Religion and homosexuality
From The Art and Popular Culture Encyclopedia
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The relationship between religion and homosexuality can vary greatly across time and place, within and between different religions and sects, and regarding different forms of homosexuality and bisexuality. Current doctrines of some of the world's largest religions generally view homosexuality negatively. This can range from quietly discouraging homosexual activity, explicitly forbidding same-sex sexual practices among adherents and actively opposing social acceptance of homosexuality, to execution.
Most who are opposed to homosexuality argue that homosexual sexual activity is a sin, not the sexual orientation. Several organizations exist asserting conversion therapy can help diminish same-sex attraction. However within these religions there are also people who view homosexuality positively, and some religious denominations may bless same-sex marriages.
Historically, some cultures and religions accommodated, institutionalized, or revered, same-sex love and sexuality; such mythologies and traditions can be found around the world. In 2009, The United Kingdom Hindu Council became one of the first major religious organizations to support homosexuality when they issued a statement "Hinduism does not condemn homosexuality".
Regardless of their position on homosexuality, many people of faith look to both sacred texts and tradition for guidance on this issue. However, the authority of various traditions or scriptural passages and the correctness of translations and interpretations are continually disputed.
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