Statement on Homosexuality
Exported from Holy-Writings.com on 2026-07-05 - 1 clipping

This statement is posted at the request of the National Spiritual Assembly.

(The statement was prepared for a London SACRE, whose members were concerned at
the introduction into schools of material which seemed to approve of, and even
promote, homosexuality. That body was devising an approach to the education
authorities which would show the concern of the various faith communities about
such material.

The National Spiritual Assembly feels it should be shared with the Friends. The
subject of homosexuality is complex and is also politically and emotionally
charged, and the statement does not claim to be exhaustive, but it can be used
with wisdom as part of a response to questions.)

STATEMENT BY THE NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY OF THE BAHA'IS OF THE UNITED
KINGDOM

The National Spiritual Assembly, as the elected administrative body for the
Bahá'í Faith in the United Kingdom, is concerned at some aspects of the sexual
education of schoolchildren in this country.

Bahá'ís believe that the sexual impulse is a God-given one, and the source of
great joy and fulfilment if expressed in the intended way. 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.

We recognise that this ideal, of chastity before marriage and fidelity within
it, is unfashionable. However it is taught by the world's great religions, and
is part of the basis of a stable and civilised society. Its rejection is in
part a cause and in part an effect of the stresses, strain, and devaluation of
people, that is occurring in the present-day world.

The moral and sexual education of children cannot be taken separately, and must
be based upon heterosexuality, fidelity, and the family unit.

Bahá'ís reject the idea that homosexuality is something to be regarded as
normal and its practice merely a valid lifestyle alternative. While it is wrong
to condemn homosexuals as people, the sexual practice of homosexuality is no
more an acceptable activity than is heterosexual activity outside marriage.

We are concerned that homosexuality is being taught as if it were normal, and
even more so when this is done to children of a vulnerable and
readily-influenced age. 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 which society is so painfully outgrowing. These words
are designed to cow those opposed to the promotion of homosexuality by
generating an atmosphere in which any disagreement is automatically represented
as due to blind prejudice and bigotry. 

Bahá'ís feel that there is so much common ground between the teachings of the
world's faiths on this important subject that there should be no difficulty
about their standing together against the values being promoted by the forces
of secularism in our society.
-- Statement on Homosexuality (Used by permission of the curator)