NCJ Number
133226
Date Published
1991
Length
334 pages
Annotation
A historical analysis, reports in the news media, and the results of the author's 1986 survey and other surveys of homosexual males and females form the basis of this analysis of the experience of lesbians and gay men in North America since World War Two and the current nature and level of violence perpetrated by non-homosexuals against homosexuals because of their sexual orientation.
Abstract
The increased visibility of homosexuals after World War Two was followed by physical attacks that were illegal, albeit socially sanctioned. The recent surveys show that lesbian and gay persons experience a significantly higher rate of violent crime than the general population. Further analysis suggests a sociological explanation for the fact that adolescent males are most prone to violence against homosexuals. Thus, within a patriarchal system, the lower status assigned to adolescent males is offset by permission and encouragement to demonstrate their power over those of even lower status. Finally, public policies and practices on this issue rest on Judeo-Christian tradition and particular biblical passages. An ethical norm for addressing this issue of violence against homosexuals is proposed. Tables, appended additional results, index, and 253 references