The history of Catholicism's influence on sexual morality and premarital sexual conduct is quite complicated in Portugal, with some notable periods where it was more prominent than others. Throughout its history, Portugal's Catholic Church has been an important moral authority, influencing social norms regarding sex, marriage, and family life. In recent years, however, there have been numerous changes to these traditions due to modernization and globalization, which has led many people to reconsider their beliefs about these issues. The current reality is that there is a wide variety of views among individuals who are shaped by religious doctrine, societal expectations, and personal experiences.
At one point in Portuguese history, the Catholic Church had a major role in determining the rules surrounding premarital sexual activity, including marriage laws and divorce procedures. These rules were based on a strict interpretation of biblical texts, as well as Papal decrees from the Vatican. This meant that any form of non-marital intimacy between men and women was considered sinful and punishable by excommunication or even death. It also meant that marriage was seen as a sacred act that should be entered into with great care and consideration.
This changed dramatically during the Age of Discovery when Portugal began colonizing new lands and exploring distant cultures. This brought new ideas about sex and relationships into contact with traditional Christian values, leading to widespread experimentation and promiscuity among both priests and laypeople alike. This period saw the rise of what historians call 'the Golden Age of Lust,' when sex was no longer just for procreative purposes but became an end in itself.
In more contemporary times, Portugal's Catholic Church has been much less influential in matters related to sex and morality than it once was. Instead, society has become increasingly liberal and tolerant regarding sexual behaviors outside of marriage.
While homosexuality remains illegal under Portuguese law, there are few cases where people have been actually arrested for engaging in same-sex relationships.
There is now greater acceptance of cohabitation before marriage, contraception use, and abortion rights (though access to these services is still limited).
Despite these changes, however, many Portuguese citizens still hold strong beliefs about proper conduct surrounding sex and family life based on their religious upbringing. Many feel guilty if they engage in premarital relations or even consider marrying someone who has done so. Others may seek out counseling from priests or psychologists who can help them reconcile their feelings with their faith traditions. Some even choose to ignore their religious convictions entirely, opting instead for secular solutions such as therapy or self-help books.
Catholicism continues to shape the way that many Portuguese individuals think about sex and relationships. While its influence is not as powerful as it once was, it remains a significant factor in determining how people navigate issues like premarital intimacy, contraceptive use, and family planning decisions. It will be interesting to see how this situation develops over time given Portugal's growing diversity and changing attitudes towards gender roles and sexuality.