Religious Teachings
Christianity and Islam are Abrahamic religions that believe that homosexual relations are sinful. They consider homosexual acts to be an abomination and forbidden in their sacred texts. Both religions also prohibit same-sex marriages and partnerships.
Leviticus 20:13 states "If a man has intercourse with a male as one does with a woman, both parties have committed an abomination; they shall surely be put to death; their blood is upon them." The Bible also says that people who engage in homosexual behavior should be killed (Romans 1:26–28). In contrast, Judaism views LGBT members as sinners but does not explicitly condemn them. Hinduism recognizes different genders and sexual orientations as part of nature's design.
Some denominations do not approve of homosexuality or transgenderism. Buddhism sees gender as fluid, and some sects accept LGBT individuals. Confucianism teaches tolerance towards all individuals regardless of their differences.
Cultural Norms
Cultural norms differ between countries and even within the same country. Some cultures view homosexuality positively while others negatively.
India celebrates its third gender population, which includes hijras who identify as neither men nor women. Thailand accepts homosexuality more than most Asian nations, where it can be punishable by law. China has been known for its historical acceptance of homosexuality until recently when it passed laws criminalizing same-sex marriage. Japan has strict laws against homosexuality despite having a thriving gay scene. South Korea is progressive regarding LGBT rights compared to other East Asian countries. Africa is highly religious and conservative, making it challenging to implement LGBT rights. Many African countries criminalize same-sex relationships and partnerships. Sub-Saharan Africa, specifically, outlaws homosexuality through colonial British rule. Brazil, Mexico, Argentina, and Uruguay are Latin American countries that have legalized same-sex marriages.
Impact on Attitudes
Religion and culture impact how people perceive LGBT members in society. Religious groups tend to be conservative and traditional about sexuality. They believe that God created humans with specific genders and roles. Therefore, they disapprove of nonconformity to this design. Culturally, communities that follow these religions may see LGBT members as abnormal or deviant from what is considered normal. This attitude leads to discrimination and violence towards them. On the other hand, some religions welcome all individuals regardless of their differences. These beliefs make way for positive perceptions of LGBT individuals. Culture also plays a significant role in shaping attitudes toward LGBT members. Countries like India and Thailand have liberal cultural norms that allow for more tolerance towards LGBT individuals. In contrast, countries where religion dominates such as Africa often have negative attitudes towards them due to the influence of religion.
Some cultures embrace modernity and accept different gender identities and sexual orientations despite their religious views.
In what ways do religious teachings and cultural norms collectively influence attitudes toward LGBT members?
Religious teachings have been one of the primary forces that contribute to negative attitudes towards LGBT individuals since antiquity. The mainstream religious communities often tend to condemn homosexuality as being immoral, sinful, or forbidden by divine laws. They view it as contrary to God's will and their belief system. As a result, many believers see LGBT people as outcasts who are not worthy of love or acceptance.