The Fight for LGBTQ+ Equality

Religious Studies: KS3, topic 3.4.11

The relationship between LGBTQ+ relations and religion is complex.

We have seen that many of the problems faced by the LGBTQ+ community stem from certain religious points of view.
There are Christian Churches in the US for example who say that those who have same-sex relations will go to hell, for they are hated by God.
Additionally, the Shari’ah Law in Islam says same-sex relationships deserve the same fate as adultery; death.

This strict interpretation of the scripture is not accepted by all Christians and Muslims.
The Diverse Church is a Christian group that supports members of the LGBTQ+ community, many of whom face rejection from their own church.
It encourages theological discussion of anti-LGBTQ+ attitudes within the Christian Gospel.
Imaan is an organisation that supports LGBTQ+ Muslims who feel rejected by their families or faith.
Imaan offers a more inclusive and tolerant interpretation of the Koran.

A large proportion of the discussion about religion and same-sex relationships centres on how to understand the teaching of the Bible or the Koran:
Should religious texts be accepted literally in what they say?
Are they accepted as truth, but with the need for interpretation?
Are they documents that reflect the attitudes of their time and are, in part, no longer relevant?

Some biblical texts seem to condemn same-sex relations, such as the one from Leviticus 18.
However, such teaching comes from a time and community that believed it important to grow in number, to be strong and to survive.
Contraception, and eating food that could be contaminated, were also considered wrong.
Some interpret that 'sin' was anything that could threaten the strength of the community.
So, they argue that we should not focus on same-sex relationships in this context.

The Koran condemns Fahisha (7:80), often understood as indecency, including same-sex relationships.
For some, Fashisha condemns those that surrender to their physical desires.
For some, it calls for self-control in all sexual relationships.
Religious LGBTQ+ support groups view sexuality as something natural to the individual.
They seek inclusivity in Christianity or Islam.
They say that God or Allah loves everyone as they are, and that a relationship based on love cannot be sinful.

Test yourself on The Fight for LGBTQ+ Equality