Bestiality laws

      Recently, I had the displeasure of being told that zoophilia was a "sin and abomination to god" and as a result of this I was "going to go to hell". All theological arguments aside, I started thinking about just why zoophilia is illegal. I failed to reach a reasonable answer on my own. I sought out the help of others to peer into the gloom of just why. Our collaborated efforts produced many reasons, but none of them held up under scrutiny. If, by chance, you can think of an acceptable reason please send me an e-mail.

Failed attempts

Religious arguments. (A.K.A Morality)
      The vast majority of the reasons seem to fall into this category. The only problem is which religion do you use when writing laws? Thankfully, the founders of this country (US) already answered that question by separating the church and state (in theory at least). With this in mind, how can a religious tenant remain a law and still be constitutional?

The Animal-Rights argument.
      Without entering into the debate as to whether animals should or should not have rights, the argument here is to protect the animal. While I am sure there are violent people out there who would harm the creature, there are those who would do nothing to harm their lover. To enact a law forbidding bestiality would be akin to outlawing any form of sexual contact, for in the heterosexual world, as well as all others, there are those who would harm their mates. In order for a law based on the concept of protecting the animal from harm to work, any use of animals, whether for food, clothing, or whatever would need to be illegal on the grounds that the animal could potentially be harmed.

The Psychological argument.
      This argument needs further research before it can even be posed. The psychological causes, if any, for bestiality and zoophilia are unknown. Before a law could be passed on the basis of assumed psychological distress, it would have to first prove that by engaging in such behavior an individual was incapable of caring for themselves or that such behavior overly endangered the lives of others.

Disease
      The idea was put forward that such laws were there to prevent disease, but this one falls short of the mark as well. The chances of a person acquiring a serious disease from an animal are minimal. The chances of similar infection from another human is far greater.

The social argument
      A law could be based on what the general society felt was desirable and what was unwanted, but such rational has its flaws. Basing laws on what the majority of the population feels is repugnant seems at first a wonderful solution, but such laws are easily warped by the ruling body. Societies like that of Nazi Germany resulted from such accidents. Enacting such a law would open the door to legal discrimination, censorship, forced religion, and many other restrictions. Laws along this path are dangerous, for what is fine today may become unpopular tomorrow and eventually everyone would struggle under the yoke.

      It is unfortunate that my government (local, state, or federal) leaves me with little choice but to violate its laws. To comply with bestiality laws is to accept that one or more of the above reasons is a justifiable cause for a law to deny me the right to choose with whom I will share my love.