Posted by Rob on May 30, 2101 at 12:14:30:

In Reply to: Baha'i Marriage posted by Nick Stone on May 30, 2101 at 09:27:48:

The Baha'i Writings are very clear on the matter of homosexuality.

Here are some quotes:

"Amongst the many other evils afflicting society in this spiritual low water mark in history, is the question of immorality, and over-emphasis of sex. Homosexuality, according to the Writings of Baha'u'llah, is spiritually condemned. This does not mean that people so afflicted must not be helped and advised and sympathized with. It does mean that we do not believe that it is a permissible way of life; which, alas, is all to often the accepted attitude nowadays."

Letter written on behalf of the Guardian to an individual believer, May 21, 1954; National Baha'i Review, No. 3, March 1968, p.2; also in Lights of Guidance, A Baha'i Reference File, No. 723, p. 272-273.

"A number of sexual problems, such as homosexuality and transexuality 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. This may require a hard struggle, but so also can be the struggle of the heterosexual person to control his or her desires. The exercise of self-control in this, as in so very many other aspects of life, has a beneficial effect on the progress of the soul. It should, moreover, be borne in mind that although to be married is highly desirable, and Baha'u'llah has strongly recommended it, it is not the central purpose of life. If a person has to wait a considerable period before finding a spouse, or if ultimately, he or she must remain single, it does not mean that he or she is thereby unable to fulfil his or her life's purpose."

Froma letter of the Universal House of Justice to an individual; excerpts to all National Spiritual Assemblies, February 6, 1973; Messages from the Universal House of Justice, 1968-1973, p. 110-111; also in Lights of Guidance, A Baha'i Reference File, No. 724, p. 273.

"No matter how devoted and fine then 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 being such, besides being against nature.
"To be afflicted this way is a great burden to a conscientious soul. But through the advice and help of doctors, through a strong and determined effort, and through prayer, a soul can overcomve this handicap.
"God judges each soul according to its merits. The Guardian cannot tell you what the attitude of God would be towards a person who lives a good life in most ways, but not in this way. All he can tell you is that it is forbidden by Baha'u'llah, and that one so afflicted should struggle and struggle again to overcome it. We must be hopeful of God's Mercy but not impose upon it."

From a letter on behalf of the Guardian to an individual believer, March 26, 1950 as found in Lights of Guidance, A Baha'i Reference File, No. 725, p. 273-274.

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