Are Sexual Orientations Against the Natural Order of Things?

The term 'natural order' is often bandied about in discussions regarding human sexuality, many times fueling debates and misconceptions. The concept of natural order, derived from natural law, is used to justify various moral viewpoints. However, when we dissect this idea, it becomes clear that human sexuality is not a deviation from nature, but rather a natural part of the spectrum of life.

The Vagueness of Natural Order

Natural order is frequently invoked to derive a sense of inherent morality, often based on the idea of a pristine, pre-societal state. However, natural law itself is an abstract concept, fraught with vagueness. Unlike concrete legal frameworks based on societal norms and governance, natural laws are less definite and more speculative. They aim to propose how humans might function in the absence of man-made laws, a notion inherently stripped of many human cultural contexts.

Animals and Sexual Behaviors

When we examine nature directly, the idea of sexual orientations being against the natural order falls even further apart. Nature is a diverse and complex environment, where sexual behaviors are as varied as they are in human societies. Numerous species exhibit behaviors that resemble heterosexual, homosexual, and bisexual interactions. For instance:

Giraffes: Homosexual behavior in giraffes has been observed, where male giraffes engage in mating with other males. Albatrosses: Female albatrosses have been known to form long-term homosexual partnerships. This behavior is not just a fleeting phenomenon but a common social structure within certain colonies. Dolphins: Dolphins have been observed engaging in both heterosexual and homosexual activities, suggesting a natural inclination toward both types. Oystercatchers: This species is known for its polyandrous behavior, where a single female mates with multiple males.

It is important to note that these behaviors are often categorized by their benefits in terms of survival and reproduction, rather than by the labels of 'heterosexual', 'homosexual', or 'bisexual'. Much like humans, animals engage in sexual behaviors that contribute to their survival and the propagation of their species.

Sexual Identity vs. Sexual Behavior

A key point to consider is the distinction between sexual identity and sexual behavior. Eric Andersson, a sociologist from the University of Bath, sheds light on this when he states, 'Animals don’t do sexual identity. They just do sex.' This means that while animals may engage in behaviors that mimic human sexual orientations, they do not possess a conscious understanding of these orientations. From a biological perspective, animals engage in sex for survival and reproductive purposes, akin to the way humans do.

Furthermore, Andersson adds that according to this framework, bisexuality might be the more natural state, and deviations from it are more likely to be influenced by societal and cultural factors rather than biological ones. This suggests that the variations in sexual behavior we observe in animals are a natural and integral part of their biological and social systems.

Peace and Nature

Interestingly, research also suggests that high levels of gay and bisexual behavior in animal populations can correlate with more peaceful social structures. Studies have shown that species with a notable amount of same-sex behavior tend to have more harmonious and cooperative societies, indicating that such behaviors play a role in maintaining social stability and peace.

This finding is particularly intriguing when extrapolated to human societies, prompting us to reevaluate the role of diversity in social dynamics. If animals can thrive and live in harmony with such behavior, it raises questions about the naturalness of human sexuality as a whole.

Conclusion

To conclude, the assertion that sexual orientations are against the natural order of things is not supported by the available evidence. On the contrary, the natural world provides a rich tapestry of sexual behaviors that defy simple categorization. Whether we consider the diverse behaviors observed in animals, the biological function of these behaviors, or the correlation between sexual diversity and social harmony, the data points towards the naturalness of human sexuality.

The natural order, much like the natural world, is a spectrum of behaviors and identities that are reflective of biology and social dynamics. The idea of a strict binary of right and wrong does not hold up when examined through the lens of natural law and the multitude of species behaviors in the animal kingdom.