In the past, European colonizers used religion to justify their oppression of indigenous peoples. Today, many countries claim that anti-LGBT laws are rooted in traditional values to suppress LGBT people. This is an example of colonial religious discourse continuing to manifest today.
The word "colonial" refers to the time when Europeans conquered other lands and forced their way of life on the native inhabitants. One of these ways was through religion. Christian missionaries went to the New World and preached about God's love for all people. They claimed that those who did not follow their teachings were going to hell. Native Americans were not allowed to practice their own religions. They were converted to Christianity against their will. The Spanish conquistador Hernan Cortes took over Mexico and enforced Catholicism upon its people. He burned down temples and statues of Aztec gods. Religious persecution led to widespread violence.
After the United States gained independence from England, it still continued this tradition. Settlers brought Protestantism to America, which became the dominant faith. People who did not believe in Jesus were considered sinners. In the 1950s, the government launched a campaign called 'In God We Trust'. It promoted Christianity as the official religion of the country. It even placed it on currency. This campaign targeted minorities like Jews, Catholics, and Mormons. Some states passed laws banning them from holding public office.
Colonial religious discourse continues to manifest today through anti-LGBT legislation justified by 'traditional values.' Homosexuality is seen as a sin in many cultures. Laws are made to punish LGBT people for their lifestyle.
Brunei recently implemented a law where gay sex could be punished with death by stoning. Russia outlawed 'propaganda of nontraditional sexual relations' in children. Countries like Uganda have even proposed execution for homosexuals. These laws are an attempt to force conservative morals onto others.
The colonial legacy has led to modern anti-LGBT laws that continue to oppress marginalized groups. By understanding how this discourse came about, we can fight against it. We must challenge the idea that there is only one way to live life - through love and acceptance.
How does colonial religious discourse continue to manifest through modern anti-LGBT legislation justified by “traditional values�
Colonial religious discourse continues to shape and influence the creation of modern anti-LGBT legislation that is often justified by "traditional values. " This can be seen through the way religious beliefs are used to justify laws that promote discrimination against LGBT people, and how these beliefs are rooted in historical and colonial power dynamics.