Sikhism and sexual orientation
Sikhism has no specific teachings about homosexuality. The Sikh holy book, the Guru Granth Sahib, does not explicitly mention homosexuality.
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[edit] Conflicting Views In Modern Sikhism
Giani Joginder Singh Vedanti, of the Akal Takht (the temporal Sikh authority), has condemned homosexuality while reminding visiting Sikh-Canadian Members of Parliament (MPs) of their religious duty to oppose same-sex marriage.[1] In a report published in March 2005, Vedanti said, "The basic duty of Sikh MPs in Canada should be to support laws that stop this kind of practice homosexuality, because there are thousands of Sikhs living in Canada, to ensure that Sikhs do not fall prey to this practice."
Many Sikhs however, believe, there is nothing wrong[2] with homosexuality in Sikhism, and that the view of some preachers in the Akal Takht is flawed.[3]
[edit] Homosexuality in scripture
The Sikh holy book, the Guru Granth Sahib, is the highest authority in the Sikhism, it is seen as the 11th and eternal Guru. It serves as a guide to Sikhs on how to live positive lives, and details what behavior is expected of all Sikhs. It is seemingly silent on the subject of homosexuality; however, married life is encouraged time and time again in Guru Granth Sahib Ji.
Marriage in Sikhism is seen as a union of souls. In Sikhism, the soul is seen as genderless, and the outward appearance of human beings (man, woman) is a temporary state. Same-sex marriage advocates refer to this fact.[3]
Views on homosexuality tend not to be a primary concern in Sikh teachings as the universal goal of a Sikh is to have no hate or animosity to any person, regardless of race, caste, color, creed, gender, or sexuality.
[edit] See also
[edit] References
- ^ World Sikh group against gay marriage bill, CBC News, Tuesday, 29 March 2005.
- ^ "Sikhism and same Sex Marriages" (in English). sarbat.net. p. 1. Archived from the original on 3 October 2007. http://www.sarbat.net/2007/10/sikhism-and-same-sex-marriages/. Retrieved 3 September 2010.
- ^ a b Naad, Project (2/9/2010). "Sikhism, Yoga and Sexuality" (in English). Project Naad. p. 33. Archived from the original on 2 September 2010. http://web.archive.org/web/20101011162907/http://www.projectnaad.com/wp-content/uploads/leaflets/sikhism_yoga_and_sexuality.pdf. Retrieved 2 January 2012.
[edit] External links
- Invisibility: Without Recognition, There is No Support
- Sikhism and Homosexuality
- SARBAT.NET – Website for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgendered Sikhs around the world
- ProjectNaad.com – Sikhism Resource Centre examines homosexuality
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