If you are living in a place where everyone thinks alike, and if everyone is completely opposed to the idea itself, then you probably wont think twice before agreeing/siding with the majority. That's why, whenever you sees these surveys done on population living in Muslim countries, the result from every single one of them seems to indicate that the majority of Muslims have a very homogeneous views/opinions/perspectives about life in regards to the teaching of Islam.
However, when people are living in a society that doesn't emphasize too much on living according to the ancient scriptures but places a greater emphasize on equality, respect and protection under the law for everyone then people generally tend to adopt a more moderate philosophy/approach to life. It's like, hey! he's living his life and I'm living my life. He doesn't bother me so I shouldn't bother him.
The main dilemma for religious people living in a non-traditional setting/ environment (secular nations) is the question of whether to accept/reject homosexuals/homosexuality.
I've observed that deeply religious people, no matter where they live, can never be convinced to accept homosexuality because religious people are always very susceptible to bias that are already built into their belief system.
I've been following this topic with interest.
Islamic Society of North America (ISNA), joined a broad interfaith coalition, calling ENDA a measured, common sense solution that will ensure workers are judged on their merits, not on their personal characteristics like sexual orientation or gender identity.[1]
As expected, a lot of Muslims see this action as a betrayal of Muslim's trust and the Islamic faith; How dare they claim to represent Islam and Muslims but go for the very act that has been strongly condemned and forbidden in Islam. That, seems to be the general consensus by people who are completely and totally opposed to the very idea of homosexuality.
However we see differing views/opinions by Muslims who think that there needs to be a greater tolerance and understanding and that we shouldn't really be very judgemental or promote self-righteousness.
I'd say that homosexuality is undoubtably a test - it is still experienced as a test by non-religious people in cultures where there is no longer punishment for gay sex and there is a level of accommodation for it. I would also say that it is not just a test for people who find themselves in that reality, but a test for all people. That more witnesses are required for sexual trangressions than murder has always been striking to me, and i think this is a reflection of the fact that when it comes to sexuality we are hugely compromised by our emotionality regarding it - the ego very much gets involved. We are disposed to use it as a vehicle to attack people, whether its a spurned suitor, a jealous wife or husband, a vindictive divorcee or the fear of rape or abuse or 'abnormality' that influences how we perceive and treat others. So when we are faced with issues around homosexuality it is a test - we can either let fear, ignorance and digust lead the discussion or we can attempt to manifest in ourselves virtuous qualities as we attempt to understand what it is we're actually talking about and what the sources actually say on the matter and how they can reasonably be understood and reconciled with other evidence that can be witnessed and measured. See ShiaChat user Ruq in post #151:
I'm not able to do a detail analysis of the topic or the posts. Please read the original discussion to form an informed opinion, whenever possible.
Reference
[1] http://www.shiachat.com/forum/topic/235018864-isna-supporting-sodomite-agenda/
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