Though I'm not sure about the marxist tenements, as seen from the response generated there are a few points to explore.
One is discrimination and one is whether something is right, wrong or unnatural.
Discrimination, name calling, bullying, exclusion etc etc based on whatever (sexuality, gender, race, skin colour) is wrong as it kicks into play when people cant see others as human beings of the same standing.
But we have to stop and think sometimes when the political climate and society starts being aggressive in certain respects.
There was a time when Christians hated Jews(some still do). There was a time when white skinned people behaved differently to dark skinned people(some still do), there still is bullying on the playground and work place when anyone is perceived to be different. But we all accept to some extent that that is wrong.
What about homosexuality. Until about half a century ago buggery was a crime, along with paedophila, necrophilia and bestiality --ok thats what we learned in forensic medicine. Now why were all these considered a crime. Is it because of the homosexual tendencies involved in buggery? No. But because it was an unnatural act. Paedophilia is still considered a crime because we as society in general hold that an older person having sex with a child (whatever the arbitrary age of that child be) is a crime. PB asked a valid question --isnt a 17 yo having sex with an underage the same as a 30 yo. In the eyes of the law it is the same but society in general dont feel as offended by the 'crime' if a younger person has sex with another younger person.
As Digitalis says there may come a time when paedophilia is accepted by the society at large. I have no doubt about it. Because nowadays right and wrong is judged not on moral principles but on who can shout the loudest and who can garner the most public support.
I have no problem with people who have homosexual tendencies--if its part of their innate being and part of their self. Not something that was inflicted upon them by circumstances, or one sought out as a lifestyle choice--believe me there are many esp women who go for a relationship with another woman simply because they feel women understand them better, or because they have been hurt and bruised by men.
Now what is the problem with buggery--using a crude medically defined term --excuse me if someone finds it offensive--the only problem with it is that it is an unnatural act. That is what is wrong--we all know where the male organ should be going--the male and female body have been created with such precision and planning that each and everything has a function, and a role.
Now should any person be discriminated because of what he or she does in the bedroom--I believe no--simply because in the first place I cannot see why what one does in the bedroom should be out in the world. What of the countless married couple's who have never had sex--are they shouting that out from the roof tops? Then why the need for people to reveal their sexual preferences in the first place? Why the need to make such a big issue out of it? And more importantly arent all men and women equal regardless of what happens in the bedroom?
This is my take--everyone one should get a bit more tolerant--those who have historically persecuted gays must be ashamed of themselves--even today--you cant remove prejudice by legislation--it comes with understanding.All people need more understanding. Likewise gay rights campaigners also need to understand why some people consider certain aspects of their relationship to be wrong-. Any person has and should have the right to maintain their own moral code and ensure that their children are also brought up level headed. Together with that education is necessary to teach that people may be different to them but requires their love and respect--whatever the difference maybe. But that should not be at the expense of naturalising something that is not nature ordained.