THE BAHA'I FAITH

AND HOMOSEXUALITY

Overview:
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.The Baha'i faith has traditionally valued and accepted the findings of
science. Their beliefs about to sexual orientation appear to be an exception to
this policy. The major medical and mental health professional associations have
issued statements declaring sexual orientation to be normal, natural, and
unchangeable (or essentially so) in adults.

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." 6The group produced a series of recommendations to the
Assembly:
1. "...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."
2. 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.
3. Creation of a learned committee "to develop a plan to enlighten and educate the
American Baha'i community concerning homosexuality..."
4. Creation of a group: Baha'i Parents and Friends of Gays and Lesbians (BPFLAG),
modeled after the existing, secular PFLAG.
5. The Gay Baha'i Fellowship provide a speakers bureau as a resource to the Baha'i
community.
6. 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.
7. 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."
8. 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,
9. 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

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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.""Bah�u�ll�h 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 Bah�'� to
sanctions." "...homosexual orientation, as such, does not subject a Bah�'� 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 Bah�� �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 Bah��
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:
"Bah�u�ll�h 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 Bah�� 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."He recommends reparative therapy as
promoted by the National Association for Research and Therapy of Homosexuality
(NARTH). The best estimate that we have been able to derive is that reparative
therapy has a success rate below 0.5%

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, andan 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:
1. "Messages from the Universal House of Justice 1968-1973", P. 110-11) (Volume 1,
pages 57-58)
2. 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
3. An index of materials on the Baha'i view of homosexuality can be accessed at:
http://bahai.miningco.com/library/sub/soc/msubhomo.htm (this link appears to be
dead)
4. A "Draft FAQ: The Baha'i Faith and Homosexuality" prepared by Roger Reini on
1996-JAN-13 is available at: http://bahai-
library.org/compilations/homosexuality.comp.html
5. Another essay on homosexuality within the Baha'i Faith was posted to newsgroup
"Soc.Religion.Bahai" by Mesbah Javid. See: http://www.bcca.org/srb/archive/951021-
951231/0011.html
6. 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
7. The statement by the National Spiritual Assembly of the UK is available at:
http://bahai-library.org/nsa/homosexuality.uk.html
8. "A review of some Baha'i literature on homosexuality," at: http://bahai-
library.org/unpubl.articles/homosexuality.html
9. A discussion conducted on the listserv Talisman One, available at:
http://bahai-library.org/essays/aqdas.107.html
10. A memorandum sent to the Universal House of Justice on 1993-JUL-5 contains a
selection of extracts from various Baha'i sources on homosexuality. See:�
http://bahai-library.org/uhj/homosexuality.discussion.html
11. 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/�
12. 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/unpubl.compilations/homosexuality.comp.html
13. Qilma Ellis, "Eliminating prejudices," undated, at:
http://www.bnasaa.org/</a></li>%20%20<li>Sam%20G.%20McClellan,%20"<i>Some
%20reflections%20on%20the%20Bah��%20�Teachings%20as%20they%20relate%20to
%20homosexuality</i>,"%20Revised%20%20%202002-JAN,%20at:%20<a%20href=

Copyright � 1996, 1998, 2000, 2001, 2003, & 2004 by Ontario Consultants on
Religious Tolerance
Latest update: 2004-AUG-17
Author: B.A. Robinson