In many religions, including Christianity, Judaism, Islam, Hinduism, Buddhism, and others, there are strict rules and expectations regarding sexual behavior. These codes of conduct often dictate who can have sex with whom, when it is appropriate to do so, and under what circumstances.
Some religions forbid premarital sex, extramarital sex, homosexuality, transgender identity, and masturbation. In these contexts, sexual regulation functions to reinforce hierarchies of power between men and women, dominant groups and subordinate groups, and individuals and institutions. This paper will examine how religious sexual regulations serve to preserve social structures that favor certain people over others.
Within Christianity, heterosexual marriage is seen as the ideal state for human existence, and sexual expression is limited to this relationship. Women are expected to be submissive to their husbands, while men must protect them from harm. This reinforces patriarchy, where men hold power over women in all aspects of life. Similarly, Islamic law limits sex to marriage between man and woman; homosexual acts are considered sinful. This means that LGBTQ+ Muslims face discrimination and violence due to their sexual orientation or gender identity. Religious laws also regulate when and how often couples should engage in intercourse. Within Orthodox Judaism, married couples may only have sex during the "fertile time" of the month, and birth control is forbidden except in cases of infertility. This restricts reproductive autonomy and rewards those who produce children.
Buddhist teachings emphasize celibacy, and monks and nuns take vows of chastity.
Many lay practitioners marry and have families. The expectation of sexual abstinence in some forms of Buddhism puts pressure on those who cannot conform to it. These examples demonstrate how religious codes of conduct shape not just individual behaviors but broader societal structures. They privilege those who can fit into prescribed norms and marginalize those who do not.
Religious institutions themselves benefit from these regulations. By promoting a narrow view of acceptable behavior, they maintain control over their followers' lives and exert authority over them. In many cases, religious leaders enforce punishments for non-conforming behavior, such as shunning or excommunication. This strengthens the institutional power of the church or temple over its members. Sexual regulation thus serves to reinforce hierarchies within religion itself.
Sexual regulation plays out differently across racial and ethnic groups. White Christian nationalists use religious rhetoric to justify white supremacy and xenophobia; anti-immigrant sentiment is often rooted in fears that immigrants will violate cultural norms, including sexual mores. This shows how sexual regulation can be used to promote oppressive agendas.
Religious sexual regulations are closely intertwined with broader social, political, and economic systems. They help preserve existing power imbalances and reinforce dominant group identities. While they may serve as a source of comfort and support for some individuals, others face stigma, discrimination, and violence due to their sexuality or gender identity. As society changes, we must reconsider our attitudes towards sex and sexuality and recognize their complex impact on all aspects of life.