Culture and religionSome of the attitudes against homosexuality are rooted in cultural beliefs. In countries where same-sex relationships are not accepted, lesbians and gay men are more likely to hide their sexuality and may even marry a person of the opposite sex. Where this is the case, many people within that culture will assume that lesbian and gay people do not exist. In countries where homosexuality is hidden in this way, the only lesbian and gay people who are visible are those in western countries. This can lead to the mistaken assumption that homosexuality is a product of western values. Lack of visibility of LGBT people is exacerbated in countries where homosexual acts are illegal and may lead to imprisonment or even the death penalty. In these countries, homophobic acts against LGBT people are often acceptable and may even be perpetrated by people in powerful positions within that country. Where people are hiding their sexuality, there are no positive role models and those lesbian and gay people who are identified are perceived as criminals. The reality is that homosexuality exists within every human culture and is a natural part of human diversity.
ReligionMany religions experience controversy over the matter of homosexuality. This might seem surprising since nearly all religions preach tolerance, kindness and respect for one another. On the other hand, marriage to a person of the opposite sex is central to many religions and cultures and may make the concept of non-heterosexual identities hard to accept. This makes things very difficult for parents who find themselves unsupported by their faith when a child comes out. It is not uncommon in these circumstances for parents to change their place of worship or to leave their religion altogether:
In the case of homosexuality, religion is, sadly, too often: '...a source of conflict rather than solace' (ChildLine casenotes, NSPCC website, 2010)
However, there are clearly debates taking place within some religions, and, whilst the turbulence that this causes may be uncomfortable, it is reassuring to see that those discussions are taking place. Most of the major religions now have some followers who are working towards a more tolerant and respectful approach towards homosexuality. Some religions now distinguish between homosexuality and homosexual acts, but are often unclear about what constitutes a 'homosexual act'. After all, heterosexual people participate in all sexual acts, (see section on Sex, Relationships and Family Life) and there is no sexual act which is specific to either lesbian or gay people. In practice, this distinction does nothing to protect younger people who still experience homophobic bullying in school, even though they are not sexually active. For some religions (for example, the Anglican faith) these debates are taking place across continents and are probably reflective of different cultural attitudes towards homosexuality as much as religious ones. In the Sikh religon, for example, the central text, the Sri Guru Granth Sahib, does not mention homosexuality, and none of the Gurus gave a view of homosexuality. However, according to SARBAT: 'Punjabi culture is extremely homophobic, and because almost all Sikhs are Punjabi in ethnicity, this can sometimes cause tensions to arise between gay Sikhs and their families as a whole.'
A recent study by Stonewall: 'Love Thy Neighbour: What people really think about homosexuality' (2008) has shown that many people of faith are accepting of lesbian and gay people and co-exist in harmony. Religious objections to lesbian and gay sexuality are more likely to be promoted by religious leaders, rather than followers. Sometimes the views of religious leaders views come over as homophobic, especially when reported in particular ways in the media. This can perpetuate hate crime and bullying. Religious homophobiaPeople of faith have every right to expect respect for their beliefs. People of faith also have the right to their religious views, but where anti-gay religious views are expressed in such a way that they cause distress to other people, then they can be described as homophobic. The fact that the views are coming from a religious perspective is in no way redeeming. Religious homophobia is no more justifiable or acceptable than the homophobia which occurs in the football stands or in the streets.
Managing strong religious views about homosexualityEveryone is entitled to their political, religious or moral beliefs. However, it would be wrong to express these views in ways that upset other people. This is particularly true of those with pastoral or professional obligations. Those who promote the idea that being lesbian or gay is a phase, for example, should note that increased suicide risk in young gay people is associated with being told that their feelings are transitory (Department of Health (2007) Reducing Health Inequalities for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Trans People (Briefing Papers 1-13). London: Department of Health). The advice given to NHS employees by the General Medical Council, for example, offers this helpful guideline: It is important to remember that, where religious views are expressed in ways that are perceived by the victim to be motivated by prejudice and hate, then this could be classified as hate crime.
(See also: 'Guidance for Teachers and School Governors' under Education).
Religious textsOur concept of lesbian and gay realtionships today is likely to be very different indeed from the way things were understood in the past, which is why religious texts are not always helpful guides in these matters. People who have a point of view to uphold will sometimes 'cherry-pick' ancient writings for evidence to support their views. We actually have very little knowledge of how homosexuality was understood in past times. For example, whilst there are references to sex between men and male rape in the Bible, there is little reference to same-sex relationships.
It can sometimes be helpful to compare religious texts with current practice. For example, some Muslim states punish homosexuality, but the Koran itself preaches tolerance and says nothing about punishment of lesbian and gay people.
Ancient texts such as the Torah, the Bible and the Qu'ran are all affected by issues of both translation (from the original language) and interpretation (where there is some ambuguity about the actual meaning of certain passages). For those who wish to study these issues further:
Religion and human rights
Most religions were born out of an essential human goodness and respect for others which resonates with today's emphasis on fairness and equality. These are the ideals that underpin the human rights movement. Despite their differences, there is one place where we might reasonably expect all religions to stand, and that is on the side of human rights. Sometimes, however, there are situations where there are perceived to be conflicting rights, and we all need help in working out the best way to behave in these situations. Stonewall, for example, provides guidance for employers on managing perceived tensions between sexual orientation and religion. Resources for parents‘Living It Out: A survival guide for lesbian, gay and bisexual Christians, and their friends, families and churches’. Rachel and Sarah Hagger-Holt (2009)
This is a very practical and wide-ranging book and an excellent source of further reading. See also the website: www.livingitout.com.
'Prayers for Bobby'. Leroy Aarons (1995)
Harrowing and true story of a fundamentalist Christian mother in the US who did not accept her son's sexuality until after he committed suicide. Has been made into a TV documentary in the US. 'Love Thy Neighbour: What people really think about homosexuality' (2008) - www.stonewall.org.uk
See also our section on: Black and Ethnic Minorities
From Wild goose Publications, The Iona Community: 'Coming In' by Urs Mattmann; 'Sexuality - Bible studies' by Graeme Brown and 'Dreaming of Eden' by Kathy Galloway.
FaithsInterfaith NetworksInterfaith Alliance - www.interfaithalliance.org.uk
The Iona Community - www.iona.org.uk - See under 'Lesbian and gay'
Religious Tolerance - Religious groups' policies and beliefs about homsexuality - www.religioustolerance.org The Christian FaithWelcoming Christian Church Directory – a world-wide directory of gay-friendly churches – find a place or community to worship in and belong to - www.gaychurch.org/Find_a_Church/find_a_church.htm
The European Forum of Lesbian and Gay Christian Groups working for equality for lesbian and gay people within and through the Christian churches of Europe - www.euroforumlgbtchristians.eu AXIOS Eastern and Orthodox Gay and Lesbian Christians www.eskimo.com/~nickz/axios.html
The Lesbian and Gay Christian movement, a UK-based international charity for an inclusive church, an ecumenical (though primarily Anglican) organisation; membership is open to all Christians - www.lgcm.org.uk Young LGBT Christians - a group for 16–30-year-old Christians to meet, socialise and support each other - www.ylgc.org.uk The Metropolitan Community Church is a Christian Church for LGBT communities - www.mcceastlondon.org.uk; www.mccnorthlondon.org.uk; www.mccsouthlondon.org.uk Anglican
The Inclusive Church is for Anglican Church followers who support inclusion - www.inclusivechurch.net
Changing Attitude an LGBT Anglican network - www.changingattitude.org.uk Catholic
Catholic group linked to LGCM - lgcm_rccaucus@hotmail.com
The Soho Masses – a Catholic Mass for LGBT people and their families is held at St Anne’s Church in Soho, London, every first and third Sunday of the month, at 5 pm - sohomasses.googlepages.com
Quest, a goup for lesbian and gay Catholics - helpline 0808 808 0234
7-10pm (freephone) - www.questgaycatholic.org.uk
Evangelical
Courage – an Evangelical organisation for lesbian, gay and bisexual Christians - www.courage.org.uk
Ekklesia, evangelical fellowship for lesbian and gay Christians - www.ekklesia.co.uk The Evangelical Fellowship for Lesbian and Gay Christians - www.eflgc.org
Methodist
United Methodists for LGBT concerns - www.umaffirm.org
Mormon
Affirmation: Gay & Lesbian Mormons serves the needs of gay Mormon women and men, as well as bisexual and transgender LDS and their supportive family and friends, through social and educational activities - www.affirmation.org
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