HOMOSEXUALITY
Definition: ‘Sexual desire or behaviour directed toward a person or persons of one's own sex’.
LEGISLATION IN THE UK
1967: Homosexual acts decriminalised (for men over 21)
2001: Age of homosexual consent lowered to 16
2005: Couples can register their partnership legally in civil ceremony
2013: Gay marriages in consenting churches legalised
CHRISTIAN ATTITUDES
MUSLIM ATTITUDES
Heterosexuality recommended in Bible, e.g. Adam & Eve
Natural Law: Heterosexual acts have a biological purpose to create children. Homosexuality is a sin as it cannot create a child.
Old Testament: Homosexuality condemned: 'You shall not lie, with a man as you would with a woman. It is an abomination.' (Leviticius 18:22) (- however, many Christians today say this cannot be taken as strict rule)
New Testament: Jesus said nothing about homosexual relationships but taught to “Love your neighbour as you love yourself.” Could this mean he accepted homosexuality?
Homosexuality is condemned in St. Paul's letters, but seen as a forgivable sin. In Romans, he condemns heterosexual men who occasionally have sex with male prostitutes - there is controversy over whether he condemned all homosexual acts.
Many think it is a grave sin. In some countries punished by death.
Situation Ethics: Some Christians do what they think is most loving in a certain situation.
Many believe it is a result of environment rather than genes, and therefore a choice, which should not be made.
More recently, liberal Muslims claim Allah would not want homosexuals to be punished, as he created all people. Those who condemn homosexuals base their views on narrow minded interpretations of Islamic teachings.
“If two men among you commit indecency punish them both. If they repent and mend their ways, let them be. Allah is forgiving and merciful.” (Qur'an)
Views range from the Orthodox Church which views homosexuality as a disorder, via Catholics who accept homosexuals but feel their relationships should be celibate, and Protestants, who accept exclusive homosexual relationships although they fall short of God's plan, to the gay and lesbian Christian movement, which campaigns for full acceptance of homosexual people by the Church.