changing attitudes towards homosexuality in the UK In the past homosexuality was a criminal offence in the UK, but attitudes have changed. The most recent change in the law was the Civil Partnership Act of 2004 which allows same-sex partners to enter into a legally recognised commitment. CHRISTIAN ATTITUDES TO HOMOSEXUALITY Although attitudes to homosexuality has changed in society some people still claim it is against Christian teachings because: God created man and woman to be in a marriage relationship together. Two same-sex partners cannot have a child through natural sexual intercourse. The Bible teaches against homosexuality: ‘Do not lie with a man as one lies with a woman; that is detestable” (Leviticus 18:22)

Christian attitudes towards homosexuality Most Evangelical, Conservative Christians are strongly opposed to homosexuality and in some cases will not allow known homosexuals to be members of their churches. The Roman Catholic Church accepts that homosexuality is not a choice and says that being homosexual is not a sin, but homosexual sex is so homosexuals should remain celibate.

Christian attitudes towards homosexuality GREATER TOLERANCE FOR HOMOSEXUALITY Some Christians feel that although there are statements in the Bible against homosexuality, there are also statements that forbid other things that people no longer follow today. Some Christians accept that homosexuality is a perfectly natural state of being and that homosexuals are born (or created by God) as homosexuals. The Church of England accepts celibate homosexuals as priests. It is still controversial whether or not openly gay people can be appointed as bishops. In 2003 Bishop Jeffrey John was not appointed Bishop of Reading due to controversy over his sexuality. In the USA the homosexual Reverend Gene Robinson was appointed Bishop in New England.

MUSLIM ATTITUDES TO HOMOSEXUALITY OPPOSITION TO HOMOSEXUALITY Although there are different views most Muslims are against homosexuality because: it goes against Muslim traditions about the characteristics of men and women. they believe it is a grave sin. they believe that it is chosen, not natural. it means fewer Muslim children are born. they believe that it is not possible to be gay and be a Muslim. they believe that it is harmful to the health of the individuals. they believe it is a threat to family life. in the Qur’an, the ‘people of Lot’ were destroyed by God for practising homosexuality. it is punishable by death under Shari’ah law. Homosexuality is punishable by death in several Muslim states including Saudi Arabia and Iran.

MUSLIM ATTITUDES TO HOMOSEXUALITY  MUSLIM SUPPORT FOR HOMOSEXUALS Some Muslims offer support for homosexuals rather than having them excluded from the community. For example Al-Fatiha is a Muslim homosexual rights group. They argue that: Homosexuality is natural, not a choice. Certain aspects of teaching in the Qur’an is no longer relevant to the modern world. The Qur’an condemns homosexual lust and promiscuity, but not homosexual love.

DISCUSSION IN THE MEDIA In 2007 the documentary Jihad for Love interviewed gay Muslims from all around the world. Many of them had to disguise their identity for fear of violence. In 2006 Channel 4 also produced a documentary called Gay Muslims which looked at how it can be difficult to be in a world where social views are changing, but Muslim law in many countries is seen as unchangeable. Overall the problems of being a gay Muslim are now discussed in the media but there are still many Muslims who claim that it is impossible to be gay and a Muslim.