Author Topic: What is Attitude of Sikhism towards Homosexuality?? (Read 6950 times)

Kudrat Kaur · « **on:** March 06, 2011, 09:44:59 PM »

This thing was stuck in my mind for many days, when someone asked me that What does Sikhism think about this new trend of homosexuality?

While i explained him like that this is kind of Gender identity disorder but when i searched about it this thing, this is not considered a disorder anymore.. Well, I dont know What do you guys think about it? but certainly I would like to hear your opinion too.. not just your personal opinion but What do you think about homosexuality on religious basis??

or Does Sikhism condemn homosexuality?? or We have just turned blind eye to this mater..

First i would like discuss about other Sikh organisations view point over this then would discuss about my point of view too..

Current Situation in India..

In India, Homosexuality was considered as criminal offence till 2009 but now it is bit tolerant. On 2 July 2009, the Delhi High Court court decriminalised homosexual intercourse between consenting adults, throughout India, where Section 377 of the Indian Penal Code was adjudged to violate the fundamental right to life and liberty and the right to equality as guaranteed by the Constitution of India.

A 2002 survey estimated that one-sixth of India's male and female population was homosexual.

Sikhism and Homosexuality-

Ethnicity Online website states that:
Sikhism is a very tolerant religion and seeks to find the truth rather than adhere rigidly
to rules. Homosexuality is not specifically banned in any of the writings of the Gurus, but
they do stress that God has intended people to live as man and wife, or to be celibate, with no
deviation from this design. This ambivalence allows most Sikhs to be very tolerant of
homosexuality and accept a homosexual individual while still regarding the practice as
against God’s design”

The Religion Facts website comments that:
The Sikh sacred text, the Guru Granth Sahib, is the highest authority in Sikhism. It is silent on the subject homosexuality. However, there are parts of the Guru Granth Sahib that have been interpreted to mean that homosexuality is wrong.

There are five vices outlined in the Guru Granth Sahib that are to be avoided by Sikhs. These vices are called the Five Thieves. They are Pride (aHankar), Anger (Krodh), Greed (LobH), Attachment (MoH), and Lust (Khaam). Many Sikhs believe that homosexual thoughts and behaviour are just manifestations of lust, and that it is therefore forbidden.

However, other Sikhs believe that Guru Nanak's emphasis on universal equality and brotherhood is fundamentally in support of gay rights. This view is held by a minority of Sikhs,many of whom have been born/raised in countries that are more tolerant towards homosexuality. Some Sikhs have even gone so far as to describe homosexuals as "the new Untouchables" in reference to Sikhism's rejection of the Indian caste system.

One of Sikhism underlying values is family living. Sikhs are expected to live in a family environment in order to conceive and nurture their children in order to perpetuate God's
creation. Any alternative manner of living is prohibited specifically a celibate lifestyle. Most Sikhs assume this means homosexuality, which cannot result in procreation, is unnatural and against God's will.

Another Sikh website notes that: Homosexuality is not addressed in scripture,Guru Granth Sahibji.

Akal Takht -During his meeting with the visiting Canadian Sikh MPs on 29 March 2005, Giani Joginder Singh Vedanti, the highest Sikh authority stated that homosexuality is "against the Sikh religion and the Sikh code of conduct and totally against the laws of nature." He called on Sikhs to support laws against gay marriage. He also denounced same-sex marriage and urged the Sikh assembly not to allow such ceremonies in a Sikh place of worship. According to him, “the Sikh code of conduct does not allow such marriages”.

Author Topic: What is Attitude of Sikhism towards Homosexuality?? (Read 6950 times)

Kudrat Kaur

What is Attitude of Sikhism towards Homosexuality??

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