Editing Homosexuality and religion (section)

==== 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>