The Editor, Sir:

Regarding the article 'Gay lobby rebuked - Church says won't accept homosexual lifestyle in Jamaica', February 18, 2008, I wish to commend Jamaican church leaders for not caving in to outside pressure from homosexual groups intent on corrupting Jamaica.

The international movement of gay rights activists typically invade places like Jamaica that are known for their traditional moral values and try to change that society's rejection of homosexual activity and lifestyle into gradual, even if reluctant, acceptance. This is done by soliciting the local media, government and even church officials that may be sympathetic to the homosexual movement. Through them subtle attempts are then made to spread the homosexual message through, for example, the introduction of 'gay' material into school books.

The local media is often used as a means to portray the homosexual lifestyle and relationships as happy, healthy, and stable when in fact there are very high rates of sexual promiscuity among the homosexual population with short duration of even 'committed' relationships.

Homophobia

Homosexuals also have very high rates of sexually transmitted infections such as HIV. Further, many studies show much higher rates of psychiatric illness, such as depression, suicide attempts and drug abuse among homosexuals than among the general population. And statistics - which compare homosexuals with ethnic minorities exposed to racism - indicate this is not due to homophobia. The homosexual lifestyle is also associated with a shortened life expectancy of up to 20 years.

The Rev Dr Merrick 'Al' Miller is correct in suggesting men and women with homosexual tendencies must be accepted with respect, compassion and sensitivity. Nonetheless homosexual acts must be considered wrong and intrinsically disordered. They are contrary to the natural law. They close the sexual act to the gift of life. They do not proceed from a genuine affective and sexual complementarity. Under no circumstances can they be approved.

The Bible, therefore, clearly and unequivocally condemns homosexual acts (Gen 1:27-28; Gen 2:24; Matt 19: 4-6; Rom 1:24-27; 1 Cor 6:10; 1 Tim 1:10 etc.). There is also no scientific evidence to confirm homosexual activity as a normal behaviour. Homosexuality is neither an entirely innate condition nor is it unchangeable. The so-called 'gay gene' has never been found.

As natural law implies, sexual orientation does not constitute a quality comparable to race, ethnicity, gender or age in respect to non-discrimination. Unlike these, homosexual orientation is an objective disorder and evokes moral concern. In suggesting otherwise gay rights activists are merely exploiting tolerance in the service of a particular ideology. No one has a 'right' to sin.

I am, etc.,

PAUL KOKOSKI

pkokoski@mountaincable.net

234 Columbia Drive

Hamilton, Ontario, Canada