The Baha'i Faith teaches beliefs about homosexuality
that are quite similar to those of many conservative religions. They teach that:
The only acceptable form of
sexual expression is between a one man and one woman after marriage.
Homosexual
feelings and behavior are improper, and in opposition to God's plan for humanity.
Homosexuality as a disability for the individual to overcome. Through prayer, medical
treatment, counseling, and much personal effort, they believe that a homosexual
can become
"straight."
Unless gays or lesbians can convert their sexual orientation to
bisexuality or heterosexuality, and enter a marriage with a person of the opposite gender,
they are expected to remain celibate.
Homosexuality in Baha'i sacred texts: References and interpretation:
Prophet Baha'u'llah stated in 1875 (as translated by Kamran Hakim):
"Say, it is forbidden to you adultery, homosexual relationship, and treachery.
Do not commit these O assemblage of believers."
Another translation of the same passage reads:
"Ye are forbidden to commit adultery, sodomy and lechery."
The former translation might be interpreted to condemn even celibate gay and lesbian
relationships. The latter uses the word "sodomy" which is ambiguous; it might be
narrowly interpreted to condemn only anal intercourse, and thus only refer to
some male homosexuals. It might have a much wider meaning
covering other non-coital sexual activities, and thus include the vast majority
of gays and lesbians.
Elsewhere, in "Aqdas", Paragraph 107 states:
"It is forbidden you to wed your fathers' wives. We shrink, for very shame,
from treating of the subject of boys. Fear ye the Merciful, O peoples of the world! Commit
not that which is forbidden you in Our Holy Tablet, and be not of those who rove
distractedly in the wilderness of their desires.
The Arabic word which has been translated here as "boys" appears to imply a
reference to the sexual molestation of under-age boys by adult males. This may
have been a reference to slave boys
kept for sexual purposes. "The Arabic term 'Ghelmaan' is the plural form of the
term 'Ghulaam' which according to the Hans Wehr Dictionary of Modern Written Arabic is
defined as: boy; youth, lad; slave; servant; waiter. 'Ghulaamiya' and 'Ghuluma': youth,
youthfulness."
Baha'u'llah selected Abdu'l-Baha to interpret the Baha'i writings after his death.
After the death of Abdu'l-Baha, the authority passed to Shoghi Effendi, who was the only
authorized interpreter of the Baha'i Teachings until his death in 1957. His
interpretations are believed to be based on his infallible understanding of the Texts. He
has interpreted the second reference as prohibiting all same-sex activity, including that
between consenting gays or lesbians in committed relationships.
A letter written on behalf of Shoghi Effendi, the Guardian of the Baha'i Faith,
(1950-MAR-26) states that a homosexual relationship is inherently sinful, that
it is a handicap to overcome, and that persons with a homosexual orientation can
change and become heterosexual. He wrote, in part:
"No matter how devoted and fine the love may be between people of the same sex,
to let it find expression in sexual acts is wrong. To say that it is ideal is no excuse.
Immorality of every sort is really forbidden by Baha'u'llah, and homosexual relationships
he looks upon as such, besides being against nature...To be afflicted this way is a great
burden to a conscientious soul. But through the advice and help doctors, through a strong
and determined effort, and through prayer, a soul can overcome this handicap."
1973 Statements by the House of Justice:
They wrote (1973-FEB) that:
"151. A number of sexual problems, such as homosexuality and transsexuality can
well have medical aspects, and in such cases recourse should certainly be had to the best
medical assistance. But it is clear from the teaching of Baha'u'llah that homosexuality is
not a condition to which a person should be reconciled, but is a distortion of his or her
nature which should be controlled and overcome.
Implied in this statement are the beliefs that a person's sexual orientation can be
changed through effort and treatment, and that homosexuality is an unnatural condition to
be overcome. These beliefs are identical to those held by most Evangelical Christians, but
are directly opposite to a consensus reached by that vast majority of psychologists and
psychiatrists who are not Evangelical Christians or Baha'i's.
The House of Justice wrote on 1973-MAR-14 that:
"Baha'i teachings on sexual morality centre on marriage and the family as the
bedrock of the whole structure of human society, and are designed to protect and
strengthen that divine institution. Thus Baha'i Law restricts permissible sexual
intercourse to that between a man and the woman to whom he is married."
Rulings of Universal House of Justice are considered infallible. It cannot change a
law, it can only legislate in areas where no law has been previously established by the
Faith's sacred writings.
1982 Letter on behalf of the Universal House of Justice:
A letter from the Research Department to the Universal House of Justice dated
1993-JUL-5 cited an earlier letter written on behalf of the Universal House of Justice,
dated 1982-AUG-23, which said that persons with homosexual orientation are
expected to live a celibate life. The letter stated, in part:
"...the Faith does not recognize homosexuality as a 'natural' or permanent
phenomenon. Rather, it sees this as an aberration subject to treatment, however
intractable exclusive homosexuality may now seem to be. To the question of alteration of
homosexual bents, much study must be given, and doubtless in the future clear principles
of prevention and treatment will emerge. As for those now afflicted, a homosexual does not
decide to be a problem human, but he does, as you rightly state, have decision in choosing
his way of life, i.e. abstaining from homosexual acts.
1993 gay-positive meeting:
On 1993-SEP-3 to 5, at the request of the National Spiritual Assembly of the Baha'is
of the United States, a group of gays, lesbians and supporters gathered in Reno, NV to
discuss the beliefs and practices of the Baha'i Faith with regard to homosexuality. The
meeting was organized by the Local Spiritual Assembly of Reno and members of the Gay
Baha'i Fellowship. On a letter to the Assembly dated 1993-SEP-20, they raised a
number of points:
In an apparent reference to the high suicide rate among gays and lesbians, they said "Many
of us have been in hiding from our Baha'i communities, we have all been made to feel
unwelcome in our own religion. For a few of us, it seems that alienation, confusion, and
despair has been too heavy a burden to bear."
"Many of us believe that this issue revolves around the Baha'i principle of the
reconciliation of science and religion."
"None of us has found in all our efforts any evidence whatsoever that a
homosexual can be changed into a heterosexual by medicine or psychological treatments. Our
personal experience supports the accepted view of science."
"...recent data strongly suggests that sexual orientation is not only
non-pathogenic, but prenatal, in fact in part genetically determined."
They cite a conflict between: "On the one side, a person's unchangeable sexual
and emotional needs, supported wholeheartedly by medicine and psychology and further
strengthened by a global movement in Gay and Lesbian rights. On the other side, the
morality and censure of their chosen Faith. This is no small dilemma."6
The group produced a series of recommendations to the Assembly:
"...greater compassion and forbearance in regarding homosexual Baha'is." They
suggested that administrative action be taken against gay or lesbian Baha'is only in cases
of "genuine public scandal."
An end to "backbiting, intolerance, and unkindness" directed at gays'
and lesbians' private behavior. They called for an end to a double standard; they felt
that homosexuals and heterosexuals were treated differently for the same behaviors. The
asked for a review of all cases where rights were removed from gays or lesbians.
Creation of a learned committee "to develop a plan to enlighten and educate the
American Baha'i community concerning homosexuality..."
Creation of a group: Baha'i Parents and Friends of Gays and Lesbians
(BPFLAG),
modeled after the existing, secular PFLAG.
The Gay Baha'i Fellowship provide a speakers bureau as a resource to the Baha'i
community.
The Assembly should make a "clear statement about whether gays and lesbians are
welcome in the Baha'i Faith." They expressed concern about the negative effect
that lack of acceptance of homosexuality by the Baha'i Faith is having upon individuals in
the scientific, civil rights, and progressive religious communities.
That Auxiliary Board Members and their assistants be provided "with up to date
materials, resources, and background on this subject." They expressed concern
that "the focus to date has been one of "changing' sexual orientation which
is not a reachable goal, in light of current scientific findings."
The Assembly should instruct Local Spiritual Assemblies to stop encouraging marriage as
a cure for homosexuality in view of the disastrous consequences that have resulted. They
recommended that lists of AIDS resources and support organizations be made available all
Baha'i institutions and individuals,
The group offered to consult with the National Spiritual Assembly about these
recommendations.
They received no response from the Assembly at the time. However, the latter have
since gone on record as welcoming gays and lesbians as members, as long as they
make a "sincere and persistent effort to eradicate those aspects of their
conduct." Presumably this means that they try to change their sexual
orientation and/or remain celibate. More details below.
1995 statement by the House of Justice:
They wrote a lengthy letter on 1995-SEP-11 to the National Spiritual Assembly of
the Baha'is of the United States.". 2 It stated (in part) that:
"It is important to understand that there is a difference between the Baha'i
attitude toward, on the one hand, the condition of homosexuality and those who are
affected by it and, on the other, the practice of homosexual relations by members of the
Baha'i community..."
"The view that homosexuality is a condition that is not amenable to change is to
be questioned by Baha'is...The statistics which indicate that homosexuality is incurable
are undoubtedly distorted by the fact that many of those who overcome the problem never
speak about it in public, and others solve their problems without even consulting
professional counselors..."
"...the kind of sexuality purposed by God is the love between a man and a
woman..."
"If, therefore, a homosexual cannot overcome his or her condition to the extent of
being able to have as [sic] heterosexual marriage, he or she must remain single, and
abstain from sexual relations..."
"The condition of being sexually attracted to some object other than a mature
member of the opposite sex, a condition of which homosexuality is but one manifestation,
is regarded by the Faith as a distortion of true human nature, as a problem to be
overcome... Any Baha'i who suffers from such a disability should be treated with
understanding, and should be helped to control and overcome it..."
"If the individual fails to rectify his conduct in spite of repeated warnings,
sanctions should be imposed. Assemblies, of course, must exercise care not to pry into the
private lives of the believers to ensure that they are behaving properly, but should not
hesitate to take action in cases of blatant misbehavior...A flagrant violation of this
standard disgraces the Baha'i community in its own eyes even if the surrounding society
finds the transgression tolerable." 2
Sponsored link:
1996 Statement by the National Spiritual Assembly of the UK:
The NSA distributed a statement prepared for a London UK education group about the
teaching about homosexuality within the school system. 7 The Assembly stated that :...the
statement does not claim to be exhaustive, but it can be used with wisdom as part of a
response to questions." Some excerpts from their statement are:
"...the sexual impulse is a God-given one... The appropriate circumstance for
this is within marriage, the legally, socially, and spiritually sanctioned union of two
adults of the opposite sex. Other expressions are neither valid nor to be
encouraged."
This is "taught by the world's great religions, and is part of the basis of a
stable and civilized society."
"The moral and sexual education of children cannot be taken separately, and must
be based upon heterosexuality, fidelity, and the family unit."
"...the sexual practice of homosexuality is no more an acceptable activity than
is heterosexual activity outside marriage."
"We also abhor the introduction of loaded words such as 'homophobia' and
'heterosexism' to try to convey the idea that rejection of homosexuality is as prejudiced
and discriminatory as racism, sexism, and other biases and intolerances..."
1996: Draft FAQ approved by the U.S. National Spiritual Assembly (NSA):
Roger Reini prepared a document which was approved for distribution by the U.S. NSA. He quoted from a number of earlier Baha'i writings. The FAQ says, in part:
"Every good habit, every noble quality belongs to man's spiritual
nature, whereas all his imperfections and sinful actions are born of his
material nature....if...allows his evil passions to conquer him, then
he is no better than a mere animal."
"When the animal proclivity in man becomes predominant, he sinks even
lower than the brute."
"Baha'i law...restricts permissible sexual intercourse to that between
a man and the woman to whom he is married."
"Homosexuality, according to the Writings of Baha'u'llah, is
spiritually condemned.... we do not believe that it is a permissible way of
life..."
"No matter how devoted and fine the love may be between people of the
same sex, to let it find expression in sexual acts is wrong."
"Immorality of every sort is really forbidden by Baha'u'llah, and
homosexual relationships He looks upon as such, besides being against nature."
"...through the advice and help of doctors, through a strong and
determined effort, and through prayer, a soul can overcome this handicap."
"...homosexuality is not a condition to which a person should be
reconciled, but is a distortion of his or her nature which should be
controlled or overcome."
"The Law of God requires them to practise chastity."
"...being [homo]sexually attracted...is regarded by the Faith as a
distortion of true human nature, as a problem to be overcome, no matter what
specific physical or psychological condition may be the immediate cause."
"If their activities overstep all bounds and become a matter of public
scandal, then the Assembly can consider depriving them of their voting rights."
"To regard homosexuals with prejudice and disdain would be entirely
against the spirit of Baha'i Teachings."
"If the individual fails to rectify his conduct in spite of repeated
warnings, sanctions should be imposed."
12
Undated: A letter from a Baha'i counselor:
A Baha'i counselor, Wilma Ellis, has had published a letter to a non-Baha'i
on the topic of homosexuality. She states, in part:
"...sexual activity is not the paramount element of human existence
...sexuality must be placed in a proper social and spiritual context, regulated,
and subordinated to higher purposes."
"Bahá’u’lláh
prohibits His followers from engaging in sexual relations outside marriage,
which He defines as limited to partners of the opposite sex.
Intentional violation of this law subjects any Bahá'í to sanctions."
"...homosexual
orientation, as such, does not subject a Bahá'í to sanctions. Only
extra-marital sexual acts do." 13
2002: A reflective letter from a doctor:
Sam G. McClellan, M.D., in consultation with the Institute on AIDS, Sexuality
and Addictions, wrote an essay "Some reflections on the Bahá’í Teachings as they
relate to homosexuality." 14 It was revised in 2002-JAN. In it, he clearly
differentiates between three meanings of the term "homosexuality:"
A sexual orientation, defined by being is sexually attracted to members of
the same gender. It is one of three orientations, including heterosexuality
and bisexuality. His essay appears to be in error at this point, because a
person can be "physically and emotionally attracted to other adults
biologically of the same gender" and have a bisexual orientation, not a
homosexual orientation.
A behavior, defined by being sexually active with persons of the same sex.
An identity, which he defines as "a process of adopting, through self-labeling, an identification with a community that
shares the same preference or behavior, such as the gay or lesbian community."
Citing a letter
written by an unidentified person on behalf of the Universal House of
Justice, he states: "There is nothing in the Bahá’í
teachings to justify prejudice against any person because he or she happens to
be dealing with issues of homosexuality – either in terms of orientation,
behavior or identity."
McClellan writes:
"Bahá’u’lláh forbids homosexual acts as He, indeed, forbids all sexual
intercourse outside of lawful marriage between a man and a woman. A homosexual
union, no matter how faithful and enduring, does not qualify as marriage in
Bahá’í law."
"To change one’s self-definition requires much effort, support and
encouragement, and it will, most likely, be a complex and lengthy process
marked by small, cumulative successes and a great deal of struggle."
Current status of homosexuality in the Baha'i Faith:
Persons with homosexual, bisexual or transsexual orientation are all welcomed as
members of the Baha'i Faith. As stated by a draft FAQ approved for distribution by the US
National Spiritual Assembly:
"To regard homosexuals with prejudice and disdain would be entirely against the
spirit of Baha'i Teachings. The doors are open for all of humanity to enter the Cause of
God, irrespective of their present circumstances; this invitation applies to homosexuals
as well as to any others who are engaged in practices contrary to the Baha'i
Teachings."
"Associated with this invitation is the expectation that all believers
will make a sincere and persistent effort to eradicate those aspects of their
conduct which are not in conformity with Divine Law." 4
Any Baha'i member in good standing can be elected to any office within the Faith,
regardless of their sexual orientation. However, gays and lesbians might be declared to be
not in good standing if they flagrantly display their homosexuality. They are
expected to make "sincere and persistent effort" to remain
celibate.
A fundamental belief of the Baha'i Faith is that true science and religion cannot be in
conflict. Sexual orientation continues to be studied by human sexuality researchers.
In the West, a
social and scientific consensus is being developed that
homosexuality is a natural, normal, unchosen, and acceptable variation of human sexuality for a minority of
adults, and
an adult's sexual orientation is unchangeable or can only rarely be
changed.
There seems to be the same conflict within the Baha'i Faith over homosexuality as is
seen in other religions in North America:
Some define "homosexuality" as a behavior. Homosexuality is what a
person does, sexually. An individual is no longer a homosexual if they
lead a celibate life. A bisexual orientation, in
which a person is sexually attracted to both men and women, is rarely
considered. A bisexual who abandons a sexual relationship with a same-sex
partner and pursues only relationships with the opposite sex are seen as
having "controlled and overcome" their "handicap."
Some define "homosexuality" as an orientation. Homosexuality is
what a person is. A person with a homosexual orientation who is
celibate remains a celibate homosexual. Her or his sexual orientation is
unchanged. In fact, it cannot be changed.
We expect that the Baha'i Faith will experience increasing conflicts over homosexuality
and bisexuality in the West. Some will be escalating internal dissension, driven by Baha'i gays and
lesbians. They believe that their sexual orientation is
natural and God-given, and want their religious group to recognize this. There will also be external pressure from
those in North America who accept
recent scientific findings. Potential converts will be less likely to join a religion that
treats minority sexual orientations as disorders. On the other hand,
discrimination against gays, lesbians and bisexuals may well increase the growth
of the Faith elsewhere in the world in those countries that oppress homosexuals
and bisexuals.
Gay/Baha'i Website:
The Gay Bahai webmaster is not a member of the Baha'i Faith,
but is in a relationship with a member. He describes his site as: "The
only Gay Baha'i web site. Here Gay, Lesbian, Bi-Sexual and
Transgendered Baha'is can chat and know that they are not alone."
See: http://www.gaybahai.homestead.com/
References used:
"Messages from the Universal House of Justice 1968-1973", P. 110-11)
(Volume 1, pages 57-58)
Universal House of Justice, "The Baha'i Teachings on Homosexuality",
Letter to the National Spiritual Assembly of the Baha'is of the United States,
1995-SEP-11. Reprinted in "The American Baha'i," Qawl 152, 1995-NOV-23,
P. 11. Available at: http://bahai-library.org/uhj/homosexuality.uhj.html
Letter containing recommendations to the National Spiritual Assembly of the Baha'is
of the United States from a gay-positive group is at: http://bahai-library.org/letters/gays.html
The Baha'i International Health Agency formally recognized and
sponsored the establishment of the Institute on AIDS, Sexuality and
Addictions, to explore Baha'i principles and concepts related to these
three topics. Their web site is at: http://www.globweb.com/bnasaa/
Roger Reini, "Draft FAQ: The Bha'i Faith and homosexuality, A
Compilation of Selections from the Baha'i Writings," 1996-JAN-13, at:
http://bahai-library.org/