Rebutting "Every civilization that accepted homosexuality failed"

In a forum for ex-Mormons, a redditor asks how to rebut his wife's assertion that "Every civilization that has accepted homosexuality has failed" — the answer is epic.

Redditor Blazelet replies with a list of modern states that prohibit homosexuality — mostly less-developed nations with high degrees of corruption; little or no rule of law; and terrible internal conflict. Then he contrasts these with a list of nations where homosexuality is legal and tolerated, which includes the Nordic democracies, New Zealand, Canada, Ireland, Switzerland, and other nations that score high on standard of living and low on corruption and violence.

The underlying argument is silly, of course. Most civilizations have failed. You could just as easily say, "Every civilization that accepted shoes has failed." Or childbirth. Or agriculture. Or cooking.

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Somalia : Homosexuality illegal, punished by imprisonment

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Sudan : Homosexuality is illegal, punished by imprisonment

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South Sudan : Homosexuality is illegal, punished by 10 years imprisonment

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Chad : Passed a law last year calling for the repression of Homosexuality for the protection of the family

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Yemen : Homosexuality Illegal (based on Shari'a law). Punishment ranges from flogging to death,

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Afghanistan : Homosexuality is punishable by death

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Zimbabwe : Homosexuality is illegal and actively persecuted by the government.

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Iraq : Was recently decriminalized, but the culture carries out honor killings against Homosexuals regularly

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Pakistan : Homosexuality is illegal

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Guinea : Homosexuality is illegal and punished with 5-10 years

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Nigeria : Homosexuality is illegal and punishable by 14 years in prison

"Every civilization that has accepted homosexuality has failed" (self.exmormon)

(via Super Punch)