What I can't understand is that lying, breaking promises, slavery and murder can be lumped together in the same category as they cause harm (in the very broadest sense) to human beings and their wellbeing and welfare, whereas homosexuality doesn't. Quite the opposite, in fact.
And you have evidence to back up this assertion, Shaker?
I would suggest that homosexuals are generally more likely to have multiple partners than heterosexuals, and studies suggest that having multiple sexual partners makes one prone to mental health issues. There is an interesting M.Sc in Abnormal and Clinical Psychology project on Acadamia.edu in which thew author finds the following results and comes to the subsequent conclusions:
Results:
This study found that depression, both self-reported and previously diagnosed, was associated with a variety of risky sexual behaviours including poor contraception use and having a sexually transmitted disease. Risky sexual behaviour was not found to correlate with low self-esteem; however, those of high self-esteem were significantly less likely to have risky sex. Early sexual initiation was not associated with depression but led to an increased subjective estimate of likelihood of risky sexual behaviours in the future. Males were found to be significantly more likely to engage in risky sex both with poor partner choice and infrequent use of contraception. Those of a low economic status were particularly susceptible to risky sexual behaviour.
Conclusions:
Risky sexual behaviour can have many negative consequences both in adolescence, as previous research has shown and, as this study reports, in later life. Poor contraceptive use and a poor choice of sexual partner can all severely impact mental health reducing self-esteem and increasing depression. The exact relationship between risky sexual behaviour and mental health is unclear; however, it is hoped that future longitudinal studies can improve our knowledge on this area. Education needs to be improved to reduce thenumber of sexually transmitted diseases and other risks that adolescents in particular may encounter. This can be carried out in schools and through a variety of media outlets. If thisis achieved risks to both physical and mental health can be reduced.
https://www.academia.edu/209711/Sexual_Behaviour_and_its_Mental_Health_ConsequencesOK, whilst this is by no means conclusive, but the fact that the coinclusions include the thought that "The exact relationship between risky sexual behaviour and mental health is unclear", indicates that there is some degree of correlation.
Another article available on the web is entitled "Is There a Price to Pay for Promiscuity?". It goes on to say that yes, there is - both physically and emotionally.
http://www.everydayhealth.com/longevity/can-promiscuity-threaten-longevity.aspxAnother - available at
http://tinyurl.com/qbmyvuo - states that "And yet hookups pose a significant threat to the physical and psychological health of these young individuals.
In addition to the known risks of contracting STDs, developing unwanted pregnancies, and being raped or otherwise assaulted, people who engage in casual sex may suffer emotional consequences that persist long after the details of an encounter are a dim memory. On college campuses, where brief sexual liaisons are prevalent, unanticipated results can jeopardize a student’s career. In the workplace, the results can be just as disastrous, if not more so."
A number of studies have investigated sexual exclusivity in homosexual relationships, particularly among gay men (e.g., Bell & Weinberg, 1978; Blasband & Peplau, 1985; Blumstein & Schwartz, 1983; Harry, 1984; Harry & DeVall, 1978; Harry & Lovely, 1979; Kurdek & Schmitt, 1986; Peplau & Cochran, 1982; Peplau et al., 1978; McWhirter & Mattison, 1984). In general, homosexuals—especially gay men—appear to have more permissive attitudes about sexual fidelity than do heterosexuals (Peplau & Cochran, 1980). Blumstein and Schwartz (1983, p. 272) reported that for men in couples, 75% of husbands and 62% of heterosexual cohabitors believe monogamy is important, compared to only 35% of gay men. For women, 84% of wives, 70% of heterosexual cohabitors, and 71% of lesbians believe monogamy is important. For all groups except gay men, a majority endorse the virtues of sexual fidelity; among gay men, sexual exclusivity is the minority view.
This quote comes from a paper entitled "A Relationship Perspective on Homosexuality" page 338 -
http://tinyurl.com/pn86rpv . I accept that it is 20-odd years old, but it highlights a number of issues that are unlikely to have changed dramatically over that period, all of which point to a greater likelihood of harm to homosexuals than to heterosexuals.
Obviously, as with ANY human interaction, one will find exceptions that run counter to the typically observed pattern, but society can't and doesn't design itself around the exception, but around the normal pattern.
I have found more recent material, but as I wanted to post material that has rigorous peer review support, I have avoided using stuff from groups such as Stonewall and Outrage!; CARM and Anglican Mainstream.
