Editing Homosexuality and religion (section)

===Indian religions===
Among the [[Indian religions|religions that originated in ancient and medieval India]], including [[Hinduism]], [[Buddhism]], [[Jainism]] and [[Sikhism]], teachings regarding homosexuality are less clear than among the Abrahamic traditions, and religious authorities voice diverse opinions. [[Sikhism]] has no specific teachings about [[sexual orientation|homosexuality]] and the Sikh holy scripture, the [[Guru Granth Sahib]], does not explicitly mention [[heterosexuality]], homosexuality or [[bisexuality]]. The universal goal of a Sikh is to have no hate or animosity to any person, regardless of factors like race, caste, color, creed or gender.<ref name="auto">{{cite web |url=http://www.gaylaxymag.com/articles/queer-voices/homosexuality-and-sikhism |title=Homosexuality and Sikhism |website=[[Gaylaxy]] |date=26 May 2011 |access-date=10 Sep 2022 |last=Collins |first=Zurich}}</ref> Hinduism is diverse, with no supreme governing body, but the majority of [[swami]]s opposed same-sex relationships in a 2004 survey, and a minority supported them.<ref>{{cite journal |url=http://www.faithandthecity.org/issues/social/articles/Discussions_on_Dharma%20.shtml |title=Discussions on Dharma |first=Rajiv |last=Malik |journal=[[Hinduism Today Magazine]] |date=October–December 2004 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110726045115/http://www.faithandthecity.org/issues/social/articles/Discussions_on_Dharma%20.shtml |archive-date=26 July 2011 }}</ref> Ancient religious texts such as the [[Vedas]] do not restrict homosexuality and often refer to people of a [[third gender]], who are neither female nor male.<ref name="Cousins 2014 p. 1158">{{cite book | last=Cousins | first=L.H. | title=Encyclopedia of Human Services and Diversity | publisher=SAGE Publications | year=2014 | isbn=978-1-4833-4665-6 | url=https://books.google.com/books?id=Spd0BAAAQBAJ&pg=PA1158 | access-date=2023-04-04 | page=1158}}</ref> Some see this third gender as an ancient parallel to [[lesbian]], [[gay]], [[bisexual]], [[transgender]] and [[intersex]] identities.

==== Hinduism ====
{{Main|Hinduism and LGBT topics|Kama|LGBT themes in Hindu mythology}}
[[Hinduism]] does not have a central authority. Many Hindu sects have taken various positions on homosexuality, ranging from positive to neutral or antagonistic. Referring to the nature of [[Samsara]], the [[Rigveda]], one of the four canonical sacred texts of Hinduism says 'Vikruti Evam Prakriti' (''Perversity/diversity is what nature is all about'', or, ''What seems unnatural is also natural'').<ref>'Expose the Hindu Taliban!' by [[Ashok Row Kavi]]</ref> A "[[third gender]]" has been acknowledged within numerous Hindu texts. Several Hindu texts, such as [[Manu Smriti]]<ref>Manu Smriti, 3.49</ref> and [[Sushruta Samhita]], assert that some people are born with either mixed male and female natures, or sexually neuter, as a matter of natural biology (while at the same time there are examples of speaking negatively in regards to male homosexuality as shown by the Manu Smriti and Arthashastra). In addition, each Hindu denomination had developed distinct rules regarding sexuality, as Hinduism is not unified and is decentralized in essence.

Hindu groups are historically not unified regarding the issue of homosexuality, each one having a distinct doctrinal view.<ref>Lariviere. ''Naradasmriti, (Part One)''. Philadelphia, 1989.</ref><ref name="History1">{{harvnb|Vanita|Kidwai|2001|p=25}}</ref><ref>[[Mahabharata]], book 5, Chapter 191-5.</ref>

The Indian [[Kama Sutra]], written around 150&nbsp;BC,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.gradesaver.com/author/vatsyayana/|title=Vatsyayana Biography - List of Works, Study Guides & Essays|author=GradeSaver|access-date=22 August 2015}}</ref> contains passages describing [[eunuch]]s or "third-sex" males performing [[oral sex]] on men.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.kamashastra.com/kama209.htm |title=Chapter IX of the Auparishtaka or Mouth Congress |access-date=January 26, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100313043325/http://www.kamashastra.com/kama209.htm |archive-date=13 March 2010}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.gaybombay.org/reading/art0001.html |title=Homosexuality in Ancient India |author=Devdutt Pattanaik |date=2001 |website=Gay Bombay |access-date=January 26, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081022073423/http://www.gaybombay.org/reading/art0001.html |archive-date=22 October 2008}}</ref> The text describes [[Kama]] as one of the three objectives to be achieved in life.<ref>Ruth Vanita, Saleem Kidwai, p. 47 [https://books.google.com/books?id=VbvIDAAAQBAJ&pg=PA47 Same-Sex Love in India: Readings in Indian Literature]</ref> Though it forbids the educated Brahmins, bureaucrats and wisemen from practicing [[Auparishtaka]] (oral sex).<ref>FM. Krishna Kumari, p. 151 [https://books.google.com/books?id=-IluAAAAMAAJ&q=kamasutra+brahmin+auparishtaka Sermons from Stones: Contribution of Andhras to Art, Culture, and Thought]</ref>

Similarly, some medieval Hindu temples and artifacts openly depict both male homosexuality and lesbianism within their carvings, such as the temple walls at [[Khajuraho]]. Some infer from these images that at least part of the Hindu society and religion were previously more open to variations in human sexuality than they are at present.
[[File:1 Erotic Kama statues of Khajuraho Hindu Temple Kandariya Mahadeva Khajurâho India 2013.jpg|thumb|Khajoraho scene of three women and one man]]

[[Ayoni]] sex, which includes oral and anal sex, never came to be viewed as much of a sin like in Christianity nor a serious crime and could be practiced in some cases. Close friendship between people of same genders has also been seen as permissible in Hindu texts.<ref name="Jeffrey">Jeffrey S. Siker, p. 126, [https://books.google.com/books?id=N6nYCeP_w8YC&q=ayoni&pg=PA126 Homosexuality and Religion: An Encyclopedia]</ref>

Several Hindu priests have performed same-sex marriages, arguing that love is the result of attachments from previous births and that marriage, as a union of spirit, is transcendental to gender.<ref>[http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/1357249.stm Gay couple hold Hindu wedding] Tuesday, 29 May 2001, 11:29 GMT, BBC News</ref><ref>[http://news.ncmonline.com/news/view_article.html?article_id=bc24b62d8bece96593d6041cc48a3f54 As Tide Turns on Same-Sex Marriage, Churches Lag Behind] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120306041528/http://news.ncmonline.com/news/view_article.html?article_id=bc24b62d8bece96593d6041cc48a3f54 |date=6 March 2012 }} New America Media, News Feature, Sandip Roy</ref>

==== Buddhism ====
[[File:Buddhist rainbow flag.svg|thumb|upright|Artistic representation of the intersection of [[Buddhism]] and [[LGBTQ]] people shown by the [[Buddhist flag]] and [[Rainbow flag (LGBTQ)|rainbow flag]].]]
{{Main|Buddhism and sexual orientation}}

The most common formulation of Buddhist ethics are the [[The Five Precepts|Five Precepts]] and the [[Noble Eightfold Path|Eightfold Path]], one should neither be attached to nor crave sensual pleasure. The third of the Five Precepts is "To refrain from committing sexual misconduct."<ref>{{cite web
  |last=Higgins
  |first=Winton
  |title=Buddhist Sexual Ethics
  |publisher=BuddhaNet Magazine
  |url=http://www.buddhanet.net/winton_s.htm
  |access-date=15 January 2007 }}
</ref> However, "sexual misconduct" is a broad term, and is subjected to interpretation relative to the social norms of the followers. 
The determination of whether or not [[homosexuality|same-gender]] relations are appropriate for a layperson is not considered a religious matter by many Buddhists.<ref>GLBT in World Religions, Sermon by Rev. Gabriele Parks, along with Phil Manos and Bill Weber. [http://www.tpuuf.org/2008/08/03/glbt-in-world-religions/ Tpuuf.org] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101123025839/http://www.tpuuf.org/2008/08/03/glbt-in-world-religions/ |date=23 November 2010 }}</ref>

According to the [[Pāli Canon]] and [[Āgama (Buddhism)|Āgama]] (the Early Buddhist scriptures), there is not any saying that same or opposite gender relations have anything to do with sexual misconduct,<ref name="cunda kammaraputta sutta">{{cite web|title=Cunda Kammaraputta Sutta|trans-title=To Cunda the Silversmith|translator-last1= Bhikkhu|translator-first1=Thanissaro |publisher=Access to Insight|year=1997|id=[[Anguttara Nikaya|AN]] 10.176|url=http://www.accesstoinsight.org/tipitaka/an/an10/an10.176.than.html| access-date = 14 March 2011|quote=Abandoning sensual misconduct, he abstains from sensual misconduct. He does not get sexually involved with those who are protected by their mothers, their fathers, their brothers, their sisters, their relatives, or their Dhamma; those with husbands, those who entail punishments, or even those crowned with flowers by another man}}</ref><ref>[http://www.dhammatalks.net/suttacentral/sc/zh/ma128.html 優婆塞經] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170218064551/http://www.dhammatalks.net/suttacentral/sc/zh/ma128.html |date=18 February 2017 }}(Upāsaka Sutra from Madhyam āgama):復次，舍梨子！白衣聖弟子離邪婬、斷邪婬，彼或有父所護，或母所護，或父母所護，或兄弟所護，或姉妹所護，或婦父母所護，或親親所護，或同姓所護，或為他婦女，有鞭罰恐怖，及有名雇債至華鬘親，不犯如是女。彼於邪淫淨除其心，白衣聖弟子善護行，此第三法</ref> and some [[Theravada]] monks express that same-gender relations do not violate the rule to avoid sexual misconduct, which means not having sex with someone under age (thus protected by their parents or guardians), someone betrothed or married or who has taken vows of religious celibacy.<ref>{{cite web|author1=Ajahn Punnadhammo|title=Same Sex Marriage|url=http://www.arrowriver.ca/torStar/samesex.html|quote=The lay man is told to abstain from sex with "unsuitable partners" defined as girls under age, women betrothed or married and women who have taken vows of religious celibacy. This is clear, sound advice and seems to suggest that sexual misconduct is that which would disrupt existing family or love relationships. This is consonant with the general Buddhist principle that that which causes suffering for oneself or others is unethical behaviour. ("Unskillful behaviour" would be closer to the original.) There is no good reason to assume that '''''homosexual relations which do not violate this principle''''' should be treated differently. }}</ref><ref>{{cite book|author1=Somdet Phra Buddhaghosacariya|title=Uposatha Sila The Eight-Precept Observance|date=1993|url=http://www.accesstoinsight.org/lib/authors/nanavara/uposatha.html|quote=There are four factors of the third precept (kamesu micchacara): 1.agamaniya vatthu — that which should not be visited (the 20 groups of women). 2. asmim sevana-cittam — the intention to have intercourse with anyone included in the above-mentioned groups. 3. sevanap-payogo — the effort at sexual intercourse. 4. maggena maggappatipatti — sexual contact through that adhivasanam effort.}}</ref><ref>{{cite book|author1=Bhikkhu Bodhi|title=Going for Refuge & Taking the Precepts (The Five Precepts)|date=1981|publisher=Buddhist Publication Society|url=http://bodhimonastery.org/going-for-refuge-taking-the-precepts.html#prec2}}</ref>

Some later traditions gradually began to add new restrictions on sexual misconduct, like non-vagina sex, though some academics argue it usually involves situations seen as coerced sex.<ref name="harvey 2000 421">{{cite book| last = harvey | first = peter | title = An Introduction to Buddhist Ethics | publisher = Cambridge University Press | year = 2000 | isbn = 9780511800801 | pages=421–}}</ref><ref name="coerced">{{cite web|last1=Huifeng|title=Re: Gay Marriage: What Would Buddha Do?|url=http://www.dharmawheel.net/viewtopic.php?t=380&start=20#p15496|website=Dharma Wheel|access-date=13 January 2017}}</ref><ref name="Mahā-prajñāpāramitā-śāstra">《Great Treatise on the Perfection of Wisdom》（Sanskrit: Mahā-prajñāpāramitā-śāstra; 中文: 大智度論）卷13：非道之處，則非女根，女心不樂，強以非理，故名邪婬。（The wrong orifice is not through the female organ, the lady does not like this, and so forcing it [upon her] is inappropriate, therefore it is said to be "sexual misconduct）</ref> This non-vagina sex as sexual misconduct view is not based on Buddha's teachings, but from later [[Abhidharma]] texts.<ref>{{cite book|author1=Thubten Chodron|title=Dealing With Life's Issues|url=https://thubtenchodron.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/Dealing-With-Lifes-Issues.pdf|quote=The Pali scriptures make no mention of homosexuality being unwise sexual conduct. For monastics, all sexual intercourse is a root downfall. It doesn't specify the gender of one's partner. Vasubandhu, a teacher who came several centuries after the Buddha, discouraged homosexuality. Personally speaking, I think what's most important is the motivation behind how we use our sexuality. In other words, if people use their sexuality unkindly or unwisely, it doesn't matter if it is directed to someone of their own sex or the opposite sex.}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last1=José Ignacio Cabezón|title=Thinking through Texts: Toward a Critical Buddhist Theology of Sexuality|url=http://info-buddhism.com/Buddhism-Sexuality-Cabezon.html|access-date=17 February 2017|quote=Now the obvious historical question then becomes this: If the early doctrine of sexual misconduct is so simple and elegant, when and why did it get so complex and restrictive – that is, when do we find the transition to “organ/orifice mode”? The answer to the “when” question is simple. We don’t find any examples of the more elaborate formulation of sexual misconduct before the third century CE.}}</ref>

Buddhism is often characterized as distrustful of sensual enjoyment and sexuality in general.<ref name="Jackson 1995">{{cite journal |last=Jackson |first=Peter Anthony |date=December 1995 |title=Thai Buddhist accounts of male homosexuality and AIDS in the 1980s |journal=The Australian Journal of Anthropology |volume=6 |issue=3 |pages=140–53  |url=http://ccbs.ntu.edu.tw/FULLTEXT/JR-EPT/anth.htm |pmid=12291560}}</ref>  Traditionally, sex and lust are seen as hindering to spiritual progress in most schools of Buddhism; as such [[monk]]s are expected to refrain from all sexual activity, and the [[Vinaya]] (the first book of the [[Tripitaka]]) specifically prohibits [[sexual intercourse]], then further explain that anal, oral, and vaginal intercourse amount to sexual intercourse, which will result in permanent exclusion from Sangha.<ref>See, for example, the Pandakavatthu section of the Mahavagga. 1:61, 68, 69; Vinaya: Mahavagga, 1:71, 76. Additionally, "The Story of the Prohibition of the Ordination of Pandaka" justifies the ban by giving an example of a monk with an insatiable desire to be sexually penetrated by men, thus bringing shame upon the Buddhist community. Vinaya, Vol. 4, pp. 141–142.</ref>  A notable exception in the history of Buddhism occurred in Japan during the [[Edo period]], in which male homosexuality, or more specifically, love between young novices and older monks, were celebrated.<ref>{{cite book |first=Gary P. |last=Leupp |year=1995 |title=Male Colors, the Construction of Homosexuality in Tokugawa Japan |location=Berkeley |publisher=The University of California Press |isbn=978-0-585-10603-8}}</ref>

References to [[pandaka]], a [[eunuch]]/[[impotence]] category that is sometimes interpreted to include homosexual males, can be found throughout the [[Pali canon]] as well as other [[Sanskrit]] scriptures.<ref name=Semen>{{cite journal|last1=Paisarn Likhitpreechakul|first1=Paisarn|title=Semen, Viagra and Pandaka: Ancient Endocrinology and Modern Day Discrimination|journal=Journal of the Oxford Centre for Buddhist Studies|date=2012|volume=3|url=http://jocbs.org/index.php/jocbs/article/view/28}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |last=Zwilling |first=Leonard |year=1992 |chapter=Homosexuality As Seen In Indian Buddhist Texts |editor=Cabezon, Jose Ignacio |title=Buddhism, Sexuality & Gender |publisher=State University of New York |pages=203–214}}</ref> In the Chinese version of [[Sarvastivada#Vinaya|Sarvastivada Vinaya]], the pandaka is mentioned as also trying to have sex with women, not just men.<ref>十誦律(the Chinese version of sarvāstivāda-vinaya)：是時，跋難陀釋子，與不能男出家(this paragraph mentioned the pandaka)。是人，夜捫摸諸比丘，諸比丘驅出(this paragraph mentioned trying to have sex with bhikkhu, namely men)。到比丘尼邊式叉摩尼沙彌沙彌尼邊，皆捫摸諸比丘尼學戒尼，諸沙彌沙彌尼盡驅出(and this paragraph mentioned trying to have sex with bhikkhunī, namely women)</ref> Leonard Zwilling refers extensively to [[Buddhaghosa]]'s [[Samantapasadika]], where ''pandaka'' are described as being filled with defiled passions and insatiable lusts, and are dominated by their [[libido]]. Some texts of the [[Abhidharma]] state that a ''pandaka'' cannot achieve enlightenment in their own lifetime, (but must wait for rebirth) and Asanga and Vasubandhu discussed if a pandaka was able to be enlightened or not. According to one scriptural story, [[Ananda]]—Buddha's cousin and disciple—was a ''pandaka'' in one of his many previous lives.

Some later classic Buddhist masters and texts disallow contact between monks/[[Bodhisattva]] and ''pandakas''/women and classify non-vagina sex as sexual misconduct, including for lay followers.{{refn|<ref>[[Abhidharmakośa]]</ref><ref>Cutler/Newland ''The Great Treatise On The Stages Of The Path To Enlightenment'' p.220</ref><ref name="harvey 2000 421"/><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.tibet.ca/en/newsroom/wtn/archive/old?y=1999&m=5&p=25_1|title=Canada Tibet Committee - Library - WTN - Archive - Old|author=Canada Tibet Committee|access-date=22 August 2015|archive-date=16 March 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140316075249/http://www.tibet.ca/en/newsroom/wtn/archive/old?y=1999&m=5&p=25_1|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>[[Lotus Sutra]]: Leon Hurvitz, trans., ''Scripture of the Lotus Blossom of the Fine Dharma'' (New York: Columbia University Press, 1976), p. 209</ref><ref>[[Milinda Panha]], 100 BC. p. 310.</ref><ref>{{cite book |last=Reeves |first=Gene |title=The Lotus Sutra: A Contemporary Translation of a Buddhist Classic |publisher=Wisdom Publications |year=2008 |isbn=978-0-86171-571-8 |pages=296–297}}</ref>}}

The third of the [[five precepts]] of Buddhism states that one is to refrain from [[sexual misconduct]]; this precept has sometimes been interpreted to include homosexuality. The [[Tenzin Gyatso, 14th Dalai Lama|Dalai Lama]] of the [[Gelug]] sect of Tibetan Buddhism previously interpreted sexual misconduct to include lesbian and gay sex, and indeed any sex other than penis-vagina intercourse, including oral sex, anal sex, and masturbation or other sexual activity with the hand; the only time sex is acceptable is when it performed for its purpose of procreation.<ref>{{cite news |title=Dalai Lama Speaks on Gay Sex - He says it's wrong for Buddhists but not for society |first=Don |last=Lattin |date=11 June 1997 |publisher=San Francisco Chronicle |url=http://www.tibet.ca/en/wtnarchive/1997/6/12_2.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20040529082105/http://www.tibet.ca/en/wtnarchive/1997/6/12_2.html |archive-date=May 29, 2004}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Dalai Lama urges 'respect, compassion, and full human rights for all,' including gays |first=Dennis |last=Conkin |date=19 June 1997 |url=http://quietmountain.org/links/teachings/gayrites.htm |access-date=20 April 2006 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060423234456/http://quietmountain.org/links/teachings/gayrites.htm |archive-date=23 April 2006 |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Dalai Lama says 'oral and anal sex' not acceptable |first=Jack |last=Nichols |date=13 May 1997 |url=http://badpuppy.com/gaytoday/garchive/events/051397ev.htm |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/19990221081940/http://badpuppy.com/gaytoday/garchive/events/051397ev.htm |archive-date=21 February 1999}}</ref> In 2009, when interviewed by Canadian TV news anchor Evan Solomon on ''[[CBC News: Sunday]]'' about whether or not homosexuality is acceptable in Buddhism, the Dalai Lama responded that "it is sexual misconduct."<ref>{{cite web |website=The Huffington Post |title=Gay Marriage: What Would Buddha Do? |url=http://www.huffingtonpost.com/james-shaheen/gay-marriage-what-would-b_b_230855.html |last=Shaheen |first=James |date=August 13, 2009 |access-date=August 16, 2021}}</ref> However, the Dalai Lama supports human rights for all, "regardless of sexual orientation."<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.religioustolerance.org/hom_budd.htm |title=The Buddhist religion and homosexuality |publisher=[[Religioustolerance.org]] |access-date=27 May 2007 |archive-date=6 December 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101206095154/http://www.religioustolerance.org/hom_budd.htm |url-status=dead }}</ref> In the most recent interview on this topic (March 10, 2014), the Dalai Lama said gay marriage is "OK", provided it is not in contradiction with the values of one's chosen religion.<ref>{{Citation|title=The Dalai Lama Weighs In On Same Sex Marriage {{!}} Dalai Lama Interview {{!}} Larry King Now - Ora TV| date=27 February 2014 |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pJVvVSr8E2M|language=en|access-date=2021-03-20}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=Dalai Lama Voices Support for Gay Marriage|url=https://www.nbcnews.com/news/world/dalai-lama-voices-support-gay-marriage-n46906|access-date=2021-03-20|website=NBC News|date=7 March 2014 |language=en}}</ref> Also in an Indian and Tibetan tradition, the [[Nalandabodhi]] [[Sangha (Buddhism)|sangha]] has stated that they are welcoming of all sexual orientations.<ref>{{Cite web|title=What Do Buddhist LGBTQ, Vegetarians, and Monks Have in Common?|url=https://dpr.info/articles/what-do-buddhist-lgbtq-vegetarians-and-monks-have-in-common/|access-date=2021-03-27|website=dpr.info|language=en-US}}</ref>

In [[Thailand]], some accounts propose that "homosexuality arises as a [[Karma|karmic]] consequence of violating Buddhist proscriptions against heterosexual misconduct. These karmic accounts describe homosexuality as a congenital condition which cannot be altered, at least in a homosexual person's current lifetime, and have been linked with calls for compassion and understanding from the non-homosexual populace."<ref name="Jackson 1995"/> However, Buddhist leaders in Thailand have also condemned homosexuality,<ref name="Jackson 1995" /> ousted monks accused of homosexual acts, and banned [[kathoey]] from ordination. In 2009, Senior monk Phra Maha Wudhijaya Vajiramedh introduced a "good manners" curriculum for novices in the monkhood, stating to the BBC that he was concerned by "the flamboyant behaviour of gay and transgender monks, who can often be seen wearing revealingly tight robes, carrying pink purses and having effeminately-shaped eyebrows."<ref>{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/8020311.stm|title='Etiquette guide' for Thai monks|date=2009-04-27|access-date=2020-03-24|work=BBC News}}</ref> However, in Thailand, several leaders in the Theravada tradition including Phra Payom Kalayano have expressed support for LGBT rights.<ref>{{Cite news|title=Young monks struggle with gender issues|work=Bangkok Post|date=26 May 2013 |url=https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/special-reports/351847/gay-and-transgender-katoey-struggle-with-buddhism|access-date=2021-03-20 |last1=Yongcharoenchai |first1=Chaiyot }}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|last=Chandran|first=Rina|date=2020-08-21|title='LGBT people are also humans': Thai Buddhist monk backs equality|language=en|work=Reuters|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-thailand-lgbt-religion-interview-trfn-idUSKBN25H0RZ|access-date=2021-03-20}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|last=Lewis|first=Craig|title=Buddhist Monk Seeks Equality, Acceptance for Thailand's LGBT+ Communities|url=https://www.buddhistdoor.net/news/buddhist-monk-seeks-equality-acceptance-for-thailandrsquos-lgbt-communities|website=Buddhistdoor Global}}</ref>

A later popular Japanese legend attributed the introduction of monastic homosexuality to Japan to Shingon founder [[Kukai]], although scholars now dismiss the veracity of this assertion, pointing out his strict adherence to the Vinaya.<ref>Leupp, Gary (1995). ''Male Colors: The Construction of Homosexuality in Tokugawa Japan''. p. 31</ref><ref>Faure, Bernard (1998). ''The Red Thread: Buddhist approaches to sexuality'' p. 209</ref><ref name="Schalow, Paul Gordon p. 215">Schalow, Paul Gordon. "Kukai and the Tradition of Male Love in Japanese Buddhism," in Cabezon, Jose Ignacio, Ed., ''Buddhism, Sexuality & Gender,'' State University of New York. p. 215.</ref> Nonetheless, the legend served to "affirm same sex relation between men and boys in seventeenth century Japan."<ref name="Schalow, Paul Gordon p. 215"/><ref>{{cite book |page=68 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=AwD3FNUJjXwC&pg=PA68 |quote=According to one legend, homosexuality was introduced into Japan in the ninth century by Shingon Buddhist monk, Kukai |title=Sociolegal Control of Homosexuality: Multi-nation Comparison |first=Donald James |last=West |author2=Green, Richard  |year=1997 |publisher=Springer |isbn=978-0-306-45532-2}}</ref> However, Japanese Buddhist scholar and author of "''Wild Azaleas"'' Kitamura Kigin argued that there was a tendency in monasteries to avoid heterosexuality and to encourage homosexuality.<ref>{{cite book |last=Kumagusu |first=Miinakata |author2=Ihara Saikaku |editor=Stephen D. Miller |others=trans. Paul Gordon Schalow |title=Partings at Dawn: An Anthology of Japanese Gay Literature |edition=2nd |date=1996 |publisher=Gay Sunshine Press |location=San Francisco |isbn=978-0-940567-18-4 |page=[https://archive.org/details/partingsatdawn00step/page/103 103] |quote=The Buddha preached that Mount Imose (a metaphor for the love of women) was a place to be avoided, and thus priests of the dharma first entered this way as an outlet for their feelings, since their hearts were, after all, made of neither stone nor wood. |url=https://archive.org/details/partingsatdawn00step/page/103 }}</ref>

Although Mahayana Buddhism has some texts against homosexuality (from later Abhidharma texts and [[Buddhist apocrypha]]), the majority of its teachings assert that all beings who correctly practice the dharma may reach enlightenment, since all possess an innate Buddha nature. Enlightenment being achievable even in a single life.<ref>Padma, Sree. Barber, Anthony W. ''Buddhism in the Krishna River Valley of Andhra.'' 2008. pp. 152</ref><ref>{{harvnb|Reeves|2008|p=5}}</ref> Some Mahayana Buddhist leaders were active in the movement for same-sex marriage rights in Taiwan which legalized same-sex marriages in 2019.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Hollingsworth |first=Julia |date=2019-05-17|title=Taiwan legalizes same-sex marriage in historic first for Asia|url=https://www.cnn.com/2019/05/17/asia/taiwan-same-sex-marriage-intl/index.html|access-date=2021-03-27|website=CNN|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=Buddhist Nun Leads Asia's Fight for Gay Marriage|url=https://bulletin.hds.harvard.edu/buddhist-nun-leads-asias-fight-for-gay-marriage/|access-date=2021-03-27|website=Harvard Divinity Bulletin|language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=Taiwan to stage first same-sex Buddhist wedding|url=https://sg.news.yahoo.com/taiwan-stage-first-same-sex-buddhist-wedding-061917131.html|access-date=2021-03-27|website=sg.news.yahoo.com|date=11 July 2012 |language=en-SG}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|last=Lewis|first=Craig|date=February 26, 2021|title=Taiwanese Buddhist Master Ven. Shih Chao-hwei Selected for 38th Niwano Peace Prize|url=https://www.buddhistdoor.net/news/taiwanese-buddhist-master-ven-shih-chao-hwei-selected-for-38th-niwano-peace-prize|website=Buddhistdoor Global}}</ref>

Well known Zen Buddhist, [[Thích Nhất Hạnh|Thich Nhat Hanh]], notes the spirit of Buddhism is inclusiveness and states "when you look at the ocean, you see different kinds of waves, many sizes and shapes, but all the waves have water as their foundation and substance. If you are born gay or lesbian, your ground of being is the same as mine. We are different, but we share the same ground of being."<ref>{{Cite book|last=Nhat|first=Hanh Thich|url=http://worldcat.org/oclc/730045848|title=Answers from the Heart: Practical Responses to Life's Burning Questions.|date=2009|publisher=Parallax Press|isbn=978-1-935209-00-3|oclc=730045848}}</ref>

The capacity of Buddhism to reform itself and its great variety of distinct beliefs and schools, provide many liberal streams of Buddhism, which are accepting of all sexual orientations. Reformists of Buddhism are mainly predominant in cosmopolitan cities. In global traditions, there is a widescale support for LGBT rights including the European Buddhist Union,<ref>{{Cite web|author=<!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.-->|date=2015-07-03|title=Rainbow Sangha|url=http://europeanbuddhism.org/activity/rainbow/|access-date=2021-03-27|website=European Buddhist Union|language=en|archive-date=20 November 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211120232630/http://europeanbuddhism.org/activity/rainbow/|url-status=dead}}</ref> the Buddhist Churches of America,<ref>{{Cite web|title=Seattle Betsuin Brings New Light to LGBTQ Issues : Northwest Dharma Association|url=https://northwestdharma.org/rainbowsea/|access-date=2021-03-27|website=northwestdharma.org}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|last=Wilson|first=Jeff|title="All Beings Are Equally Embraced By Amida Buddha": Jodo Shinshu Buddhism and Same-Sex Marriage in the United States|url=http://www.globalbuddhism.org/jgb/index.php/jgb/article/viewFile/125/140|website=Journal of Global Buddhism Vol. 13 (2012): 31-59|access-date=11 April 2021|archive-date=13 April 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180413123019/http://www.globalbuddhism.org/jgb/index.php/jgb/article/viewFile/125/140|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|publisher=Berkley Center for Religion, Peace and World|title=Buddha's Big Shrug: The Non-Conflictual History of Same-Sex Marriage in the Buddhist Churches of America|url=https://berkleycenter.georgetown.edu/responses/buddha-s-big-shrug-the-non-conflictual-history-of-same-sex-marriage-in-the-buddhist-churches-of-america|access-date=2021-03-27|website=berkleycenter.georgetown.edu}}</ref> many Shin Buddhist groups,<ref>{{Cite news |title=Seminar traces roots of Buddhists' support for LGBTQ rights |url=https://www.nichibei.org/2014/07/seminar-traces-roots-of-buddhists-support-for-lgbtq-rights/ |last=Hamamoto |first=Ben |date=July 10, 2014 |newspaper=Nichi bei News |access-date=January 26, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160106031226/https://www.nichibei.org/2014/07/seminar-traces-roots-of-buddhists-support-for-lgbtq-rights/ |archive-date=January 6, 2016}}</ref> and Zen leaders such as Thich Nhat Hanh.<ref>{{Cite book|last=Nhất Hạnh|first=Thích|url=https://www.worldcat.org/oclc/701109195|title=Answers from the heart : practical responses to life's burning questions|date=2009|publisher=Parallax Press|isbn=978-1-935209-00-3|location=Berkeley, Calif.|oclc=701109195}}</ref> The Federation of Australian Buddhist Councils (FABC), representing Buddhist laypeople, and the Australian Sangha Association vocally supported [[same-sex marriage]] in Australia.<ref>{{Cite web |last1=Potts |first1=Andrew M |date=2012-04-19 |title=Buddhists come out for equality |url=https://www.starobserver.com.au/news/buddhists-come-out-for-equality/75906 |access-date=2021-03-27 |website=Star Observer |language=en-US}}</ref> Soka Gakkai International-USA (SGI-USA) is the most diverse Buddhist community in the United States with more than 500 chapters and some 100 centers throughout the country supports LGBT rights.<ref>{{Cite web|last=USA|first=Soka Gakkai International-|title=Courageous Freedom: SGI-USA's LGBTQ Community –|url=http://www.sgi-usa.org/2016/05/19/courageous-freedom-sgi-usas-lgbtq-community/|access-date=2021-03-29|website=Soka Gakkai International - USA|language=en|archive-date=20 November 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211120232629/http://www.sgi-usa.org/2016/05/19/courageous-freedom-sgi-usas-lgbtq-community/|url-status=dead}}</ref> In a PEW research poll, 88% of American Buddhists stated that homosexuality should be accepted.<ref name="pewforum.org">{{Cite web|title=Religion in America: U.S. Religious Data, Demographics and Statistics|url=https://www.pewforum.org/religious-landscape-study/|access-date=2021-03-29|website=Pew Research Center's Religion & Public Life Project|language=en-US}}</ref> This was a higher level of support than any other religious group studied.<ref name="pewforum.org"/>

==== Sikhism ====
{{Main|Sikhism and sexual orientation}}

[[Sikhism]] has no specific teachings about [[sexual orientation|homosexuality]] and the Sikh holy scripture, the [[Guru Granth Sahib]], does not explicitly mention [[heterosexuality]], [[homosexuality]] or [[bisexuality]]. The universal goal of a Sikh is to have no hate or animosity to any person, regardless of factors like race, caste, color, creed or gender.<ref name="auto"/>

[[Akal Takht|Akal Takhat]], the highest religious authority of the Sikhs, issued an edict ([[Hukamnama|hukamnaama]]) in 2005 against any homosexual marriage in front of Sikh Scriptures (11th Guru of the Sikhs—[[Guru Granth Sahib|Shri Guru Granth Sahib]]). This was again reiterated when one couple performed an [[Anand Karaj]] (Sikh religious marriage) of two homosexual men in 2020 in [[California]]. The couple was thrown out of the Sikh religion for this violation.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.tribuneindia.com/news/punjab/same-sex-marriage-in-presence-of-guru-granth-sahib-invites-akal-takhts-ire-158096|title=Same-sex marriage in presence of Guru Granth Sahib invites Akal Takht's ire : The Tribune India}}</ref>

Gurbani based view:

{{blockquote|...... much of Sikh teaching is couched in metaphors from family life. Even the adoration of God is explored in terms of the closest relationship that humans can comprehend—that between a man and a woman. The heterosexual relationship is defined as sacred in Sikhism; an honest family life is described as the first duty—the primary religion of humans.|source=Dr I J Singh "Same Sex Unions"<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.sikhmissionarysociety.org/sms/smsarticles/advisorypanel/gurmukhsinghsewauk/sikhviewabouthomosexualityandsamesexmarriages/ | title=Sikh View About Homosexuality and Same Sex Marriages }}</ref>}}

'''In Sikh Scripture'''

In [[Guru Granth Sahib]], marriage 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.<ref name="Naad 33">{{cite web|url=http://www.projectnaad.com/wp-content/uploads/leaflets/sikhism_yoga_and_sexuality.pdf|title=Sikhism, Yoga and Sexuality|date=2 September 2010|publisher=Project Naad|page=33|access-date=2 September 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101011162907/http://www.projectnaad.com/wp-content/uploads/leaflets/sikhism_yoga_and_sexuality.pdf|archive-date=11 October 2010|url-status=dead}}</ref>