Sikhism has no specific teachings about homosexuality. The Sikh holy book, the Guru Granth Sahib, does not explicitly mention homosexuality.
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Giani Joginder Singh Vedanti, of the Akal Takht (the temporal Sikh authority), has condemned homosexuality while reminding visiting Sikh-Canadian Members of Parliament (MPs) of their religious duty to oppose same-sex marriage.[1] In a report published in March 2005, Vedanti said, "The basic duty of Sikh MPs in Canada should be to support laws that stop this kind of practice homosexuality, because there are thousands of Sikhs living in Canada, to ensure that Sikhs do not fall prey to this practice."
Many Sikhs however, believe, there is nothing wrong[2] with homosexuality in Sikhism, and that the view of some preachers in the Akal Takht is flawed.[3]
The Sikh holy book, the Guru Granth Sahib, is the highest authority in the Sikhism, it is seen as the 11th and eternal Guru. It serves as a guide to Sikhs on how to live positive lives, and details what behavior is expected of all Sikhs. It is seemingly silent on the subject of homosexuality; however, married life is encouraged time and time again in Guru Granth Sahib Ji.
Marriage in Sikhism is seen as a union of souls. In Sikhism, the soul is seen as genderless, and the outward appearance of human beings (man, woman) is a temporary state. Same-sex marriage advocates refer to this fact.[3]
Views on homosexuality tend not to be a primary concern in Sikh teachings as the universal goal of a Sikh is to have no hate or animosity to any person, regardless of race, caste, color, creed, gender, or sexuality.
One of Sikhism's underlying values is family living. Sikhs are expected to live in a family environment in order to conceive and nurture their children in order to perpetuate God's creation. Any alternative manner of living is discouraged, (see Prohibitions in Sikhism) including a celibate lifestyle. Some Sikhs have interpreted this to mean that homosexuality, which cannot result in procreation, is unnatural and against God's will. This argument is seen as flawed, as there are many hetrosexual couples that cannot have children.
Many Sikhs who have homosexual desires will try to overcome what they believe to be lust by marrying a member of the opposite sex and having children. This has led to a belief among some Sikhs that there are no homosexual Sikhs. This belief can, in turn, cause distress to those Sikhs who do find themselves attracted to members of the same sex. Though with more and more openness in thinking and change of attitudes of parents and peers, some Sikhs have come out in front of their friends and family.
Like progressives from other faiths and backgrounds, Sikhs who do not condemn homosexuality believe that it's not unnatural, but is normal for a minority of adults. These Sikhs stress that homosexuality is not discussed nor specifically banned in any of the writings of the Guru, and that the family lifestyle the Guru encourages can be cultivated by two members of the same sex. In fact, the Guru's silence on homosexuality has led to a history of ambivalence on the topic.
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