The Political Meaning of Homosexuality

at Congregation Shaar Zahav

San Francisco, CA

According to our best statistics, fewer than 3% of Americans identify as gay or lesbian. Why, then, is homosexuality a major moral-political issue, provoking as much heated debate as was once inspired by abortion, civil rights, and equal rights for women? How has such a small group of us — six million Americans, at most — come to be seen as, alternately, a threat to our nation’s social fabric, or the persecuted minority most in need of protection? We’ll explore with Jay how debates about sexuality may be debates about levels and modes of religion, and why changing attitudes about homosexuality may be a deeper question than we think. This program will begin after Saturday morning services (about 11:30 am) and will include a light lunch.