Question about Homosexuality (ritual, moral, tradition, mission, church)

[Trey of Diamonds]

I have been told that the Baha'i faith doesn't allow homosexuality or any non-traditional forms of families. Our UU church is considering leasing a portion of the church to a local Baha't group but many members believe we shouldn't because of the Baha'i views on homosexuality and family units. I would like more information before making a decision so anything you can offer will be appreciated.

[BruceDLimber]

Greetings!

The Baha'i scriptures make clear that marriage is a heterosexual institution ordained by God.

They also state clearly that chastity is mandatory, and in particular that sex is permitted within marriage only.

Thus, anyone not married--regardless of orientation--should abstain from sex.

As to homosexuality, while we don't endorse it, neither do we consider it sinful per se, although sex outside marriage is so. Marriage aside, homosexuals have the same rights as anyone else and must not be discriminated against!

Again, our teachings about homosexuality are consistent with our overall teachings about chastity, which for Baha'is apply fully as much to heterosexuals as they do to homosexuals.

And indeed, there are homosexual Baha'is.

It's also important, please note, to remember that we do not presume to tell non-Baha'is how they should behave or to force our laws upon them!

Best regards, and further questions are most welcome!

Bruce

[Trey of Diamonds]

I assume that in the Baha'i faith, homosexuals cannot marry and are therefore expected to abstain from sex forever, correct?

[arthra]

Originally Posted by Trey of Diamonds

I assume that in the Baha'i faith, homosexuals cannot marry and are therefore expected to abstain from sex forever, correct?

Outside of marriage, sexual relations are forbidden and as you know for Baha'is marriage can only be between a man and a woman...

I hope your church can consult with the Baha'is for more clarification and reach a resolution.

- Art

[BruceDLimber]

Originally Posted by Trey of Diamonds

I assume that in the Baha'i faith, homosexuals cannot marry and are therefore expected to abstain from sex forever, correct?

You appear to be missing the point that this rule isn't addressed to homosexuals.

ANYONE unmarried is expected to remain chaste.

So it's misleading to couch comments in terms only of homosexuals.

And some do indeed ultimately see their way clear to marrying someone of the opposite sex. . . .

Peace,

Bruce

[Nanda]

So like so many other religions, they just can't marry who they're attracted to.

[Trey of Diamonds]

Originally Posted by BruceDLimber

You appear to be missing the point that this rule isn't addressed to homosexuals.

ANYONE unmarried is expected to remain chaste.

So it's misleading to couch comments in terms only of homosexuals.

And some do indeed ultimately see their way clear to marrying someone of the opposite sex. . . .

Peace,

Bruce

No, I see the point. To have sex you must get married but if homosexuals are not allowed to get married then they are forced to reconsider their sexual preference or remain abstinent for their entire life. I understand that the focus is on sex out of wedlock but the price for being homosexual is higher than it is for being heterosexual and not married. For one there is hope.

Many thanks for the responses, it has helped. We do indeed plan on speaking with our potential tenants and hope to have this resolved soon. The main question for our congregation is whether or not it is too hypocritical to allow Baha'i services in our sanctuary when we are currently working very hard on become a welcoming congregation that not only accepts homosexuals but welcomes them with open arms. Our congregation is split on the issue but hopefully your comments and speaking with the group in question will help bring about a solution.

[arthra]

By all means the best way to resolve this is consultation which is something we Baha'is value..

Baha'is are fairly conservative by today's standards when it comes to family values and morality.

- Art

[BruceDLimber]

I would simply add that there are indeed homosexual Baha'is, so at least for some, our teachings don't appear to be any sort of fatal obstacle to spiritual progress.

And while we're most eager to have fellowship and harmony with others, we're simply not about to change our scriptures and teaachings in order to try to accomplish this! Like it or not, IOV what God says stands regardless of human preferences.

Peace,

Bruce

[Popeyesays]

Baha`i institutions do not spend their time peeking in bedroom windows. However, if it becomes apparent that two same people are living together in the sense of sharing a bed and their bodies then that is not acceptable because it is sex outside of marriage.

Let me make clear it is against BAHA`I law for two people of the same sex to marry. Civil law is another matter entirely. If one insists upon having a same sex 'spouse and professes the Baha`i Faith, then the institutions will probably take away their voting rights, right to contribute to the fund, and right to serve on elective institutions. That does not mean they are not Baha`i's, it just means that the administrative portion of their Baha`i life within the community is suspended.

As to civil law, Baha`i's must abide by civil law where ever they reside. That does not mean however that we are required to perform marriages that violate Baha`i law.

Baha`i marriage is the issue. Couples who marry within the faith must meet several requirements. They must have the permission of all living natural parents, they must be of the age of maturity (whether that is the civil law of age of maturity or Baha`i law). They must have completed a Year of Patience and obtained a civil and Baha`i divorce if they were previously married. They must be male and female; however, no one is going to look inside their underwear to verify that. Transgenderism is not a homosexual condition and is subject to therapeutic resolution.

Regards,
Scott