This can only distance gay teens from their families. Further, since there is no legal sanction for gay marriages in the U.S., young gay people are denied the promise of marital happiness and long term security that forms a vital part of our cultural heritage. As neither idea has been successful in altering one's sexuality, such dogma denies religious benefits to gays. Teens especially need moral guidance, but this authoritative censure is the antithesis of such guidance. It offers no choice but to change their sexuality or die and be damned.
Exclusionary pressures face gay teens in many other social settings.
Stereotypes and harassment at school reinforce the message that homosexuality is inherently wrong. The related physical and emotional threats must lessen gay teens' participation in sports and other activities. Because few teens are openly gay, peer groups that unconditionally welcome gay teens are extremely scarce. Nor does our richly diverse society provide gay role models for teens desperate for guidance. The 19th century sociologist Emile Durkheim referred to anomie as a societal condition wherein people become detached from systems of moral guidance, social support, and clear norms.