‘Balanced View’ On Homosexuality (Press, 3 April 1985)
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Summary: ‘Balanced View’ On Homosexuality (Press, 3 April 1985)
On 3 April 1985, the Rev Ian Cairns, a Presbyterian lecturer in biblical studies from Mosgiel, highlighted a comparison between homosexuals and left-handed individuals, suggesting both are born that way and unable to change. Cairns, affiliated with Holy Cross College, a training seminary for Catholic priests, urged Christians to adopt a more balanced perspective on the issue of homosexuality. He recounted his personal experience as a left-handed person, noting that while some left-handed children manage to write with their right hand, he was unable to do so, which he believed parallels the experiences of genuine homosexual individuals. Cairns acknowledged that while some individuals may develop homosexual patterns due to external influences and would otherwise be heterosexual, there are others who have a natural homosexual orientation from birth. He commented on the role of lawmakers, emphasising that their duty is not to dictate moral judgments but to protect individuals' rights. The minister also addressed the Homosexual Law Reform Bill, describing it as an honest effort to allow freedom for personal moral decisions while protecting the rights of society as a whole. He called for accurate biblical interpretations from those opposing the bill, arguing that the individuals condemned in the biblical stories of Sodom and in Judges were not homosexuals in a conventional sense. Instead, he referred to them as "callous heterosexuals" who exploited others for their sexual desires. Cairns expressed a hope that discussions around this topic would be devoid of deep-rooted prejudices and instead reflect the inclusive ethos of Christ, who welcomed individuals from all walks of life without prejudice.
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