The idea that certain sexual behaviors are immoral has been used throughout history to justify violence, repression, and exclusion of various groups of people who are seen as deviant from societal norms. Sexual morality is often tied to religious beliefs and cultural values, which can be manipulated for political purposes.
During the colonial era, European colonizers used Christianity to justify their conquests of non-Christian populations, claiming that they were bringing civilization and salvation to "heathens." In the modern world, conservative politicians have used anti-LGBTQ+ rhetoric to attack minorities and marginalized communities, claiming that they threaten traditional family values.
States have gone even further, using sexual morality as a justification for genocide. During the Holocaust, Nazi Germany targeted Jews, Roma, homosexuals, and other groups deemed sexually immoral or deviant, viewing them as threats to German society. Similarly, in Rwanda, Hutu extremists used sexual stereotypes about Tutsis to fuel hatred and violence against them. States may also use sexual morality as a means of controlling women's bodies, by criminalizing abortion, restricting access to contraception, and imposing harsh punishments for rape victims.
Sexual morality can be weaponized against minority groups within a country. In Uganda, laws against LGBTQ+ behavior were passed with the intention of suppressing homophobia and promoting traditional gender roles, but they have been criticized for targeting vulnerable people and creating an environment of fear and stigma. In Iran, sexual segregation is enforced to maintain male dominance and control over female sexuality, leading to widespread discrimination and oppression.
It is clear that sexual morality has often been exploited by states to justify violence, repression, and exclusion of marginalized groups. While this may seem like a simple case of bigotry and intolerance, it is important to understand how these ideas are constructed and perpetuated by political actors. By examining the history and motivations behind these tactics, we can better advocate for the rights of all individuals, regardless of their sexual identity or orientation.
How do states exploit sexual morality to justify violence, repression, or exclusion of marginalized groups?
States often employ moral reasoning based on sexuality to justify their actions against marginalized communities. The rationale behind this is that certain individuals are seen as threatening the social order due to their differences in terms of gender identity, sexual orientation, or beliefs about sex and relationships. This justification allows governments to exclude these groups from the benefits and privileges afforded to the majority population while also reinforcing cultural norms that marginalize them.