In Memory of Matthew Shepard

On this day in 1998, gay teenager Matthew Shepard was beaten to death by Russell Henderson and Aaron McKinney. His death sparked an international debate about hate crimes and the fact that gays and lesbians are often seen as legitimate targets of violence. The Christian Right picketed Shepard’s funeral, which forced many people to speak out against the homophobic propaganda produced by religious groups.

Since so many religious groups are only too eager to make homosexuality into something it is not, I want to repeat a statement I made on several seminars.

Being a homosexual is neither a lifestyle choice nor a political statement; homosexuality is a harmless and natural variation of human sexuality. Being a homosexual makes some things more difficult, but in a tolerant society, none of these obstacles is too great to be overcome. In a liberal society, gays and lesbians can reproduce, raise children, praise God, and live long and healthy lives.