Defining homosexuality within International politics
1. By: Dennis H Fulgham
DEFINING SEXUALITY WITHIN
INTERNATIONAL POLITICS
2. United States
Brief History
“New World, Old ideals”
Procreation
40’s and 50’s = Were seen as a Weakness to
Communist Influences
50’s and 60’s = Bad Parenting/ Moral Panic
70’s = Immoral/misguided/ ill
Current??
3. United States Defining
sexuality
With the rise of capitalism, people began to lead
live outside of their familial relationships
It wasn’t really until the 19th century when
“experts” began to speak of the “homosexual” as
someone whose erotic desire reflects an unusual
mental or physiological condition
By the 1930’s – groups began to identify as
“homosexual” versus “heterosexual” b/c of their
desire. Did so in unregulated areas i.e. clubs.
4. United States defining
Sexuality
DOMA: Defense Of Marriage Act:
1) gave states the ability to decide whether or
not to recognized same-sex marriages
2) Defined at the federal level “marriage,”
and “Spouse,” as between a man and a
women.
5. Iran Brief History
Sharia Law: Islamic Law that is governed by the
interpretation of religious leaders.
Forbids outside relations and punishment is
harsher for non-Muslim
Homosexuality is not tolerated, and is
punishable by death. Heterosexual promiscuity
prior to marriage is also prohibited. Both are
treated the same as adulators
In 2002, Iran felt massive international backlash
for executing two young men on accusation of
being homosexuals.
6. International Relations:
Between US and Iran
No Formal diplomatic ties: Only
communication is indirectly through
international organization/ institutions i.e.
United Nations etc.
US claims to offer asylum to those who are
oppressed on the bases of sexual
orientation, however Iranians are often met
with rejection