Paul Varnell

In the following viewpoint Paul Varnell contends that most arguments against gay rights rest on the allegation that homosexual behavior is morally wrong. However, according to Varnell, these arguments are irrational because antigay activists fail to explain why homosexual behavior is immoral. Moreover, Varnell maintains that similar arguments against civil rights for women and African Americans were proven immoral and bigoted. Varnell argues that gay rights can only be won when homosexual leaders convince society that homosexual behavior is not immoral. Varnell is a columnist at the Chicago Free Press and an editor of the Independent gay Forum (found at www.indegayforum.org), an online source for discussion of gay-related issues.

As you read, consider the following questions:

1. What problems does moral condemnation of homosexuality generate, according to Varnell?
2. Why does Joseph Lieberman believe that people who disapprove of...