LGBT-affirming religious groups

Symbols of theworld's largest religionsdisplayed onrainbow flagsat the Queer Easter,Germany

Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer(LGBTQ+)-affirming religious groupsarereligious groupsthat welcomeLGBT peopleas their members, do not considerhomosexualityas asinor negative, and affirmLGBT rightsandrelationships.They include entirereligious denominations,as well as individual congregations and places of worship. Some groups are mainly composed of non-LGBTQ+ members and they also have specific programs to welcome LGBTQ+ people into them, while other groups are mainly composed of LGBTQ+ members.

Abrahamic religions

Abrahamic religions(namelyJudaism,Samaritanism,Christianity,theBaháʼí Faith,andIslam) have traditionally affirmed and endorsed apatriarchalandheteronormativeapproach towardshuman sexuality,favouring exclusivelypenetrative vaginal intercourse between men and womenwithin the boundaries ofmarriageover all other forms ofhuman sexual activity,includingautoeroticism,masturbation,oral sex,non-penetrativeandnon-heterosexualsexual intercourse (all of which have been labeled as "sodomy"at various times),believing and teaching that such behaviors are forbidden because they are consideredsinful,and further compared to or derived from the behavior of the alleged residents ofSodom and Gomorrah.However, the status of LGBT people inearly Christianityandearly Islamis debated.

In modern times,LGBT-affirming Christian denominationscite several reasons for their support ofLGBT rightsandrelationships.Some argue that passages in the Bible never discuss LGBT relationships as they are known today.Others reject the belief inbiblical inerrancyciting translation errors, biases, and other modern reinterpretations of biblical passages such as those seeminglysupportive of slavery.Others argue thatGodcreated LGBT people, LGBT relationships produce good-fruit, and those relationships are therefore good or the fact thatJesusnever addressed homosexuality but focused on messages of love.Similar interpretations have been applied to LGBT rights withinIslamandJudaism.

Christianity

Main articles:Christianity and sexual orientation,History of Christianity and homosexuality,andThe Bible and homosexuality

Further information:Christianity and homosexuality,Christianity and transgender people,LGBT-affirming Christian denominations,andLGBT clergy in Christianity

Washington National Cathedral(Episcopal Church in the United States) atD.C.Gay Pride(2014)

United Church of Christ's motto which expresses its support forLGBT rights

Church of the PilgrimsinWashington, D.C.,indicating its support for LGBT rights

Several denominations within Christianity accept LGBT members, affirm LGBT relationships, and permit the ordination of openly LGBT candidates for their ministries. In addition to denominations many independent churches support LGBT members.

The following denominations accept same-sex unions to some degree:

• Anglicanism(SeeHomosexuality and Anglicanism): The Anglican Communion is divided over the issue of homosexuality. "The more liberal provinces that are open to changing Church doctrine on marriage in order to allow for same-sex unions includeBrazil,Canada,New Zealand,Scotland,South India,South Africa,theUSandWales."
  • TheAnglican Church in New Zealand:In 2014, the "General Synod passe[d] a resolution that will create a pathway towards the blessing of same-gender relationships, while upholding the traditional doctrine of marriage...It therefore says clergy should be permitted [while the blessings are being developed] 'to recognise in public worship' a same-gender civil union or state marriage of members of their faith community..." On a diocesan level, theDunedin Diocesealready permits a blessing for relationships irrespective of the partners' gender. "Blessings of same-sex relationships are offered in line with [Dunedin] Diocesan Policy and with the bishop's permission." In theDiocese of Auckland,a couple was "joined in acivil unionat the inner-Auckland Anglican church of St Matthews in the City in 2005. "The largerAnglican Church in Aotearoa, New Zealand and Polynesiaallows priests to bless same-sex civil marriage or civil unions, but not to carry out same-sex marriage ceremonies in an Anglican church.
  • TheAnglican Church of Australia:The church does not have an official position on homosexuality. In 2013, theDiocese of Perthvoted to recognise same-sex relationships.The Social Responsibilities Committee of theAnglican Church Southern Queenslandsupported "the ability for same-sex couples to have a legally recognised ceremony to mark their union."TheDiocese of Gippslandhas appointed clergy in a "same-sex partnership." St. Andrew's Church inSubiaco,in Perth, has publicly blessed a same-sex union. In 2020, the church's highest court, the Appellate Tribunal, ruled that a diocese may authorise the blessing of persons in same-sex unions.
  • TheAnglican Church of Canada:In 2016, the Anglican Church of Canada voted to permit same-sex marriage after a vote recount. The motion must pass a second reading in 2019 to become church law. The dioceses of Niagara and Ottawa, both of which already allowed blessing rites, announced after the 2016 vote that they would immediately allow same-sex marriages.In 2019, the General Synod approved a resolution which allows each provincial synod and diocese to bless or perform same-sex marriages if they choose to do so.The Diocese of Toronto has specifically allowed churches to perform same-sex marriages as of mid-November 2016 when Archbishop Colin Johnson issued the Pastoral Guidelines for Same-Sex Marriages. In brief, the guidelines stated that such marriages could proceed in the Church "at the pastoral discretion of the Bishop and with the agreement of local clergy".At the same General Synod, a resolution, called "A Word to the Church", was approved that recognised that a diocese may choose to perform same-sex marriages.
  • TheAnglican Church of Southern Africa:Clergy are not permitted to enter insame-sex marriagesorcivil unions,but the church "tolerates same-sex relationships if they are celibate". ArchbishopThabo Makgoba,the current Anglican Primate, is "one among few church leaders in Africa to support same-sex marriage". TheDiocese of Saldanha Bayhas proposed a blessing for same-sex unions.Famous anti-apartheid activist and theologianDesmond Tutu,who was an archbishop within the Anglican Church of Southern Africa, was a major advocate for gay rights and religious acceptance of LGBT individuals.
  • TheChurch in Wales:Clergy are allowed to enter into same-sexcivil partnerships,and there is no requirement of sexual abstinence. In 2015, a majority of the General Synod of the Church in Wales voted for same-sex marriage. Also, the "Church has published prayers that may be said with a couple following the celebration of a civil partnership or civil marriage." In September 2021, the Church in Wales voted to "formally bless same-sex couples" instead (by way ofdebateandcompromise) – but still not legally recognisingsame-sex marriagewithin titles of the Church officially.
  • TheChurch of England:Since 2005, clergy are permitted to enter into same-sexcivil partnerships,but are requested to give assurances of following the Bishops' guidelines on human sexuality. In 2013, the House of Bishops announced that priests in same-sex civil unions may serve as bishops. As for ceremonies in church, "clergy in the Church of England are permitted to offer prayers of support on a pastoral basis for people in same-sex relationships; many priests already bless same-sex unions on an unofficial basis. Some congregations may offer" prayers for a same-sex commitment "or may" offer services of thanksgiving following a civil marriage ceremony. "
  • TheEpiscopal Churchin the United States: At its 2015 triennialGeneral Convention,the Episcopal Church voted overwhelmingly to allow religious weddings for same-sex couples.Many dioceses had previously allowed their priests to officiate at civil same-sex marriage ceremonies, but the church had not yet changed its own laws on marriage. The church law replaced the terms "husband" and "wife" with "the couple". Individual members of the clergy may still decline to perform same-sex weddings.Previously, the Episcopal Church had voted to allow a "generous pastoral response" for couples in same-sex civil unions, domestic partnerships, and marriages.
  • TheScottish Episcopal Church:Since 2008,St. Mary's Cathedralin Glasgow has offered blessing services for same-sex civil partnerships.The Scottish Episcopal Church agreed to bless same-sex marriages in 2015. In 2016, the General Synod voted to amend the marriage canon to include same-sex couples. The proposal was approved in a second reading in 2017, and same-sex marriages may be legally performed in the Scottish Episcopal Church.
  • Episcopal Anglican Church of Brazilvoted, by an overwhelming majority, to amend to define marriage as a 'lifelong union between two people, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity' thus permitting same-sex marriages within the church.
• Baptists(See:Homosexuality and Baptist churches): Because some Baptist churches operate on a congregational level, some individual churches may recognize same-sex unions. Baptist churches which recognize same-sex unions include:
  • TheAlliance of Baptists
  • TheAssociation of Welcoming and Affirming Baptists
  • TheCooperative Baptist Fellowship:some but not all congregations allow same-sex marriage.
• TheLatter Day Saint movement
  • TheCommunity of Christ:In 2013, theCommunity of Christofficially decided to extend the sacrament of marriage to same-sex couples where gay marriage is legal, to provide covenant commitment ceremonies where it is not legal, and to allow the ordination of people in same-sex relationships to the priesthood.However, this is only in the United States, Canada, and Australia. The church does have a presence in countries where homosexuality is punishable by law, even death, so for the protection of the members in those nations, full inclusion of LGBT individuals is limited to the countries where this is not the case. Individual viewpoints do vary, and some congregations may be more welcoming than others. Furthermore, the church has proponents for support of both traditional marriage and same-sex marriages. The First Presidency and the Council of Twelve will need to approve policy revisions recommended by the USA National Conference.
• Lutheranism(SeeHomosexuality and Lutheranism):
  • TheChurch of Norway:In 2013, the bishops announced that they would allow "gay couples to receive church blessings for their civil unions..." In 2017, the Church of Norway decided to allow same-sex marriages to be performed in churches.
  • TheChurch of Sweden:On 22 October 2009, the governing board of the Church of Sweden voted 176–62 in favour of allowing its priests to wed same-sex couples in new gender-neutral church ceremonies, including the use of the termmarriage.
  • TheEvangelical Church in Germany(EKD): The EKD is a federation of twenty Protestant churches in Germany. The blessing of same-sex unions is allowed in many constituent member churches.
  • TheEvangelical Lutheran Church in America:During its 2009 Churchwide Assembly, the ELCA passed a resolution by a vote of 619–402 reading "Resolved, that the ELCA commit itself to finding ways to allow congregations that choose to do so to recognize, support and hold publicly accountable lifelong, monogamous, same-gender relationships."
  • TheEvangelical Lutheran Church in Canadapermits same-sex marriages.
  • TheEvangelical Lutheran Church in Denmark:In 2012, theDanish parliamentvoted to make same-sex marriages mandatory in all state churches. Individual priests may refuse to perform the ceremony, but the local bishop must organize a replacement.
  • TheEvangelical Lutheran Church of Finland:The church does not currently allow same-sex marriages to be legally officiated in churches. However, couples may enter in acivil partnershipand "the couple may organise prayers with a priest or other church workers and invited guests.This may take place on church premises – but practice varies from parish to parish. "After a civil same-sex marriage, couples may request the same prayers in church." All of the bishops have taken the position that it is possible to hold prayer services to bless same-sex couples. "
  • TheFederation of Swiss Protestant Churches:This is a group of 26 member churches. Several of its member churches permit prayer services and blessings of same-sex civil unions.
  • TheProtestant Church in the Netherlands:The church has allowed the blessing of same-sex unions since 2001. This has included the blessing of same-sex unions as well as marriages.
  • TheUnited Protestant Church of Franceauthorized the blessing of same-sex unions by pastors in May 2015, two years after the government legalized same-sex marriages. Individual vicars may refuse to perform same-sex marriage ceremonies.
  • TheEvangelical Church of the Augsburg Confession in Austriapermits same-sex marriages.
  • TheChurch of Icelandpermits same-sex marriages.
  • TheUnion of Evangelical Churchesin Germany allows for the blessing of same-sex marriages.
  • TheLutheran Evangelical Church in Italypermits same-sex marriages
• TheMetropolitan Community Churchperforms same-sex marriages.The MCC was founded to support LGBT Christians.In 1968, MCC founder Rev.Troy Perryofficiated the first public same-sex marriage ceremony in the United States, though it was not legally recognized at the time.
• Methodism(SeeHomosexuality and Methodism):
  • TheMethodist Church of Great Britainpermits same-sex marriage.Clergy are allowed to enter into same-sex civil partnerships or marriages.
  • TheMethodist Church of New Zealand:Clergy may enter into same-sex unions and permits same-sex marriages.
  • TheMethodist Church of Southern Africa:InSouthern Africa,the Methodist Church has allowed clergy in same-sex relationships, but they are not permitted to be in a same-sex marriage. The Methodist "Church allowed [clergy] to be in a homosexual relationship whilst being a minister, and allowed [clergy] to stay in the Church's manse with [their] partner, but drew the line at recognising [their] same-sex marriage." "The Methodist Church 'tolerates homosexuals' and even accepts same-sex relationships (as long as such relationships are not solemnised by marriage)..."
  • Many of the Protestant Church of Switzerland churches permit blessings for same-sex couples.
  • TheEvangelical Methodist Church in Argentinaallows "the freedom to accompany homosexual couples" in ministry.
  • TheEvangelical Church in Uruguay,a Methodist denomination, has "resolved that pastors that wish to minister to homosexuals may do so freely".Each pastor is free to provide blessing services for same-sex unions if he or she chooses to do so.
• National Council of Churchesin Indialeadership has expressed support for LGBT rights.
• TheOld Catholic Church:A group of churches which separated from Roman Catholicism over the issue of papal authority.
  • Many AmericanOld Catholic churchesperform same-sex marriage ceremonies including American Apostolic Church, Catholic Apostolic Church in North America, Ecumenical Catholic Communion, American Catholic Church in the United States, American Catholic Church Diocese, and the National Catholic Church of America.
  • TheUnion of Utrecht of the Old Catholic Churchesis a federation of six European Old Catholic organizations, four of which allow same-sex marriage ceremonies.
• Presbyterianism(SeeHomosexuality and Presbyterianism):
  • TheChurch of Scotland:In 2015, the Kirk voted to allow congregations to ordain clergy who enter into same-sex civil partnerships. The General Assembly voted to allow clergy in same-sex marriages in 2016.Then, the General Assembly approved draft legislation that would allow ministers of Word and Sacrament and deacons to marry same-sex couples if they wish for further consideration of the general assemble and membership.
  • ThePresbyterian Church,the largest Presbyterian group in the United States, voted to allow same-gender marriages on 19 June 2014.This vote allows pastors to perform marriages in jurisdictions where same-sex marriages are legally recognized. Additionally, the Assembly voted to send out a proposed amendment to the Book of Order, changing the description of marriage from "between a man and a woman" to "between two people, traditionally between a man and a woman."This amendment needed to be approved by a majority of the 172 Presbyteries to take effect. On 17 March 2015, the New Jersey-based Presbytery of the Palisade became the 87th presbytery to approve the ratification, making the change official.
  • In 2011, theUnited Reformed Churchallowed blessings of same-sex couples.In July 2016, the United Reformed Church allowed same-sex marriage.
• Quakerism(SeeHomosexuality and Quakerism)
  • TheCanadian Yearly Meetingsupports the right of same-sex couples to marry.
  • Several American, British, and Australian Quaker groups bless same-sex marriages.
• Rainbow Catholics India now has representation at Mumbai, Goa, and Bangalore
• TheUnited Church of Canada:The General Council of the church accepts same-sex marriages. However, each individual congregation is free to develop its own marriage policies.
• TheUnited Church of Christ:In 2005, the General Synod adopted a resolution supporting equal access to marriage for all couples, regardless of gender. This resolution encouraged (but did not require) individual congregations to adopt policies supporting equal marriage rights for same-sex couples.
• ThePhilippine Independent Churchis LGBT-supportive and acknowledges past homophobic wrongs through their statement "Our Common Humanity, Our Shared Dignity".
• TheUnited Protestant Church in Belgiumpermits same-sex marriage.
• TheWaldensian Evangelical Churchpermits same-sex marriage.
• TheSwiss Reformed Churchpermits same-sex marriage.
• Mennonites in the Netherlandsoffer marriage to both heterosexual and same-gender couples.
• TheMennonite Church Canadaoffers marriage to both heterosexual and same-gender couples.
• Each congregation within theChristian Church (Disciples of Christ)is permitted to determine if would like to perform same-sex marriages.
• Parts of theMoravian Churchpermit same-sex marriage.
• TheUnity Churchis fully LGBT-affirming.
• TheUnited Church of Christ in the Philippinessupports LGBT rights and inclusion.
• TheUniting Reformed Church in Southern Africapermits same-sex marriage
• TheChurch of South Indiahas many members and clergy that support same-sex marriages.

A number of Christian ministries seek to create officially sanctioned "safe-spaces"in a similar vein asgay–straight alliancesin various schools.

Unitarian Universalism

Main article:Unitarian Universalism and LGBT people

TheLGBT flagat theFirst Unitarian Universalist ChurchinHoustonindicates that the church welcomes LGBT-identifying people.

Unitarian Universalismhas a long-standing tradition of welcoming LGBTQ+ people. The official position of theUnitarian Universalist Association(UUA) states that "Each of us has worth and dignity, and that worth includes our gender and our sexuality. As Unitarian Universalists (UUs), we not only open our doors to people of all sexual orientations and gender identities, we value diversity of sexuality and gender and see it as a spiritual gift. We create inclusive religious communities and work for LGBTQ justice and equity as a core part of who we are.Allof who you are is sacred.Allof who you are is welcome. "

The first ceremony of union performed by a UU minister for a same-gender couple was reportedly done in the late 1950s. It became more commonplace in the late 1970s and early 1980s.The UUA has been ordaining people regardless of sexual orientation since the 1970s, and the first openly transgender person was ordained in 1988.The UUA expects all ministers to show ministerial competency in the area of human sexuality before being approved for ordination.In 2004 the UUA President's Freedom to Marry Fund was launched.In 2009 Standing on the Side of Love was launched, a public advocacy campaign that seeks to harness love's power to stop oppression.The campaign provides a platform for freedom to marry efforts, among other causes.

Judaism

Main articles:Homosexuality and JudaismandHomosexuality in the Hebrew Bible

Further information:LGBT-affirming denominations in Judaism,LGBT clergy in Judaism,andSame-sex marriage and Judaism

A halakhic egalitarian PrideminyaninTel Avivon the second Shabbat ofHanukkah

The American branch ofConservative Judaismformally approves of same-sex marriage ceremonies.As of 1992 with theReport of the Reconstructionist Commission on Homosexuality,the Reconstructionist Movement of Judaism has expressed its support for same-sex marriages as well as the inclusion of gay and lesbian people in all aspects of Jewish life. TheJewish Reconstructionist Federationleaves the choice of whether or not to perform same-sex marriages to individual rabbis but the procedure is included in the ReconstructionistRabbi's Manualand many choose to use the traditional language and symbols ofkiddushin.Reform Judaism,the largest Jewish denomination in the United States, is generally supportive of LGBT rights and marriage.

Islam

Main articles:LGBT in IslamandMukhannathun

Further information:Liberalism and progressivism within Islam,Liberal and progressive Islam in Europe,andLiberal and progressive Islam in North America

Istanbul LGBT Pride paradein 2013,Taksim Square,Istanbul,Turkey

Attitudes toward LGBTQ+ people and their experiences in theMuslim worldhave been influenced by its religious, legal, social, political, and cultural history.The religious stigma andsexual tabooassociated with homosexuality in Islamic societies can have profound effects for those Muslims who self-identify as LGBTQ+.Today, most LGBTQ-affirming Islamic organizations and individual congregations are primarily based in theWestern worldandSouth Asiancountries;they usually identify themselves with theliberal and progressive movements within Islam.

Homosexual acts areforbiddenin traditionalIslamic jurisprudenceand are liable to different punishments, includingflogging,stoning,and thedeath penalty,depending on the situation andlegal school.However, homosexual relationships were generally tolerated inpre-modern Islamic societies,and historical records suggest that these laws were invoked infrequently, mainly in cases ofrapeor other "exceptionally blatant infringement onpublic morals".Public attitudes toward homosexuality in the Muslim world underwent a marked negative change starting from the 19th century through theglobal spreadofIslamic fundamentalist movementssuch asSalafismandWahhabism,and the influence of the sexual notions and restrictive norms prevalent inEuropeat the time: a number of Muslim-majority countries have retained criminal penalties for homosexual acts enacted under Europeancolonial rule.In recent times, extremeprejudice,discrimination,andviolence against LGBT peoplepersists, bothsociallyand legally, in much of the Muslim world,exacerbated by increasinglysocially conservativeattitudes and the rise ofIslamist movementsin Muslim-majority countries.There are laws againsthomosexual sexual activitiesin a large number of Muslim-majority countries, which prescribe thedeath penaltyin a limited number of them.

Gay Muslim activists of theAl-Fatiha Foundationholding theflag of Turkeyat theSan Francisco Pride(2008)

InFrancethere was an Islamic same-sex marriage on 18 February 2012.In Paris, in November 2012, a room in a Buddhist prayer hall was used by gay Muslims and called a "gay-friendly mosque",and a French Islamic websiteis supporting religious same-sex marriage. TheIbn Ruschd-Goethe mosquein Berlin is a liberal mosque open to all types of Muslims, where men and women pray together and LGBT worshippers are welcomed and supported.Other significant LGBT-inclusive mosques or prayer groups include the El-Tawhid Juma Circle Unity Mosque in Toronto,Masjid an-Nur al-Isslaah (Light of Reform Mosque) in Washington D.C.,Masjid Al-Rabia in Chicago,Unity Mosque in Atlanta,People's Mosque in Cape Town South Africa,Masjid Ul-Umam mosque in Cape Town,Qal'bu Maryamin in California,and the Nur Ashki Jerrahi Sufi Community in New York City.

Muslims for Progressive Values,based in the United States andMalaysia,is "a faith-based, grassroots, human rights organization that embodies and advocates for the traditional Qur'anic values of social justice and equality for all, for the 21st Century."MPV has recorded "a lecture series that seeks to dismantle the religious justification for homophobia in Muslim communities." The lectures can be viewed at MPV Lecture Series.The Mecca Institute is an LGBT-inclusive and progressive online Islamic seminary, and serves as an online center of Islamic learning and research.

Dharmic religions

Buddhism

Main article:Buddhism and sexual orientation

Further information:Buddhism and sexuality

Shunkō-in(Japanese:Cảnh xuân viện:"Temple of the Ray of Spring Light" ) inKyoto,Japan, that performs same-sex marriage ceremonies

According to thePāli CanonandĀgama(theearly Buddhist scriptures), there is nothing saying that same or opposite gender relations have anything to do with sexual misconduct,and someTheravādinBuddhist monksexpress that same-gender relations do not violate the rule to avoid sexual misconduct, which means not having sex withpeople under age(thus protected by their parents or guardians), someonebetrothedormarried,and those who have taken vows ofreligious celibacy.

Views on homosexuality and LGBT rights differ in theBuddhist tradition.However, many Buddhist leaders and groups have been historically supportive and continue to be supportive of LGBT people.The renownedThiền BuddhistmasterThích Nhất Hạnhremarked that the spirit of Buddhism is inclusiveness and states that "when you look at the ocean, you see different kinds of waves, many sizes and shapes, but all the waves have water as their foundation and substance. If you are born gay or lesbian, your ground of being in the same as mine. We are different, but we share the same ground of being."ThusPlum Village,founded by Thích Nhất Hạnh andChân Không,and many of thesanghaswithin thePlum Village Tradition,are LGBT-affirming.Some efforts withinengaged Buddhisminclude LGBT rights.

Japan'scultureandmajor religionsdo not have a history of hostility towards homosexuality.Same-sex marriages are performed atShunkō-in,aRinzai ZenBuddhist temple inKyoto,Japan.Shozenji Temple in Moriguchi City, Osaka is also LGBT affirming and includes a shrine toGuanyinwho is said to have no gender or may change genders to best provide compassion to those in need.Some modern Buddhist leaders were active in the movement for same-sex marriage rights inTaiwan,which legalized same-sex marriages in 2019.Hsing Yun,founder of theFo Guang ShanBuddhist order, has called for tolerance towards the LGBT community.Some adherents of theNavayāna (Ambedkarite) Buddhist traditionare supporting LGBT rights within their larger activist activities.InThailand,some leaders in theTheravāda traditionincluding Phra Payom Kalayano have expressed support for LGBT rights.

In 1997, the14th Dalai Lama Tenzin Gyatsodeclared: "From a Buddhist point of view, men-to-men and women-to-women is generally considered sexual misconduct."However, this view expressed by the Dalai Lama is not based on the teachings ofGautama Buddhabut derived from some laterAbhidharmatexts.Moreover, the Dalai Lama has repeatedly "voiced his support for the full recognition of human rights for all people, regardless of sexual orientation."In the most recent interview with the Dalai Lama on this topic (10 March 2014), the Dalai Lama said gay marriage is "OK", provided it's not in contradiction with the values of one's chosen religion.Also in the Tibetan tradition, theNalandabodhisanghahas stated that they are welcoming of all sexual orientations and well-known Bhutanese lamaKhyentse Norbuhas expressed support for LGBT rights inBhutan.

Buddhist same-sex wedding

InWestern Buddhist denominations,there is widescale support for LGBT rights from Buddhist groups and organizations, including theEuropean Buddhist Union,theBuddhist Churches of America,manyShin Buddhistgroups,and Zen leaders such asThích Nhất Hạnh.The Federation of Australian Buddhist Councils (FABC), representing Buddhist laypeople, and the Australian Sangha Association vocally supportedsame-sex marriagein Australia.Soka Gakkai International-USA (SGI-USA) is the most diverse Buddhist community in the United States with more than 500 chapters and some 100 centers throughout the country supports LGBT rights.The Buddhist Church of San Francisco first performed a gay marriage ceremony in the 1970s.AmericanSoka GakkaiBuddhists have performed same-sex union ceremonies since the 1990s.In a PEW research poll, 88% of American Buddhists stated that homosexuality should be accepted.This was a higher level of support than any other religious group studied.

Hinduism

Main article:Hinduism and LGBT topics

Bahuchar Matais sometimes considered a patron goddess of theHijras.

There is no central authority to speak on behalf of allHindusand, therefore, eachSampradaya,temple, and religious leader may have differing opinions. The Gay & Lesbian Vaishnava Association is a nonprofit religious organization offering positive information and support to LGBTQI Vaishnavas and Hindus more generallyTheHindu American Foundation(HAF) states that one of Hinduism's core teachings is that every being is Divine or a reflection of Divine qualities, regardless of one's outer attributes.HAF states that this and other fundamental and ancient Hindu teachings may allow Hindus to more openly embrace LGBT rights and marriage equality.HAF supports marriage equality for all Americans and submitted amicus briefs in various U.S. courts, including the U.S. Supreme Court, to this end.Anil Bhanot, general secretary of TheUnited KingdomHindu Council said: "The point here is that the homosexual nature is part of the natural law of God; it should be accepted for what it is, no more and no less. Hindus are generally conservative but it seems to me that in ancient India, they even celebrated sex as an enjoyable part of procreation, where priests were invited for ceremonies in their home to mark the beginning of the process."Many queer-affirming Hindus look toLGBT themes in Hindu mythologyandLGBT content in pre-modern Indiaas reasons to support and celebrate LGBT people.

Sikhism

Main article:Sikhism and sexual orientation

As individuals, manySikhssupport LGBT rights, civil partnerships, and same sex marriage because of the religion's emphasis on justice and equality.Civil partnerships and same sex marriage are not banned in theGuru Granth Sahib.LGBT-affirming Sikhs point to the Sikh belief that marriage is a union of souls.In Sikhism, the soul is seen as genderless, and the outward appearance of human beings (man, woman) is a temporary state.

LGBT Sikhs at London gay pride event

While not a denomination, the organization Sarbat is a mixture of both practicing and non-practicing Sikhs with a focus on LGBT rights.The core ethics of the group include the concept ofSeva (selfless service),treating others with equality and respect, acknowledgement of the five fundamental human qualities Gurus extensively advocated of Sat (truth), Daya (compassion), Santokh (contentment), Nimrata (humility), and Pyaar (love), and confidentiality and discretion.

Eastern and Southeast Asian religions

Chinese folk religion

Main article:Chinese folk religion

Further information:Homosexuality in China

Tu'er Shen,also known as the Rabbit God, is a gayChinese deity.In 2006, Lu Wei-ming founded a temple for Tu'er Shen and Taoist worship inYonghe Districtin theNew Taipei CityinTaiwan.About 9,000 pilgrims visit the temple each year praying for a suitable (same-sex) partner.TheWei-ming templealso performs love ceremonies for gay couples.It is the world's only religious shrine for homosexuals.

Confucianism

Main article:LGBT topics and Confucianism

Homosexualityis not mentioned in theAnalects of Confucius.

Shinto

Main article:LGBT topics and Shinto

Historically,Shinto"had no special code of morals and seems to have regarded sex as a natural phenomenon to be enjoyed with few inhibitions."WhileShinto beliefsare diverse, Japanese Shinto does not condemn homosexuality,and the formally organizedKonkokyosect is fully affirming.Multiple Shinto leaders advocated in support ofgay marriage in Hawaii.

Taoism

Main article:Homosexuality in China

In a similar way to Buddhism, Taoist schools sought throughout history todefinewhat would be sexual misconduct. The precept against Sexual Misconduct is sex outside your marriage. The married spouses (Vợ chồng) usually in Chinese suggest male with female, though the scripture itself does not explicitly say anything against same-gender relations.Many sorts of precepts mentioned in theYunji Qiqian(Vân Cấp Thất Thiêm), The Mini Daoist Canon, does not explicitly say anything against same-gender relations as well.Homosexuality is not unknown in Taoist history, such as during the Tang dynasty when Taoist nuns exchanged love poems.

Indigenous religions

African Continental religions

Main article:LGBT rights in Africa

Traditionally, theMeru cultureincluded people called "Mugwe", who served spiritual roles and who were often homosexual and could marry other men.Several pre-colonial religious and cultural groups across the continent permitted non-heterosexual relationships or gender identities outside of the modern western gender binary.

African Diasporic religions

Vodou event held at the National Black Theatre in Harlem, New York City

Main article:Haitian Vodou and sexual orientation

Candomblé

WithinCandomblé,asyncreticreligion founds primarily found in Brazil, there is widespread (though not universal) support for gay rights, many members are LGBT, and have performed gay marriages.

A gathering of both Candomblé and Umbanda followers in Brazil

Haitain Vodou

Homosexuality is religiously acceptable inHaitian Vodou.The lwa or loa (spirits) Erzulie Dantor and Erzulie Freda are often associated with and viewed as protectors of queer people.The laoGhede Nibois sometimes depicted as an effeminate drag queen and inspires those he inhabits to lascivious sexuality of all kinds.

Santería

Practitioners ofSantería,primarily found in Cuba, generally (though not universally) welcome LGBT members and include them in religious or ritual activities.

Umbanda

Also a Brazilian syncretic religion,Umbandahouses generally support LGBT rights and have performed gay marriages.

Ancient Mesopotamian religion

Main article:Ancient Mesopotamian religion

Two gala priests, dating toc. 2450 BC,found in the temple of Inanna at Mari

Individuals who went against the traditionalgender binarywere heavily involved in the cult ofInanna,an ancient Mesopotamian goddess.During Sumerian times, a set of priests known asgalaworked in Inanna's temples, where they performed elegies and lamentations.Men who becamegalasometimes adopted female names and their songs were composed in the Sumerianeme-saldialect, which, in literary texts, is normally reserved for the speech of female characters. Some Sumerian proverbs seem to suggest thatgalahad a reputation for engaging inanal sexwith men.During the Akkadian Period,kurgarrūandassinnuwere servants of Ishtar whodressed in female clothingand performed war dances in Ishtar's temples.Several Akkadianproverbsseem to suggest that they may have also had homosexual proclivities.Gwendolyn Leick, an anthropologist known for her writings on Mesopotamia, has compared these individuals to the contemporary Indianhijra.In one Akkadian hymn, Ishtar is described as transforming men into women.Some modern pagans include Inanna in their worship.

Burmese folk religion

Main article:Burmese folk religion

ManyNat Kadawsin traditional Burmese folk religion are members of the LGBT community.

Đạo Mẫu

Đạo Mẫu Mother Goddess of Heaven Mẫu Thượng Thiên – Artist Lunae Lumen – Four Palaces Tứ Phủ

Main article:Đạo Mẫu

In Vietnam, many LGBT people find a safe community within theĐạo Mẫureligion which is worship on the mother god.Many LGBT people act as mediums duringĐạo Mẫurituals.

Indonesian religions

Main articles:Torajan peopleandGender in Bugis society

Among the Saʼadan (eastern Toraja) in the island of Sulawesi (Celebes), Indonesia, there are shamans who do not fit into the western gender binary.Many within the Bugis society recognize fivegenders:makkunrai,oroané,bissu,calabai,andcalalai.Historically, the bissu gender often played religious roles though modern discrimination has reduced the number of bissu religious leaders.

Pre-colonial religions of the Americas

Drawing byGeorge Catlin(1796–1872) while on theGreat Plainsamong theSac and Fox Nation.Depicting a group of male warriors dancing around a male-bodied person in a woman's dress, non-Native artist George Catlin titled the paintingDance to the Berdache.

Main articles:Alaska Native religion,Mesoamerican religion,Native American religion,andInuit religion

Further information:Same-sex marriage in tribal nations in the United States

Among theIndigenous peoples of the Americasprior to theEuropean colonization,many Nations had respected ceremonial, religious, and social roles for homosexual, bisexual, and gender-nonconforming individuals in their communities and in many contemporaryNative AmericanandFirst Nationscommunities, these roles still exist.Homosexual and gender-variant individuals were also common among other pre-conquestcivilizations inLatin America,such as theAztecs,Mayans,Quechuas,Moches,Zapotecs,and theTupinambáof Brazil and were accepted in their various religions.

It is important to note that the indigenous peoples of the Americas includes hundreds of cultures with varying views on sex, gender, and spirituality. Additionally, first nations and indigenous views on gender and sexuality may not fall within modern western categorizations of sex and gender.

Pre-colonial religions of the Philippines

Main articles:Filipino shamans,Indigenous Philippine folk religions,andLGBT rights in the Philippines

Filipino shamans, often known asbabaylanheld positions of authority as religious leaders or healers in some precolonial Philippine societies.Cross-dressing or non-gender conforming males sometimes took on the role of the female babaylan.Early historical accounts record the existence of malebabaylanswho wore female clothes and took the demeanor of a woman.Anatomy was not the only basis for gender. Being male or female was based primarily on occupation, appearance, actions and sexuality. A malebabaylancould partake in romantic and sexual relations with other men without being judged by society.A small number of Filipinos practice local indigenous religions today.

Traditional religions of Pacific Islands

InNative HawaiianandTahitiancultures there arethird genderpeople calledmāhūwith traditional spiritual and social roles within the culture.The term is similar to the Tonganfakaleitiand Samoanfa'afafinewho were accepted in the traditional pre-colonial religions of their societies.

New religious movements

Since the beginning of thesexual liberation movementin the Western world, which coincided withsecond-wave feminismand thewomen's liberation movementinitiated in the early 1960s,new religious movements and alternative spiritualities such asModern Paganismand theNew Agebegan to grow and spread across the globe alongside their intersection with the sexual liberation movement and thecounterculture of the 1960s,and exhibited characteristic features, such as the embrace ofalternative lifestyles,unconventional dress, rejection ofAbrahamic religionsand theirconservative social mores,use ofcannabisand otherrecreational drugs,relaxed attitude,sarcastic humbleor self-imposed poverty, andlaissez-fairesexual behavior.The sexual liberation movement was aided by feminist ideologues in their mutual struggle to challenge traditional ideas regardingfemale sexuality,male sexuality,andqueersexuality.Elimination of undue favorable bias towards men and objectification of women, as well as support for women's right to choose their sexual partners free of outside interference or societal judgment, were three of the main goals associated with sexual liberation from the feminist perspective.

Antoinism

Antoinism,anew religious movementfounded in Belgium in 1910, does not provide any prescription on issues such as sexuality,as it considers that this is not related to spirituality; homosexuality is not deemed a sin and there is nothing wrong to be gay and antoinist.

Eckankar

Eckankar,an Americannew religious movementfounded byPaul Twitchellin 1965, says on its website that "where legally recognized,same-sex marriagesare performed, in the form of the ECK Wedding Ceremony, by ordained ministers of Eckankar ".

Modern Paganism

MostNeopagan religionshave the theme of fertility (both physical and creative/spiritual) as central to their practices, and as such encourage what they view as a healthy sex life, consensual sex between adults, regardless of gender.

Heathenry,amodern Germanic Pagan movement,includes several pro-LGBT groups. Some groups legitimize openness toward LGBT practitioners by reference to the gender-bending actions ofThorandOdininNorse mythology.There are, for instance, homosexual andtransgendermembers ofThe Troth,a prominent U.S. Heathen organisation.Many Heathen groups in Northern Europe performsame-sex marriages,and a group of self-described "Homo-Heathens" marched in the 2008Stockholm Pridecarrying a statue of the Norse godFreyr.Research found a greater proportion of LGBT practitioners within Heathenry (21%) than wider society, although noted that the percentage was lower than in other forms of modern Paganism.

Wicca,like other religions, has adherents with a broad spectrum of views, ranging from conservative to liberal. It is a largely nondogmatic religion and has no prohibitions against sexual intercourse outside of marriage or relationships between members of the same sex. The religion's ethics are largely summed up by theWiccan Rede:"An it harm none, do as thou wilt", which is interpreted by many as allowing and endorsing responsible sexual relationships of all varieties. Specifically in the Wiccan tradition of modern witchcraft, one of the widely accepted pieces ofCraftliturgy, the Charge of the Goddess instructs that "...all acts of love and pleasure are [the Goddess'] rituals",giving validity to all forms of sexual activity for Wiccan practitioners.

In theGardnerianandAlexandrianforms of Wicca, the "Great Rite"is a sex ritual much like thehieros gamos,performed by a priest and priestess who are believed to embody the Wiccan God and Goddess. The Great Rite is almost always performed figuratively using the athame and chalice as symbols of the penis and vagina. The literal form of the ritual is always performed by consenting adults, by a couple who are already lovers and in private. The Great Rite is not seen as an opportunity for casual sex.

Neo-Druidism

TheOrder of Bards, Ovates and Druidsis a worldwide group dedicated to practicing, teaching, and developing modernDruidryand has more than 25,000 members in 50 countries. The Order is LGBT-affirming within a larger framework of support for civil rights, love of justice, and the love of all existences.

Raëlism

Main article:Raëlism

Further information:Raëlian beliefs and practices

Raëlian participants attending theKorea Queer Culture Festival(2014)

Raëlism,an internationalnew religious movementandUFO religionwhich was founded in France in 1974,promotes apositive outlook towards human sexuality,including homosexuality.Its founderRaëlrecognised same-sex marriage, and a Raëlian press release stated that sexual orientation is genetic and it also likeneddiscrimination against gay peopletoracism.Some Raëlian leaders have performed licensed same-sex marriages.

Santa Muerte

The cult ofSanta Muerteis anew religious movementcentered on the worship of Santa Muerte, acult image,female deity,andfolk saintwhich is popularly revered inMexicanNeopaganismandfolk Catholicism.Apersonification of death,she is associated with healing, protection, and safe delivery to theafterlifeby her devotees.Santa Muerte is also revered and seen as a saint and protector of thelesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ+) communities in Mexico,since LGBTQ+ people are considered and treated as outcasts by theCatholic Church,evangelical churches,and Mexican society at large.Many LGBTQ+ people ask her for protection from violence, hatred, disease, and to help them in their search for love. Her intercession is commonly invoked insame-sex marriage ceremoniesperformed in Mexico.TheIglesia Católica Tradicional México-Estados Unidos,also known as the Church of Santa Muerte,recognizesgay marriage and performs religious wedding ceremonies for homosexual couples.According to R. Andrew Chesnut,PhDinLatin American historyandprofessorofReligious studies,the cult of Santa Muerte is the single fastest-growing new religious movement in the Americas.

Satanism

In both of the two primary mainstreamSatanist denominations,sex is viewed as an indulgence, but one that should only be freely entered into withconsent.The Satanic Templeappears to be more vocally supportive of the LGBTQIA+ community. Satanists from The Satanic Temple are pluralists, accepting bisexuals, lesbians, gays, transgender people,BDSM,andpolyamorists.On 14 July 2013, The Satanic Temple travelled to theMississippigravesite of the mother ofWestboro Baptist Churchfounder,Fred Phelps.They performed a 'pink mass' ritual, aiming to make Phelps believe that The Satanic Temple had "turned his mother gay".

LaVeyan Satanismis critical of Abrahamic sexual mores, considering them narrow, restrictive and hypocritical.The Eleven Satanic Rules of the Earthwhich are specific to theChurch of Satan,only give two instructions regarding sex: "Do not make sexual advances unless you are given the mating signal" and "Do not harm little children", though the latter is much broader and encompasses physical and other abuse.This has been a consistent part of Church of Satan policy since its inception in 1966.

In a 2004 essay supportingsame-sex marriage:

The Church of Satan is the first church to fully accept members regardless of sexual orientation and so we champion weddings/civil unionsbetween adult partners whether they be of opposite or thesame sex.So long as love is present and the partners wish to commit to a relationship, we support their desire for a legally recognized partnership, and the rights and privileges which come from such a union.

— MagisterPeter H. Gilmore

Though the Church of Satan began marketing an anti-equality polo shirt in March 2015 just 3 months before the Supreme Court legalized gay marriage, to the criticism of some, their site states that their purpose in doing so was to ″embrace the stratified & Darwinian reality of Nature to encourage strength, self-improvement & the mastery of diverse skills.″

Theistic Satanistsalso oppose homophobia.

Wicca

Main article:Modern pagan views on LGBT people

ManyWiccansare generally welcoming of LGBTQ+ people. Wiccans tend to view sex in a positive light without guilt.Some strands of Wicca go beyond welcoming queer people and actively celebrate gay relationships.

See also

• History of human sexuality
• LGBT history
  • LGBT rights by country
  • List of LGBT-related organizations and conferences
  • Outline of transgender topics
  • Timeline of LGBT history
• Religion and sexuality
  • Homosexuality and religion
  • Side B Christian
  • Side A, Side B, Side X, Side Y (theological views)
  • LGBT themes in mythology
  • Religion and LGBT people
  • Religious views on same-sex marriage
  • Transgender people and religion
• Same-sex marriage
  • History of same-sex unions
  • Legal status of same-sex marriage
  • Timeline of same-sex marriage
• Societal attitudes toward homosexuality
• Third gender
• Two-spirit

External links

• LGBTQ HumanistsArchived13 January 2022 at theWayback Machine
• "LGBTQI Resources".mpvusa.org.Los Angeles:Muslims for Progressive Values.2021.Archivedfrom the original on 19 August 2021.Retrieved7 November2021.
• Eastman, Don (1990)."Homosexuality: Not a Sin, Not a Sickness – Part II:" What The Bible Does and Does Not Say… "".religiousinstitute.org.Bridgeport, Connecticut:The Religious Institute on Sexual Morality, Justice, and Healing.Archivedfrom the original on 30 August 2021.Retrieved7 November2021.
• Vines, Matthew (June 2014)."10 Reasons God Loves Gay Christians".Time.New York City.OCLC1311479.Archivedfrom the original on 3 May 2021.Retrieved7 November2021.
• Wilson, Nancy L. (22 May 2010)."Our Story Too: Reading the Bible with" New Eyes ""(PDF).mccchurch.org.Ocala, Florida:Metropolitan Community Church.Archived(PDF)from the original on 1 February 2017.Retrieved7 November2021.