Edward Caruana Galizia, Lija
Accepting homosexuals as they are (2)
Anyone who claims they can convert a homosexual into a heterosexual is wrong.
In fact, any priest or religious conservative who claims to do so will ultimately admit that they do not change a person’s sexual orientation, just their behaviour.
Ex-gay ministries, institutions that charge thousands of dollars to convert homosexuals into heterosexuals using highly physically and psychologically harmful techniques, have a success rate of three per cent, and that three per cent work within the industry itself. The founders of these places have come out admitting it’s a hoax, and the current leaders also admit that their promise is a lie. So let’s not fool ourselves. These things don’t work.
Only when a gay man/woman learns to see that they are prefect just as they are, and that there is nothing wrong with them and that they should accept themselves, do they go on to live a happy and healthy life. Pastors, priests and other conservatives might say otherwise, but they are mistaken.
I urge all gay teens, and anyone struggling with their sexuality, to find professional help, and to trust no one who says they can be “liberated” from it.
Popular Stories
In Discussion
16 Comments
Post comment
Please sign in or create your Account to post comments.
Mr Joe Xuereb
May 11th 2011, 12:15
@Mr Edwin Formosa. Your comment is so convoluted that, to me at least, it is unintelligible. Could you say it IN YOUR OWN WORDS please, in plain English. Your commen is made up of two sentences (I think). The first one is made up of a 'thousand words'. The second, shorter sentence sounds like it is justifying the first - I'm not sure. Like an illegal immigrant I feel all at sea.
Clarity is key, Formosa. Clarity is key. It's easy if you try.
@Gerry Cowie. On the other hand, YOUR agenda is crystal clear to behold and it ain't a pretty sight.
Mr Joseph Calleja
May 10th 2011, 20:17
I have no objection to homosexuality, even though I can't understand it. Like I always say, " Min igarrab ikun jaf". He/she who stirs the pot knows what's in it. So don't judge lest you want to be judged. Homosexuals are human beings like the rest of us. We don't like divorce because it doesn't suit us, but then we don't mind annulments..WHY? We don't like cohabitation because it doesn't suit us. Why? Because we don't agree with something it does not mean it's wrong. I have known many homosexuals, men and women and I found out that they are some of the nicest and gentlest people I ever known. Because you go to church on Sunday, then do it to your neighbor on Monday does not make you a good person. Be very careful of what you wish for. God does not discriminate, Only humans do?
Gerry Cowie
May 10th 2011, 20:03
Yet again how sad - but predictable - to see comments which are soaked in sarcasm and designed only to attack the Catholic Church. We know of course the dangers and evils of secularism in society and the majority of Maltese people being Catholic are apt to be guided by their sacred religion.
Priests are once again brought into the fray in continued desperate attempts to knock the Church.
All those who have been paying attention to the news will have seen the ever increasing number of abuse cases within secualar society and in families. Many of these cases have been covered up. The Catholic Church will not become a scapegoat for those who have their own personal agenda against her. How strange that people skip over this important factual information because it suits them to speak against the Church!
Some people will seek any excuse to drop the subject of clergy abuse into comments. What a pity people cannot stick to the subject in hand!
Ramon Casha
May 11th 2011, 05:58
Of course Mr. Cowie has never posted a sarcastic comment in his life, right?
Kenneth Cassar
May 11th 2011, 09:59
"We know of course the dangers and evils of secularism in society".
I have challenged you several times to back up this slanderous allegation. Of course, it takes a real man to give evidence or admit one's wrong.
Mr edwin formosa
May 10th 2011, 16:54
"How the Mental Health Associations Misrepresent Science "
In the masterful paper "How the Mental Health Associations Misrepresent Science " Jeffrey B. Satinover, M.D., Ph.D (American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology and the C.G. Jung Institute of Zurich, Switzerland ) demolishes the "scientific record" that the American Psychiatric Association [APA] depended on in its decision that homosexuality should no longer be described as a mental disorder, and should therefore be deleted from its Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders [DSM]. It's an immensely valuable paper to wade through, both in its understanding and detailing of the politics behind the change, as well as the deeply flawed and faux "science" articulated for the change.
Mr Joe Xuereb
May 10th 2011, 14:36
Well said young Edward. There is nothing wrong with homosexuality (in fact heterosexual men could do worse than take a page out of a homosexual's life and improve their lot. I am thinking of men being decent towards each other and themselves and they don't have to relinquish their 'oh-so-successful' heterosexuality).
One's sexual orientation can not be altered. One's acting out one's impulses can be curtailed through manipulation, vain promises, fear, etc. When this happens the individual concerned will pay a hefty price. Homosexuals - all they need to do is to exercise their orientation judicially, wisely. In fact, just like their heterosexual brothers and sisters. These do manage their god-given drives judicially, don't they?!
John Carmel Navarro
May 10th 2011, 14:10
How sad that on our beautiful island we seem to be developing a race that thinks it is superior and above reality, I cannot see any argument with anyone who may be different to me in any shape or form. We are all supposed to be human beings created in the image of God himself, therefore why anyone should be thinking they can change an individual who they think is different to them. We must accept and respect every person for what they are otherwise we are condemning ourselves to a very unhappy life.
Mr Jason Fenech
May 10th 2011, 12:55
I always wondered why religion is so much preoccupied with the sexual orientation of us human beings. Aren't there more pressing matters to attend to? I guess not. Suffice is to say that lately god is losing sleep over the marital status of us Maltese.
Mr William Flynn
May 10th 2011, 11:46
If the bishops, cardinals and popes believed the word of Christ, would they live in palaces like Caesars and princes?
And if the biblical "miracles" were anything like the "miracles" we've seen in our lifetimes, they were "pretend" miracles dsigned to impress the insecure, the frightened and the gullible. I am personally convinced of this and don't believe a single, solitary one of them.
But even if I'm wrong and these "miracles" are genuine, nothing would make the earth flat, creationism a scientific fact, stoning of "sinners" right and god right in ordering genocide, murder and kidnapping.
And how come god wants gay people to change but allows child-raping prioests to get away with child-rape for decades and doesn't convert them?
Gay people have every right to be what they are and are entitled to every liberty and right as everyone else.
There isn't a hell with fire and brimstone and all that; but it sure must be hell for anyone with any brains living amongst all the religious mind-numbing, mumbo-jumbo.
Mr John Azzopoardi
May 10th 2011, 11:36
Homosexuals are human beings. They could be your brother, sisters, parent, friends, cousins, etc. They have the same rights as you do. Please stop judging and let God be the judge.
Mr Alfred Hili
May 10th 2011, 11:27
Conversion does not mean changing your sexual orientation. It means living a chaste life.
Mr Anthony Zarb
May 10th 2011, 09:57
I beg to differ from this reasoning. As true Christians believe, God is the same yesterday today and tomorrow. He does change and He does change people. His miracles are abundant for those who believe. So what is the big deal for a homosexual or lesbian to believe that God through Jesus Christ can be changed to a man who can have a wife and children from her. The Bible is the Word of God and is against homosexual acts. It does not accept this lifestyle and as such whoever helps and it is duty o fhe Church to do so should be thanked because people are being saved from eternal damnation. All sin leads to hell and we should not compromise with sin or feelings and emotions as these betray us.
Mr Matthew Grima
May 10th 2011, 10:39
A homosexual is a human being, thus a creation of god. "God" created homosexuals as he created heterosexuals.
Homosexuality is visible in animals too, which shows that it is not a choice. If "god" was against it, he wouldn't have created it.
For the record, homosexuality has been around before your beloved bible was written.
Anne Marie Bonello
May 10th 2011, 17:00
Dear Mr Anthony Zarb
With your comment you are assuming that everyone shares the same beliefs as you. You should be aware that if you believe in God than thats your personal opinion. Others might not believe in God, the bible or life after death.
As a christian you should have 'learnt' not to judge others and accept them as they are. I find it very ridiculous when one claims to be a catholic and yet judges others and expects them to change to comply with their own beliefs.
You should live your life as you want and leave others live theirs.
Robert Louis Fenech
May 10th 2011, 23:10
We all know that the God of the Old testament and the God of the New testament have great differences, so while I guess I can agree that God is the same yesterday today and tomorrow, people's interpretation of Him are subject to radical change. It's even in the Bible!