Many religions make pronouncements on homosexuality. In some, including the traditional branches of the Abrahamic religions, homosexuality is a mortal sin; while in others, it is entirely acceptable.
There are various sub-articles giving the views of different faiths on homosexuality:
Some religious people (often considered extremists) who consider homosexuality a sin interpret
AIDS as a punishment exacted by
God for homosexual behavior, the concept that AIDS is a "
gay plague".
Opposition to
equal rights protections,
gay marriage, and
hate crimes legislation is often informed by religious beliefs. Some religions believe that homosexual orientation or behaviour is a sin. This can be interpreted in two ways:
- Religious supporters of gay rights believe in "hate the sin; love the sinner". They say that believing homosexuality to be sinful is not incompatible with support for gay rights legislation.
- Religious opponents of gay rights believe that supporting pro-gay legislation would constitute approval of homosexuality itself. They say that such approval is incompatible with their faith.
Other religions do not have a theological problem with homosexuality, and do not believe that it is inherently sinful.
See also: Religion and sexuality[?], Homosexuality and morality