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We have these two different understandings of human sexuality: the hedonistic, self-indulgent understanding, the self-interested one; and the one that has procreation at its heart, and that is characterized by the need to acknowledge responsibility and obligation. And just so no one will miss the point: the reason that homosexuality epitomizes the [first] one is that homosexuals are not haunted by the prospect or possibility of procreation--because they're simply not capable of it. I think this is pretty obvious, isn't it? And it was understood in human society at one point that if you're not capable of procreation, marriage doesn't have anything to do with you, because marriage is about procreation.

Alan Keyes#42

EthicsMarriageResponsibilitySexuality

About this quote

What does it mean?
Keyes contrasts two views of sexuality: one focused on self-indulgence and another on procreation and responsibility. He claims homosexuality exemplifies the first because it cannot lead to procreation.
In plain terms
One view of sex is about pleasure, the other about making babies and responsibility. Keyes says homosexuality fits the pleasure view because it cannot make babies.
What can you take from it?
Tie marriage and sex to reproductive responsibility.

Where it applies

  • discussions on marriage purpose
  • sexual ethics debates

Putting it to work

  • arguing against same-sex marriage
  • promoting traditional family values

Questions to consider

  • What is the primary purpose of marriage?
  • Can sex have value beyond reproduction?

Another view

Many heterosexual couples also choose not to procreate.

More from Alan Keyes

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  2. I was reading an article about this case in California, where two lesbians were fighting over the custody of children that genetically were traceable to one, b…

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  3. Sex itself only exists in relation to procreation. That's one of the reasons why I sometimes object--and it's just a theoretical objection, but it's worth thin…

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