Basic Types of Sexual  Behavior

3. Homosexual Intercourse: Anal Intercourse

Cultural Attitudes

In 17th century England, the bishop John Atherton (1598 - 1640) helped to institute a severe criminal law against “sodomy” or “buggery” (anal intercourse). Eventually, he himself and his steward and “companion in crime” John Childe were convicted and publicly hanged under this law. (Anonymous pamphlet 1641)

For a very long time, anal intercourse, especially between men, was considered sinful and perverse in both the Jewish and Christian traditions, an attitude later also adopted in Islam. The Christian Middle Ages defined it as a "crime against nature", “buggery”, or "sodomy", which carried severe penalties. Indeed, such “sodomy laws” remained in force in some Western countries well into the late 20th century, when they were finally repealed.
Quite apart from the continuing psychological effects of this historical legacy, many people today remain conditioned to consider the anus filthy and repulsive because of its excretory function. (To a lesser extent, the sex organs are also seen as disgusting because of their association with the release of urine.) Such personal attitudes are often deep-seated and must be respected. After all, it would be arrogant and presumptuous for anyone to tell people to engage in sexual activities they do not like. However, scientists who study the matter impartially from a historical and global perspective, discover that the revulsion against anal intercourse is not and has never been universal.