nigeria. There has been different kinds of sexual
orientation which includes homosexuality and attitudes towards it. How do
people regard to homosexuality and those involved in it is an issue that need
to be investigated. While homosexuals face condemnation in some societies. They
are accepted in other societies. In Nigeria, it is highly frowned at, because
it is believed to have a negative effect on the general behaviour and it is
strongly against the moral principle of Nigerian society and Caritas University
in particular. Though this act of homosexuality exist in closed and private
settings in Caritas University, this case is becoming obvious and privately
alarming so much so that the moral ethics for which this mission university is
known is under serious threat. The act is like underground water destroying the
moral base of this noble university. Like wild fire, it is permeating into the
minds of all students of Caritas University.
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