Same-sex relationships
Social Justice
content
Big idea
Attitudes to same-sex relationships vary within and between religions. These views are usually based on wider teachings about equality, compassion, human dignity, and obedience to scripture.
Christianity, Judaism and Islam have traditionally taught that homosexual acts are sinful, based on interpretations of sacred texts. However, some modern denominations and believers now affirm loving, committed same-sex relationships.
Hinduism, Sikhism and Buddhism often approach the issue through broader principles such as non-violence, compassion and equality. While some traditional teachings discourage homosexuality, many followers reject discrimination and emphasise respect for all people.
Overall, interpretations differ, but ideas about compassion, justice and human dignity remain central.
Big idea
Attitudes to same-sex relationships vary within and between religions. These views are usually based on wider teachings about equality, compassion, human dignity, and obedience to scripture.
Christianity, Judaism and Islam have traditionally taught that homosexual acts are sinful, based on interpretations of sacred texts. However, some modern denominations and believers now affirm loving, committed same-sex relationships.
Hinduism, Sikhism and Buddhism often approach the issue through broader principles such as non-violence, compassion and equality. While some traditional teachings discourage homosexuality, many followers reject discrimination and emphasise respect for all people.
Overall, interpretations differ, but ideas about compassion, justice and human dignity remain central.
Key words
Discrimination – Unfair treatment of a person or group because of prejudice, for example because of race, religion or sexuality.
Equality – The belief that all people have the same value, dignity and rights.
Prejudice – Judging a person or group before knowing them, often based on stereotypes.
Same-sex relationship - Being in a sexual relationship with someone of the same sex (a lesbian or gay relationship)
Sexuality – The ways a person is sexually attracted to others.
Christianity
Christian attitudes to same-sex relationships vary between conservative Christian groups, who identify certain Bible passages as supporting their opposition to same-sex relationships, and liberal Christian groups which emphasise love as the foundation for any relationship.
Conservative Christianity
Conservative Christian groups point to Genesis, according to which God created Eve as a companion for Adam - a woman rather than another man:
'The Lord God said, “It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a helper suitable for him.”' (Genesis 2)
They maintain that this shows God's will that heterosexual (man-woman) relationships should form the basis for society.
Conservative Christians offer further support of their opposition to same-sex relationships with one of God's commands in the Old Testament:
Do not have sexual relations with a man as one does with a woman; that is detestable.' (Leviticus 18)
Roman Catholicism
Roman Catholicism distinguishes between being attracted to someone of the same sex (their sexuality) and beng in a same-sex physical (sexual) relationship. They hold that the fact that some people are attracted to members of the same sex must be accepted:
''[People who are attracted to members of the same sex] must be accepted with respect, compassion, and sensitivity. Every sign of unjust discrimination in their regard should be avoided.' (Catechism)
However, same-sex physical relationships are unnatural (go against 'natural law') since sexual activity was designed by God for the purpose of procreation (having children), and same-sex sexual activity is non-procreative:
'Under no circumstances can they be approved. ... Homosexual persons are called to chastity.' (Catechism)
In other words, people who are attracted to members of the same sex should not have sex.
Liberal Christianity
Liberal Christians understand the Bible teachings that we have seen above as out-dated, and not relevant for modern society, or as referring to exploitative and unfaithful relationships rather than loving and committed ones.
Quakers have for many years held a liberal view:
"It is the nature and quality of a relationship that matters … the same criteria seem to us to apply whether a relationship is heterosexual or homosexual." (Towards a Quaker view of sex)
Liberal Christians emphasise that the Genesis 2 passage is the basis for human relationships, without precluding same-sex ones.
Jesus - the greatest commandment (Mark 12)
The principle of equality is shown in Jesus’ second greatest commandment:
“Love your neighbour as yourself.” (Mark 12)
Liberal Christians believe that same-sex relationships can reflect the principle of agape in the same way that heterosexual relationships can. They key to all relationships is that hte people are faithful, committed, and mutually supportive.
Judaism
There are divisions in the way that Judaism thinks about same-sex relation ships along the same lines as we have seen in Christianity. Orthodox Judaism emphasises the Mitzvot from Leviticus 18, and also the punishment for same-sex relationships that appears in the Torah:
"If a man has sexual relations with a man as one does with a woman, both of them have done what is detestable. They are to be put to death; their blood will be on their own heads." (Leviticus 20)
In contrast, Liberal and Reform Jewish communities accept same-sex relationships within a loving and committed context. They argue that this aatitude results from this key teaching from the Torah:
“Love your neighbour as yourself.” (Leviticus 19)
Islam
Traditional Islamic teaching is that same-sex relationships are haram (forbidden). This is based on a number of teachings from the Qur'an, including the story of the prophet Lut (Lot). Allah sent the Prophet Lut to the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah whose residents were engaging in sinful behaviour, including having same-sex relationships. Lut warned them to repent and follow Allah’s guidance, but they rejected him and continued their actions.
"Why do you [men] lust after fellow men, leaving the wives that your Lord has created for you? In fact, you are a transgressing people.” (Surah 26)
Because they refused to change, Allah destroyed the city as a punishment. The Qur’an presents this story as a warning against disobedience and immoral sexual behaviour.
In Islam, all people are created equal by Allah, though they are different by His design. The Qur’an teaches that “Allah loves the fair-minded,” and therefore discrimination and unjust treatment are wrong.
In many Islamic countries, being in a same-sex relationship is illegal, with punishments ranging from the death penalty (Iran, Saudi Arabia) to imprisonment or corporal punishment (Pakistan). In Jordan, being in a same-sex relationship is not a crime, even though Islam is the official religion.
Non-Abrahamic religions
Hinduism
Hindu teachings on same-sex relationships are diverse and influenced by a variety of scriptures and cultural traditions. A key belief in Hinduism is that Brahman (the ultimate reality) is present in all things. Each person contains a divine spark (atman), meaning all people are fundamentally equal. Discrimination and prejudice are therefore wrong.
The principle of ahimsa (non-violence) encourages love, compassion, and respect for all living beings. Causing harm or distress to others leads to bad karma and negatively affects future reincarnations. From this perspective, discrimination against people in same-sex relationships would be morally wrong.
However, some dharmic texts have traditionally interpreted same-sex relationships as wrong. Despite this, Hindu mythology includes stories portraying same-sex experiences as natural and joyful. Temple carvings at places such as Khajuraho Temples depict a variety of sexual expressions, including same-sex acts. This diversity of sources means that modern Hindu attitudes vary, with some Hindus opposing same-sex relationships and others accepting it as part of human diversity.
Sikhism
Sikhism teaches equality and respect for all. The Guru Granth Sahib states,
'Using the same mud the Creator has created many shapes in many ways' (Guru Granth Sahib)
This shows that God created all people equally. Each person contains the divine spark, and all deserve equal treatment.
Most traditional Sikh teaching encourages marriage between a man and a woman, and same-sex relationships are not directly mentioned in Sikh scripture. As a result, some Sikhs view these relationships as contrary to Sikh values.
However, others argue that Guru Nanak’s teaching on universal equality supports the rights and dignity of people in same-sex relationships. They believe that if God created each person, then sexuality may also be part of God’s design. Therefore, Sikh attitudes today vary, though equality and respect remain central principles.
Buddhism
Buddhist teachings on same-sex relationships are often shaped by broader principles about suffering, compassion, and moral conduct. The Buddha did not give explicit teachings regarding same-sex relationships. As a result, many Buddhists apply general ethical principles, such as the Five Moral Precepts, to this issue.
The Third Precept teaches followers to avoid sexual misconduct. In Buddhism, sexual desire can become a form of craving (tanha), which leads to dukkha (suffering). Therefore, any sexual relationship—whether heterosexual or same-sex—should not be based purely on lust or selfish desire. Many Western Buddhists argue that loving, faithful, and committed same-sex relationships are acceptable, provided they do not cause harm.
Compassion (metta) is central to Buddhist ethics. The Dalai Lama has taught that the best way to live is to:
“Always think compassion.” (Dalai Lama)
The Sangha (Buddhist community) is open to everyone, reflecting the belief that everyone is equal in their spiritual potential.