A Gay Devil? (Press, 15 August 1985)
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Summary: A Gay Devil? (Press, 15 August 1985)
In a letter published on 15 August 1985, Paul Maling critiques the views of Rev. Louis Sheldon, who he perceives as an outdated moralist. Maling argues that Sheldon’s assertion linking homosexuality with the Devil is rooted in medieval beliefs that conflated heresy, witchcraft, and homosexuality. He contends that this perspective is a reflection of superstitious fear and guilt rather than an understanding of sexuality. Maling further objects to Sheldon’s use of terms such as “degeneracy,” “evil,” and “death,” stating that Sheldon fails to differentiate between homosexuality and diseases that may arise from sexual contact. He references Dr Wainwright Churchill, who suggests that those advocating for moral reforms often claim their motivations are rooted in public health concerns, yet such interventions intrude upon personal lives. Maling concludes by emphasising that homosexuality should not be viewed as a distortion of human nature, but rather as a legitimate expression of it.
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