Unfortunately this article is disingenuous at best. The Bahai Faith is
homophobic, and prejudicial against gays and lesbians. GLBT Bahaís are
treated as second class citizens, and shunned... they have let many of
us know that we are not welcome in their communities... someone needs to
do their homework here.
Homosexuality is a very common topic in all faiths — the Bahá’í Faith
is no different. Unlike many other religions, however homosexuality is
not prevented nor advocated against because it would be “
against the spirit of the Faith,”
according to a 2010 letter from Kenneth E. Bowers, Secretary of the
National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of the United States. The
Bahá’í Faith teaches that it is only acceptable to have sexual
expression within marriage. Another teaching states that marriage is
between a man and woman. The importance of absolute chastity and
personal restraint in unmarried persons is stressed more so than the
gender of a potential partner.
Homosexuality, according to Bahá’í Faith teachings, is a condition to
control and subdue, but recently, singling out homosexuality over other
transgressions is frowned upon. Gay and lesbians may have membership in
the Bahá’í community, and although it is commonplace to advise and
sympathize with them, membership is permitted. However, those who have “
accepted the Revelation of Bahá’u’lláh” are not permitted to enter into a same-sex marriage.
Bahá’í teachings say that homosexuals should not be condemned as
outcasts, nor do Bahá’ís expect those of other faiths to follow Bahá’í
laws. Bowers goes on to say, “In attempting to reconcile what may appear
to be conflicting obligations, it is important to understand that the
Bahá’í community does not seek to impose its values on others, nor does
it pass judgment on others on the basis of its own moral standards.”
The writings state to treat all with respect and dignity without
exception; discrimination and intolerance is not supported by any Bahá’í
teachings. The adherence of laws for social conduct remains up to the
individual, unless their actions are causing harm to the community.
Spiritual Assemblies are instructed to be patient, as well as to
persuade members to accept the laws out of conviction and desire, rather
than blind faith. The Bahá’í Faith for the most part neither advocates
nor discriminates against the gay community.
The only time an individual is sanctioned by the Spiritual Assembly
for being damaging to the image of the Bahá’í Faith in regards to
sexuality is if an individual is being sexually promiscuous. These
sanctions remove the ability to contribute funds, vote or hold office
within the community and bar an individual from the Nineteen Day Feast, a
monthly spiritual gathering. This consequence is used only in cases of
public scandal and in very flagrant cases. Often the individual is
placed on probation, if disregard continues the assembly may remove the
person’s administrative rights. This is similar to ex-communication of
the Catholic faith; however other Bahá’í members are not directed to
avoid fellowship and interaction with the de-administrated individual.
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