The King James Bible states in Leviticus chapter 20:13, “ If a man also lie with mankind, as he lieth with a woman, both of them have committed an abomination: they shall surely be put to death; their blood shall be upon them.” Homosexuality has been considered “taboo” by much of society for many years. In past generations, if a person chose to practice this type of lifestyle, he or she would go out of his or her way to keep it under raps or stay “in the closet,” for fear of public humiliation or ridicule. Today, gay and lesbian couples continue to face social issues. The main issue is acceptance or equality.

Many churches still do not recognize same sex marriage or welcome gays and lesbians. (Photo by: Robin L. Hamilton/Full Sail University).

Many church leaders are speaking out on what they call the “redefining” of marriage, as we know it. Cardinal Francis George of the African American Clergy Coalition spoke out in early April of this year according to an article published in the Chicago Tribune, siting that if the Biblical definition of how marriage was designed is legally altered it “will not serve the common good of our people and will certainly lose the sense of family that is the basis of our understanding of who we are.”

Xavier Simon is an openly gay General Manager of Econo Lodge in Atlanta, Georgia. He said, “I already struggle with being a black male, but being gay on top of that just adds to my social struggles.” Simon emphasized “Being gay prohibits me from attending a certain Pentecostal church in the Atlanta area because it is not accepted there. The discrimination is a problem because it does not allow me to seek that personal relationship that I desire with my God.”

Several countries including the United States have begun to overturn laws that prohibit same sex marriage. However, procedural barriers continue to interfere with allowing total legal recognition. The American Unity Pac is a Republican group that supports equality for all. They stand by their gay and lesbian brothers and sisters saying “They are deserving of the same rights and responsibilities under the law.”

Same sex marriage is not legal everywhere. (Photo by: Robin L. Hamilton/Full Sail University).

Legalizing same sex marriage is only a fraction of the social issues that are encountered by this group. In addition, raising children and being accepted by society will continually strike a moral nerve in many people around the globe.

Little Five Points in Atlanta, Georgia presents an off beat character yet offers a gay-friendly environment. (Photo by: Robin L. Hamilton/Full Sail University).

“In March 2013, a guest had to be escorted out of the Atlanta Econo Lodge. Instead of taking responsibility for their actions and leaving accordingly, the irate guest chose instead to cause a scene and call me a ‘faggot’. The ignorance may never end.” Simon said.