View source for LGBTQ-affirming religious groups

{{Short description|Religious groups that affirm LGBTQ+ rights and relationships}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=May 2023}}
[[File:The symbols of the different big world religions on a rainbow - flag at Queer Easter.jpg|thumb|Symbols of the [[World religions|world's largest religions]] displayed on [[Rainbow flag (LGBTQ)|rainbow flags]] at the Queer Easter, [[Germany]]]]

'''Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer''' ('''LGBTQ''')-'''affirming religious groups''' are [[Religions|religious groups]] that welcome [[Lists of LGBTQ people|LGBTQ people]] as their members, do not consider [[homosexuality]] as a [[sin]] or negative, and affirm [[LGBTQ rights]] and [[Same-sex relationship|relationships]]. They include entire [[religious denomination]]s, as well as individual congregations and places of worship. Some groups are mainly composed of non-LGBTQ members and they also have specific programs to welcome LGBTQ people into them, while other groups are mainly composed of LGBTQ members.

==Abrahamic religions==
[[Abrahamic religions]] (namely [[Judaism]], [[Samaritanism]], [[Christianity]], the [[Baháʼí Faith]], and [[Islam]]) have traditionally affirmed and endorsed a [[Patriarchy|patriarchal]] and [[Heteronormativity|heteronormative]] approach towards [[human sexuality]],<ref name="Int J Transgend.">{{cite journal |author1-last=Campbell |author1-first=Marianne |author2-last=Hinton |author2-first=Jordan D. X. |author3-last=Anderson |author3-first=Joel R. |date=February 2019 |title=A systematic review of the relationship between religion and attitudes toward transgender and gender-variant people |journal=[[International Journal of Transgenderism]] |publisher=[[Taylor & Francis]] |volume=20 |issue=1 |pages=21–38 |doi=10.1080/15532739.2018.1545149 |doi-access=free |issn=1553-2739 |lccn=2004213389 |oclc=56795128 |pmc=6830999 |pmid=32999592 |s2cid=151069171 |quote=Many religions are based on teachings of peace, love, and tolerance, and thus, at least based on those specific teachings, these religions promote intergroup pro-sociality. However, evidence from studies of religion and social attitudes have paradoxically revealed that religion is typically a predictor of intergroup anti-sociality, or in other words religion tends to predict most forms of prejudice. When conceptualizing religion in terms of self-reported categorical religious affiliation (i.e., [[Christian]], [[Muslim]], [[Jewish]], etc.), religiously affiliated individuals tend to report more negative attitudes against a variety of social outgroups than individuals who are not religiously affiliated. [...] In addition, most [[Abrahamic religions]] (e.g., [[Judaism]], [[Christianity]], and [[Islam]]) contain dogmas in which their respective deity create mankind with individuals who are perfectly entrenched in the gender binary (e.g., [[Adam and Eve]]), and thus religions might be instilling cisgender normativity into individuals who ascribe to their doctrines.}}</ref><ref name="Graham 2017">{{cite book |last=Graham |first=Philip |year=2017 |chapter=Male Sexuality and Pornography |chapter-url=https://books.google.com/books?id=X74pDwAAQBAJ&pg=PA250 |title=Men and Sex: A Sexual Script Approach |location=[[Cambridge]] and [[New York City|New York]] |publisher=[[Cambridge University Press]] |pages=250–251 |doi= 10.1017/9781316874998.013 |isbn=9781107183933 |lccn=2017004137 |quote=[[Patriarchy|Patriarchal beliefs]] assert the "natural" [[Male supremacism|superiority of men]] with a right to leadership in family and public life. Such beliefs derive particularly from [[Abrahamic religions]]. Patriarchal attitudes relating to sexual behaviour are mixed and inconsistent. They include, on one hand, the idea that as part of their natural inferiority, [[women]] are less in control of their sex drives and are therefore essentially lustful, with a constant craving for sex. This belief leads to the [[rape myth]] – even when women resist sexual advances they are using it merely as a seductive device. On the other hand, patriarchal beliefs also dictate that women, in contrast to men, are naturally submissive and have little interest in sex, so men have a "natural" right to sexual intercourse whether women want it or not.}}</ref><ref name="Mbuwayesango 2016">{{cite book |author-last=Mbuwayesango |author-first=Dora R. |year=2016 |orig-date=2015 |chapter=Part III: The Bible and Bodies – Sex and Sexuality in Biblical Narrative |editor-last=Fewell |editor-first=Danna N. |editor-link=Danna Nolan Fewell |title=The Oxford Handbook of Biblical Narrative |location=[[Oxford]] and [[New York City|New York]] |publisher=[[Oxford University Press]] |pages=456–465 |doi=10.1093/oxfordhb/9780199967728.013.39 |isbn=9780199967728 |lccn=2015033360 |s2cid=146505567}}</ref><ref name="Leeming 2003">{{cite journal |author-last=Leeming |author-first=David A. |author-link=David Adams Leeming |date=June 2003 |title=Religion and Sexuality: The Perversion of a Natural Marriage |editor-last=Carey |editor-first=Lindsay B. |journal=[[Journal of Religion and Health]] |publisher=[[Springer Verlag]] |volume=42 |issue=2 |pages=101–109 |doi=10.1023/A:1023621612061 |issn=1573-6571 |jstor=27511667 |s2cid=38974409}}</ref> favouring exclusively [[Heterosexual intercourse|penetrative vaginal intercourse between men and women]] within the boundaries of [[marriage]] over all other forms of [[human sexual activity]],<ref name="Mbuwayesango 2016"/><ref name="Leeming 2003"/> including [[autoeroticism]], [[masturbation]], [[oral sex]], [[Non-penetrative sex|non-penetrative]] and [[Homosexual sexual practices|non-heterosexual]] sexual intercourse (all of which have been labeled as "[[sodomy]]" at various times),<ref>{{cite book |last=Sauer |first=Michelle M. |year=2015 |chapter=The Unexpected Actuality: "Deviance" and Transgression |chapter-url=https://books.google.com/books?id=U8mBCgAAQBAJ&pg=PA74 |title=Gender in Medieval Culture |location=[[London]] |publisher=[[Bloomsbury Academic]] |pages=74–78 |doi=10.5040/9781474210683.ch-003 |isbn=978-1-4411-2160-8}}</ref> believing and teaching that such behaviors are forbidden because they are considered [[sin]]ful,<ref name="Mbuwayesango 2016"/><ref name="Leeming 2003"/> and further compared to or derived from the behavior of the alleged residents of [[Sodom and Gomorrah]].<ref name="Mbuwayesango 2016"/><ref>{{cite journal |last=Gnuse |first=Robert K. |date=May 2015 |title=Seven Gay Texts: Biblical Passages Used to Condemn Homosexuality |journal=[[Biblical Theology Bulletin]] |publisher=[[SAGE Publications]] on behalf of Biblical Theology Bulletin Inc. |volume=45 |issue=2 |pages=68–87 |doi=10.1177/0146107915577097 |issn=1945-7596 |s2cid=170127256}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.catholic.org/national/national_story.php?id=29699 |title=Bishop Soto tells NACDLGM: 'Homosexuality is Sinful' |last=Gilbert |first=Kathleen |date=29 September 2008 |website=Catholic Online |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080930122028/http://www.catholic.org/national/national_story.php?id=29699 |archive-date=30 September 2008}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.americanprogress.org/issues/religion/news/2010/12/08/8822/what-are-religious-texts-really-saying-about-gay-and-transgender-rights/ |title=What are Religious Texts Really Saying about Gay and Transgender Rights? |last1=Robinson |first1=Gene |last2=Krehely |first2=Jeff |last3=Steenland |first3=Sally |date=8 December 2010 |website=Center for American Progress |access-date=30 March 2021}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.news24.com/news24/xarchive/voices/the-story-of-sodom-and-gomorrah-was-not-about-homosexuality-20180719 |title=The Story of Sodom and Gomorrah was NOT About Homosexuality |last=Modisane |first=Cameron |date=15 November 2014 |website=News24 |access-date=30 March 2021}}</ref> However, the status of LGBTQ people in [[early Christianity]]<ref>{{cite book |author-last=Doerfler |author-first=Maria E. |year=2016 |orig-date=2014 |chapter=Coming Apart at the Seams: Cross-dressing, Masculinity, and the Social Body in Late Antiquity |chapter-url=https://books.google.com/books?id=7fsoDAAAQBAJ&pg=PA37 |editor1-last=Upson-Saia |editor1-first=Kristi |editor2-last=Daniel-Hughes |editor2-first=Carly |editor3-last=Batten |editor3-first=Alicia J. |title=Dressing Judeans and Christians in Antiquity |location=[[London]] and [[New York City|New York]] |publisher=[[Routledge]] |edition=1st |pages=37–51 |doi=10.4324/9781315578125-9 |isbn=9780367879334 |lccn=2014000554 |oclc=921583924 |s2cid=165559811}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |author-last=Hunter |author-first=David G. |year=2015 |chapter=Celibacy Was "Queer": Rethinking Early Christianity |chapter-url=https://books.google.com/books?id=VgDSBgAAQBAJ&pg=PA13 |editor1-last=Talvacchia |editor1-first=Kathleen T. |editor2-last=Pettinger |editor2-first=Michael F. |editor3-last=Larrimore |editor3-first=Mark |title=Queer Christianities: Lived Religion in Transgressive Forms |location=[[New York City|New York]] and [[London]] |publisher=[[NYU Press]] |pages=13–24 |isbn=9781479851812 |jstor=j.ctt13x0q0q.6 |lccn=2014025201 |s2cid=152944605}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last=Frost|first=Natasha|date=2 March 2018|title=A Modern Controversy Over Ancient Homosexuality|url=http://www.atlasobscura.com/articles/john-boswell-homosexuality-catholicism-history|access-date=24 April 2021|website=Atlas Obscura|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last=McClain|first=Lisa|title=A thousand years ago, the Catholic Church paid little attention to homosexuality|url=http://theconversation.com/a-thousand-years-ago-the-catholic-church-paid-little-attention-to-homosexuality-112830|access-date=24 April 2021|website=The Conversation|date=10 April 2019 |language=en}}</ref> and [[Early history of Islam|early Islam]]<ref>{{cite book |author-last=Geissinger |author-first=Ash |year=2021 |chapter=Applying Gender and Queer Theory to Pre-modern sources |chapter-url=https://books.google.com/books?id=ABYHEAAAQBAJ&pg=PA101 |editor-last=Howe |editor-first=Justine |title=The Routledge Handbook of Islam and Gender |location=[[London]] and [[New York City|New York]] |publisher=[[Routledge]] |edition=1st |pages=101–115 |doi=10.4324/9781351256568-6 |isbn=978-1-351-25656-8 |s2cid=224909490}}</ref><ref name="Schmidtke 1999">{{cite journal |last=Schmidtke |first=Sabine |author-link=Sabine Schmidtke |date=June 1999 |title=Homoeroticism and Homosexuality in Islam: A Review Article |journal=[[Bulletin of the School of Oriental and African Studies]] |location=[[Cambridge]] and [[New York City|New York]] |publisher=[[Cambridge University Press]] on behalf of the [[School of Oriental and African Studies]] ([[University of London]]) |volume=62 |issue=2 |pages=260–266 |doi=10.1017/S0041977X00016700 |eissn=1474-0699 |issn=0041-977X |jstor=3107489 |s2cid=170880292}}</ref><ref name="Islamic Homosexualities">{{cite book |author-last=Murray |author-first=Stephen O. |author-link=Stephen O. Murray |year=1997 |chapter=The Will Not to Know: Islamic Accommodations of Male Homosexuality |chapter-url=https://books.google.com/books?id=6Zw-AAAAQBAJ&pg=PA14 |editor1-last=Murray |editor1-first=Stephen O. |editor2-last=Roscoe |editor2-first=Will |title=[[Islamic Homosexualities|Islamic Homosexualities: Culture, History, and Literature]] |location=[[New York City|New York]] and [[London]] |publisher=[[NYU Press]] |pages=14–54 |doi=10.18574/nyu/9780814761083.003.0004|isbn=9780814774687 |jstor=j.ctt9qfmm4 |oclc=35526232 |s2cid=141668547}}</ref><ref name="TEOEM">{{cite journal |last=Rowson |first=Everett K. |author-link=Everett K. Rowson |title=The Effeminates of Early Medina |journal=[[Journal of the American Oriental Society]] |publisher=[[American Oriental Society]] |volume=111 |issue=4 |pages=671–693 |date=October 1991 |url=http://www.williamapercy.com/wiki/images/The_effeminates_of_early_medina.pdf |doi=10.2307/603399 |issn=0003-0279 |jstor=603399 |citeseerx=10.1.1.693.1504 |lccn=12032032 |oclc=47785421 |s2cid=163738149 |access-date=7 November 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081001195534/http://www.williamapercy.com/wiki/images/The_effeminates_of_early_medina.pdf |archive-date=1 October 2008 |url-status=dead}}</ref> is debated.

In modern times, [[List of Christian denominations affirming LGBTQ people|LGBTQ-affirming Christian denominations]] cite several reasons for their support of [[LGBTQ rights]] and [[Same-sex relationship|relationships]]. Some argue that passages in the Bible never discuss LGBTQ relationships as they are known today.<ref>{{cite web|title=Frequently Asked Questions about Sexuality, the Bible & the Church: Plain Talk About Tough Issues|url=https://covnetpres.org/project/faq/|access-date=24 April 2021|website=Covenant Network of Presbyterians|date=12 February 2020 |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last=Tricia|first=Dykers Koenig|title=What Does the Bible Tell Us About LGBT Inclusion?|url=https://mywt5-files.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/71/2020/02/17103545/What-Does-the-Bible-Tell-Us-About-LGBT-Inclusion.pdf|website=Covenant Network of Presbyterians}}</ref><ref>{{Cite magazine |last=Vines |first=Matthew |date=June 2014 |title=10 Reasons God Loves Gay Christians |url=https://time.com/2842044/gay-christians/ |url-status=live |magazine=[[Time (magazine)|Time]] |publisher=Time Inc. |location=New York City |oclc=1311479 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210503045248/https://time.com/2842044/gay-christians/ |archive-date=3 May 2021 |access-date=7 November 2021}}</ref><ref name=":02">{{cite web|title=What Does the Bible Say About Homosexuality?|url=https://www.hrc.org/resources/what-does-the-bible-say-about-homosexuality|access-date=24 April 2021|website=HRC|language=en-US}}</ref> Others reject the belief in [[biblical inerrancy]] citing translation errors, biases, and other modern reinterpretations of biblical passages such as those seemingly [[The Bible and slavery|supportive of slavery]].<ref>{{cite web|title=What the Bible says about slavery|url=http://www.religioustolerance.org/sla_bibl.htm|access-date=24 April 2021|website=religioustolerance.org}}</ref><ref name=":12">{{cite web|title=Experience of sound Christian teachings should show good fruit, not bad fruit.|url=https://reformationproject.org/case/good-vs-bad-fruit/|access-date=24 April 2021|website=The Reformation Project|language=en-US}}</ref><ref name=":02" /><ref>{{cite web|last=phillips|first=adam nicholas|date=16 July 2015|title=The Bible does not condemn "homosexuality." Seriously, it doesn't.|url=https://medium.com/@adamnicholasphillips/the-bible-does-not-condemn-homosexuality-seriously-it-doesn-t-13ae949d6619|access-date=24 April 2021|website=Medium|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=Shore |first1=John |date=3 April 2012 |title=The Best Case for the Bible Not Condemning Homosexuality |url=https://www.huffpost.com/entry/the-best-case-for-the-bible-not-condemning-homosexuality_b_1396345 |access-date=29 April 2021 |website=HuffPost |language=en}}</ref> Others argue that [[God in Abrahamic religions|God]] created LGBTQ people, LGBTQ relationships produce good-fruit, and those relationships are therefore good or the fact that [[Jesus]] never addressed homosexuality but focused on messages of love.<ref name=":12" /><ref>{{cite web|last=Bedell|first=Rebecca|date=27 January 2020|title=Queer Theology – Learning from LGBTQ+ Christians|url=https://preshouse.org/blog/queer-theology-learning-from-lgbtq-christians/|access-date=29 April 2021|website=Pres House|language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=LGBTQ-Affirming Scripture {{!}} St. Hugh Episcopal {{!}} Elgin, IL|url=https://www.sthugh.net/lgbtq-affirming-scripture|access-date=29 April 2021|website=St. Hugh Episcopal|language=en}}</ref> Similar interpretations have been applied to LGBTQ rights within [[Islam]]<ref>{{cite web|title=Stances of Faiths on LGBTQ Issues: Islam|url=https://www.hrc.org/resources/stances-of-faiths-on-lgbt-issues-islam|access-date=24 April 2021|website=HRC|language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |author=<!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.--> |title=LGBTQI Resources |url=https://www.mpvusa.org/lgbtqi-resources |url-status=live |year=2021 |website=mpvusa.org |location=Los Angeles |publisher=[[Muslims for Progressive Values]] |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210819022452/https://www.mpvusa.org/lgbtqi-resources |archive-date=19 August 2021 |access-date=7 November 2021}}</ref> and [[Judaism]].<ref>{{cite web|title=Stances of Faiths on LGBTQ Issues: Reform Judaism|url=https://www.hrc.org/resources/stances-of-faiths-on-lgbt-issues-reform-judaism|access-date=24 April 2021|website=HRC|language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Reform Jewish Views on LGBTQ Equality|url=https://reformjudaism.org/reform-jewish-views-lgbtq-equality|access-date=24 April 2021|website=Reform Judaism|language=en}}</ref>

===Christianity===
{{Main|Christianity and sexual orientation|History of Christianity and homosexuality|The Bible and homosexuality}}
{{Further|Christianity and homosexuality|Christianity and transgender people|LGBT-affirming Christian denominations|LGBTQ clergy in Christianity|Blessing of same-sex unions in Christian churches}}
{{Christianity and sexual orientation|expanded=overview}}
[[File:Washington National Cathedral - DC Capital Pride - 2014-06-07 (14208630707).jpg|thumb|[[Washington National Cathedral]] ([[Episcopal Church in the United States]]) at [[Washington, D.C.|D.C.]] [[Gay Pride]] (2014)]]
[[File:St Luke's United Church of Christ Motto.jpg|thumb|[[United Church of Christ]]'s motto which expresses its support for [[LGBTQ rights]]]]
[[File:Church of the Pilgrims entrance.JPG|thumb|[[Church of the Pilgrims (Washington, D.C.)|Church of the Pilgrims]] in [[Washington, D.C.]], indicating its support for LGBTQ rights]]

Several denominations within Christianity accept LGBTQ members, affirm LGBTQ relationships, and permit the ordination of openly LGBTQ candidates for their ministries. In addition to denominations many independent churches support LGBTQ members.

The following denominations accept same-sex unions to some degree:

* [[Anglicanism]] (See [[Homosexuality and Anglicanism]]): The Anglican Communion is divided over the issue of homosexuality. "The more liberal provinces that are open to changing Church doctrine on marriage in order to allow for same-sex unions include [[Anglican Episcopal Church of Brazil|Brazil]], [[Anglican Church of Canada|Canada]], [[Anglican Church in Aotearoa, New Zealand and Polynesia|New Zealand]], [[Scottish Episcopal Church|Scotland]], [[Church of South India|South India]], [[Anglican Church of Southern Africa|South Africa]], the [[Episcopal Church (United States)|US]] and [[Church in Wales|Wales]]."
** The [[Anglican Church in Aotearoa, New Zealand and Polynesia|Anglican Church in New Zealand]]: In 2014, the "General Synod passe[d] a resolution that will create a pathway towards the blessing of same-gender relationships, while upholding the traditional doctrine of marriage...It therefore says clergy should be permitted [while the blessings are being developed] 'to recognise in public worship' a same-gender civil union or state marriage of members of their faith community..." On a diocesan level, the [[Anglican Diocese of Dunedin|Dunedin Diocese]] already permits a blessing for relationships irrespective of the partners' gender. "Blessings of same-sex relationships are offered in line with [Dunedin] Diocesan Policy and with the bishop's permission." In the [[Anglican Diocese of Auckland|Diocese of Auckland]], a couple was "joined in a [[civil union]] at the inner-Auckland Anglican church of St Matthews in the City in 2005."<ref>{{Cite news|title=Anglican Church will bless same-sex relationships|language=en|work=Newshub|url=https://www.newshub.co.nz/home/new-zealand/2018/05/anglican-church-will-bless-same-sex-relationships.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180509074603/http://www.newshub.co.nz/home/new-zealand/2018/05/anglican-church-will-bless-same-sex-relationships.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=9 May 2018|access-date=26 September 2021}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Anglican Taonga : New Zealand's Anglican News Leader|url=https://www.anglicantaonga.org.nz/news/general_synod/yes|access-date=26 September 2021|website=anglicantaonga.org.nz}}</ref> The larger [[Anglican Church in Aotearoa, New Zealand and Polynesia]] allows priests to bless same-sex civil marriage or civil unions, but not to carry out same-sex marriage ceremonies in an Anglican church.<ref>{{Cite news|title=Anglican Church will bless same-sex relationships|language=en|work=Newshub|url=https://www.newshub.co.nz/home/new-zealand/2018/05/anglican-church-will-bless-same-sex-relationships.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180509074603/http://www.newshub.co.nz/home/new-zealand/2018/05/anglican-church-will-bless-same-sex-relationships.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=9 May 2018|access-date=1 December 2021}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Anglican Taonga : New Zealand's Anglican News Leader|url=https://www.anglicantaonga.org.nz/news/general_synod/yes|access-date=1 December 2021|website=anglicantaonga.org.nz}}</ref>
** The [[Anglican Church of Australia]]: The church does not have an official position on homosexuality. In 2013, the [[Anglican Diocese of Perth|Diocese of Perth]] voted to recognise same-sex relationships.<ref>{{cite web|date=7 October 2013|title=Perth Anglicans vote to recognise same-sex relationships|url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2013-10-07/anglicans-in-perth-vote-to-recognise-same-sex-marriages/5002762|access-date=27 November 2021|publisher=ABC News|language=en-AU}}</ref> The Social Responsibilities Committee of the [[Anglican Diocese of Brisbane|Anglican Church Southern Queensland]] supported "the ability for same-sex couples to have a legally recognised ceremony to mark their union."<ref>{{Cite news|last=VOGLER|first=SARAH|date=7 November 2015|title=Church comes out in support of gay marriage|work=The Courier Mail|url=https://couriermail.com.au/news/queensland/samesex-marriage-arm-of-anglican-church-supports-civil-unions-in-queensland/news-story/914883183990f524e74e6eee6ba1e68e|access-date=27 November 2021}}</ref> The [[Anglican Diocese of Gippsland|Diocese of Gippsland]] has appointed clergy in a "same-sex partnership." St. Andrew's Church in [[Subiaco, Western Australia|Subiaco]], in Perth, has publicly blessed a same-sex union. In 2020, the church's highest court, the Appellate Tribunal, ruled that a diocese may authorise the blessing of persons in same-sex unions.<ref>{{cite web|title=Australian tribunal clears way for same-sex marriage blessings|url=https://www.churchtimes.co.uk/articles/2020/13-november/news/world/australian-tribunal-clears-way-for-same-sex-marriage-blessings|access-date=14 November 2020|website=churchtimes.co.uk}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|date=12 November 2020|title='A sign that God loves you and we welcome you': Anglican diocese allows blessings of same-sex marriages|url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2020-11-12/same-sex-couples-anglican-church-blessings-wangaratta/12875676|access-date=14 November 2020|publisher=Australian Broadcasting Corporation|language=en-AU}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Wangaratta's same-sex wedding blessing "valid", Australia's highest Church court rules|url=https://www.anglicannews.org/news/2020/11/wangarattas-same-sex-wedding-blessing-valid-australias-highest-church-court-rules.aspx|access-date=14 November 2020|website=anglicannews.org|language=en-gb}}</ref>
**The [[Anglican Church of Canada]]: In 2016, the Anglican Church of Canada voted to permit same-sex marriage after a vote recount. The motion must pass a second reading in 2019 to become church law. The dioceses of Niagara and Ottawa, both of which already allowed blessing rites, announced after the 2016 vote that they would immediately allow same-sex marriages.<ref name="auto1">{{cite web|title=Statement After General Synod Vote on the Marriage Canon {{!}} News in the Diocese|url=http://niagaraanglican.ca/news/bishop-issues-statement-after-general-synod-vote-on-the-marriage-canon|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170309224412/http://niagaraanglican.ca/news/bishop-issues-statement-after-general-synod-vote-on-the-marriage-canon|archive-date=9 March 2017|access-date=12 July 2016|publisher=Anglican Diocese of Niagara}}</ref><ref name="auto2">{{cite web|title=Bishop John's letter in response to General Synod's vote to amend Marriage Canon XXI.|url=http://us8.campaign-archive1.com/?u=4393514612b85bc118ee359b6&id=22021bb6f1|access-date=12 July 2016}}</ref> In 2019, the General Synod approved a resolution which allows each provincial synod and diocese to bless or perform same-sex marriages if they choose to do so.<ref>{{cite web|date=16 March 2019|title=A Word to the Church: Considering the proposed amendment of Marriage Canon XXI|url=http://www.anglican.ca/news/a-word-to-the-church-considering-the-proposed-amendment-of-marriage-canon-xxi/30023889/|access-date=13 July 2019|website=The Anglican Church of Canada|language=en-CA}}</ref> The Diocese of Toronto has specifically allowed churches to perform same-sex marriages as of mid-November 2016 when Archbishop Colin Johnson issued the Pastoral Guidelines for Same-Sex Marriages. In brief, the guidelines stated that such marriages could proceed in the Church "at the pastoral discretion of the Bishop and with the agreement of local clergy".<ref>{{cite web|date=10 November 2016|title=Pastoral guidelines for same-sex marriages|url=https://www.toronto.anglican.ca/parish-life/same-gender-blessings/|access-date=14 July 2019|publisher=Diocese of Toronto}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|date=8 May 2017|title=For Anglican same-sex couple, a long-awaited wedding in church|url=http://www.anglicanjournal.com/articles/for-anglican-same-sex-couple-a-long-awaited-wedding-in-church|access-date=18 June 2017|website=anglicanjournal.com}}</ref> At the same General Synod, a resolution, called "A Word to the Church", was approved that recognised that a diocese may choose to perform same-sex marriages.<ref>{{cite web|title=Anglican Church of Canada rejects same-sex marriage|url=https://news.yahoo.com/anglican-church-canada-rejects-same-sex-marriage-202448081.html|access-date=15 July 2019|publisher=Yahoo! News|language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|date=16 March 2019|title=A Word to the Church: Considering the proposed amendment of Marriage Canon XXI|url=http://www.anglican.ca/news/a-word-to-the-church-considering-the-proposed-amendment-of-marriage-canon-xxi/30023889/|access-date=15 July 2019|website=The Anglican Church of Canada|language=en-CA}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=A Message From the House of Bishops of the Anglican Church of Canada to General Synod 2019|url=https://gs2019.anglican.ca/atsynod/a-message-from-hob/|access-date=16 July 2019|website=General Synod 2019|language=en-US}}</ref>
**The [[Anglican Church of Southern Africa]]: Clergy are not permitted to enter in [[Same-sex marriage in South Africa|same-sex marriages]] or [[Civil unions in South Africa|civil unions]], but the church "tolerates same-sex relationships if they are celibate". Archbishop [[Thabo Makgoba]], the current Anglican Primate, is "one among few church leaders in Africa to support same-sex marriage". The [[Diocese of Saldanha Bay]] has proposed a blessing for same-sex unions.<ref>{{cite news|title=Church's decision to bless same-sex unions hailed|url=https://www.iol.co.za/capetimes/news/churchs-decision-to-bless-same-sex-unions-hailed-17390688|access-date=27 November 2021|website=Independent Online|publisher=Independent News & Media|location=South Africa|language=en}}</ref> Famous anti-apartheid activist and theologian [[Desmond Tutu]], who was an archbishop within the Anglican Church of Southern Africa, was a major advocate for gay rights and religious acceptance of LGBTQ individuals.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Klinken|first=Adriaan van|title=Desmond Tutu's long history of fighting for lesbian and gay rights|url=http://theconversation.com/desmond-tutus-long-history-of-fighting-for-lesbian-and-gay-rights-131598|access-date=11 December 2021|website=The Conversation|date=17 February 2020 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=UN Free & Equal {{!}} WITH LOVE, FROM DESMOND TUTU|url=https://www.unfe.org/love-desmond-tutu/|access-date=11 December 2021|website=UN Free & Equal|language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|date=26 July 2013|title=Archbishop Tutu 'would not worship a homophobic God'|language=en-GB|publisher=BBC News|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-23464694|access-date=11 December 2021}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|date=23 February 2016|title=Desmond Tutu, the Anglican Church, and Ending Discrimination of LGBTI People|url=http://www.tutufoundationusa.org/2016/02/23/desmond-tutu-the-anglican-church-and-ending-discrimination-of-lgbti-people/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210302225649/http://www.tutufoundationusa.org/2016/02/23/desmond-tutu-the-anglican-church-and-ending-discrimination-of-lgbti-people/|url-status=usurped|archive-date=2 March 2021|access-date=11 December 2021|website=Desmond Tutu Foundation USA|language=en-US}}</ref>
** The [[Church in Wales]]: Clergy are allowed to enter into same-sex [[Civil partnership in the United Kingdom|civil partnerships]], and there is no requirement of sexual abstinence. In 2015, a majority of the General Synod of the Church in Wales voted for same-sex marriage. Also, the "Church has published prayers that may be said with a couple following the celebration of a civil partnership or civil marriage." In September 2021, the Church in Wales voted to "formally bless same-sex couples" instead (by way of [[debate]] and [[compromise]]) – but still not legally recognising [[same-sex marriage]] within titles of the Church officially.<ref>{{cite news|date=6 September 2021|title=Church in Wales to give blessings for same-sex marriages|publisher=BBC News|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-58427926|access-date=7 September 2021}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2021/sep/06/church-in-wales-votes-to-bless-same-sex-marriages|title = Church in Wales votes to bless same-sex marriages|website = [[The Guardian]]|date = 6 September 2021}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.christianpost.com/news/church-in-wales-to-allow-pastors-to-bless-same-sex-marriages.html|title=Church in Wales to allow pastors to bless same-sex marriages, won't conduct gay weddings|date=8 September 2021 }}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|date=6 September 2021|title=Church in Wales to give blessings for same-sex marriages|language=en-GB|publisher=BBC News|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-wales-58427926|access-date=7 September 2021}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Church in Wales votes to bless same-sex marriages {{!}} Christianity |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2021/sep/06/church-in-wales-votes-to-bless-same-sex-marriages|access-date=7 September 2021|website=The Guardian}}</ref>
** The [[Church of England]]: Since 2005, clergy are permitted to enter into same-sex [[Civil partnership in the United Kingdom|civil partnerships]], but are requested to give assurances of following the Bishops' guidelines on human sexuality. In 2013, the House of Bishops announced that priests in same-sex civil unions may serve as bishops. As for ceremonies in church, "clergy in the Church of England are permitted to offer prayers of support on a pastoral basis for people in same-sex relationships; many priests already bless same-sex unions on an unofficial basis. Some congregations may offer "prayers for a same-sex commitment" or may "offer services of thanksgiving following a civil marriage ceremony."<ref>{{cite web|title=BBC – Religions – Christianity: Same-sex marriage|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/religion/religions/christianity/christianethics/samesexmarriage.shtml|access-date=26 September 2021|publisher=BBC|language=en-GB}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Vicars bless hundreds of gay couples a year|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/1410695/Vicars-bless-hundreds-of-gay-couples-a-year.html|access-date=26 September 2021|website=The Daily Telegraph|date=20 October 2002 |publisher=Telegraph Media Group |location=London}}</ref>
** The [[Episcopal Church (United States)|Episcopal Church]] in the United States: At its 2015 triennial [[General Convention of the Episcopal Church in the United States of America|General Convention]], the Episcopal Church voted overwhelmingly to allow religious weddings for same-sex couples.<ref>{{cite web|title=Stances of Faiths on LGBTQ Issues: Episcopal Church|url=https://www.hrc.org/resources/stances-of-faiths-on-lgbt-issues-episcopal-church|access-date=26 September 2021|website=HRC|language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=History|url=https://www.episcopalchurch.org/who-we-are/lgbtq/history/|access-date=26 September 2021|website=The Episcopal Church|language=en-US}}</ref> Many dioceses had previously allowed their priests to officiate at civil same-sex marriage ceremonies, but the church had not yet changed its own laws on marriage. The church law replaced the terms "husband" and "wife" with "the couple". Individual members of the clergy may still decline to perform same-sex weddings.<ref>{{cite web|title=Welby voices 'deep concern' over US Anglicans' gay marriage liturgy|url=https://www.thetablet.co.uk/news/2188/welby-voices-deep-concern-over-us-anglicans-gay-marriage-liturgy|access-date=27 November 2021|website=The Tablet|language=en}}</ref> Previously, the Episcopal Church had voted to allow a "generous pastoral response" for couples in same-sex civil unions, domestic partnerships, and marriages.
** The [[Scottish Episcopal Church]]: Since 2008, [[Glasgow Cathedral|St. Mary's Cathedral]] in Glasgow has offered blessing services for same-sex civil partnerships.<ref>{{cite web|date=25 July 2017|title=Cathedral becomes first in the UK to allow same-sex marriages|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/cathedral-same-sex-marriages-allow-uk-first-scotland-glasgow-st-marys-episcopalian-a7858851.html|access-date=26 September 2021|website=The Independent|language=en}}</ref> The Scottish Episcopal Church agreed to bless same-sex marriages in 2015. In 2016, the General Synod voted to amend the marriage canon to include same-sex couples. The proposal was approved in a second reading in 2017, and same-sex marriages may be legally performed in the Scottish Episcopal Church.<ref>{{Cite news|date=8 June 2017|title=Scottish Episcopal Church approves gay marriage|language=en-GB|publisher=BBC News|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-scotland-40190204|access-date=26 September 2021}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|date=8 June 2017|title=Church votes to allow Equal Marriage|url=https://www.scotland.anglican.org/church-votes-allow-equal-marriage/|access-date=26 September 2021|website=The Scottish Episcopal Church|language=en-GB}}</ref>
**[[Anglican Episcopal Church of Brazil|'''Episcopal Anglican Church of Brazil''']] voted, by an overwhelming majority, to amend to define marriage as a 'lifelong union between two people, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity' thus permitting same-sex marriages within the church.<ref>{{cite journal |last1=Coelho Filho |first1=Luiz Carlos Teixeira |title=Inclusivity the Brazilian Way: The Road to Same-sex Marriage in the Episcopal Anglican Church of Brazil |journal=[[Journal of Anglican Studies]] |date=May 2020 |volume=18 |issue=1 |pages=9–28 |doi=10.1017/S1740355320000182 |s2cid=225888335 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|date=4 June 2018|title=Brazilian Church Allows Same-sex Marriage|url=https://livingchurch.org/2018/06/04/brazilian-church-allows-same-sex-blessings/|access-date=1 December 2021|website=The Living Church|language=en-US}}</ref> 
* [[Baptists]] (See: [[Homosexuality and Baptist churches]]): Some Baptist associations do not have official beliefs about marriage in a [[confession of faith]] and invoke [[congregationalism]] to leave the choice to each church to decide.<ref> William H. Brackney, ''Historical Dictionary of the Baptists'', Scarecrow Press, USA, 2009, p. 503</ref><ref> Bill J. Leonard, ''Baptists in America'', Columbia University Press, USA, 2005, p. 243</ref> This is the case of [[American Baptist Churches USA]], [[Progressive National Baptist Convention]] (USA), [[Cooperative Baptist Fellowship]] (USA), [[National Baptist Convention, USA]] and the [[Baptist Union of Great Britain]]. Some Baptist associations support same-sex marriage. This is the case of the [[Alliance of Baptists]] (USA),<ref>William H. Brackney, ''Historical Dictionary of the Baptists'', Rowman & Littlefield, USA, 2021, p. 14</ref> the [[Canadian Association for Baptist Freedoms]],<ref> William H. Brackney, ''Historical Dictionary of the Baptists'', Rowman & Littlefield, USA, 2021, p. 628 </ref> the [[Aliança de Batistas do Brasil]],<ref>Renato Cavallera, [https://noticias.gospelmais.com.br/alianca-batista-aprova-uniao-gay-boa-nova-20090.html Aliança batista aprova o reconhecimento da união gay no Brasil e afirma que é uma "boa nova"], noticias.gospelmais.com.br, Brazil, May 25, 2011</ref> the [[Fraternidad de Iglesias Bautistas de Cuba]],<ref>Javier Roque Martínez, [https://newsweekespanol.com/2022/02/cristianismo-no-papel-relevante-gobierno-cubano/ 'El cristianismo no jugará un papel relevante en la oposición al gobierno cubano'], newsweekespanol.com, Mexico, February 17, 2022 </ref> and the [[Association of Welcoming and Affirming Baptists]] (international).<ref>William H. Brackney, ''Historical Dictionary of the Baptists'', Scarecrow Press, USA, 2009, p. 603</ref>
* The [[Latter Day Saint movement]]
** The [[Community of Christ]]: In 2013, the [[Community of Christ]] officially decided to extend the sacrament of marriage to same-sex couples where gay marriage is legal, to provide covenant commitment ceremonies where it is not legal, and to allow the ordination of people in same-sex relationships to the priesthood.<ref>{{cite web |title=The Community of Christ (CoChrist) & homosexuality |url=http://www.religioustolerance.org/hom_reo.htm |access-date=29 September 2021 |website=Religious Tolerance}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|year=2013|title=USA Conference Recommends Policy Changes|url=http://www.cofchrist.org/USAconf/USANatlConf04-21-2013.pdf|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130512142640/http://www.cofchrist.org/USAconf/USANatlConf04-21-2013.pdf|archive-date=12 May 2013|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|date=3 May 2013|title=Community of Christ OKs Gay Marriage And Clergy|url=https://www.kcur.org/community/2013-05-03/community-of-christ-oks-gay-marriage-and-clergy|access-date=27 November 2021|website=KCUR 89.3 – NPR in Kansas City. Local news, entertainment and podcasts.|language=en}}</ref> However, this is only in the United States, Canada, and Australia. The church does have a presence in countries where homosexuality is punishable by law, even death, so for the protection of the members in those nations, full inclusion of LGBTQ individuals is limited to the countries where this is not the case. Individual viewpoints do vary, and some congregations may be more welcoming than others. Furthermore, the church has proponents for support of both traditional marriage and same-sex marriages. The First Presidency and the Council of Twelve will need to approve policy revisions recommended by the USA National Conference.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Stevens|first=Abby|date=17 May 2013|title=Community of Christ recommends marriage, ordination for same-sex couples|url=https://www.deseret.com/2013/5/17/20519800/community-of-christ-recommends-marriage-ordination-for-same-sex-couples|access-date=6 December 2021|website=Deseret News|language=en}}</ref>
* [[Lutheranism]] (See [[Homosexuality and Lutheranism]]):
** The [[Church of Norway]]: In 2013, the bishops announced that they would allow "gay couples to receive church blessings for their civil unions..." In 2017, the Church of Norway decided to allow same-sex marriages to be performed in churches.<ref>{{cite web|last=Wee|first=Darren|date=2 November 2015|title=Norway bishops open doors to gay church weddings|url=https://www.gaystarnews.com/article/norway-bishops-open-doors-to-gay-church-weddings/|access-date=26 September 2021|website=Gay Star News|language=en-GB|archive-date=23 January 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160123110631/http://www.gaystarnews.com/article/norway-bishops-open-doors-to-gay-church-weddings/|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last1=Zaimov|first1=Stoyan|last2=Reporter|first2=Christian Post|title=Church of Norway Approves Gay Marriage After 20 Years of Internal Debate|url=https://www.christianpost.com/news/church-of-norway-approves-gay-marriage-after-20-years-of-internal-debate.html|access-date=26 September 2021|website=The Christian Post|date=12 April 2016 |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|date=3 February 2017|title=First gay couple wed – Norway Today|url=http://norwaytoday.info/news/first-gay-couple-wed/|access-date=26 September 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170203113857/http://norwaytoday.info/news/first-gay-couple-wed/|archive-date=3 February 2017}}</ref>
** The [[Church of Sweden]]: On 22 October 2009, the governing board of the Church of Sweden voted 176–62 in favour of allowing its priests to wed same-sex couples in new gender-neutral church ceremonies, including the use of the term ''marriage''.<ref>{{cite web|date=11 January 2012|title=Church of Sweden says yes to gay marriage – The Local|url=http://www.thelocal.se/22810/20091022/|access-date=26 September 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120111080159/http://www.thelocal.se/22810/20091022/|archive-date=11 January 2012}}</ref>
** The [[Evangelical Church in Germany]] (EKD): The EKD is a federation of twenty Protestant churches in Germany. The blessing of same-sex unions is allowed in many constituent member churches.<ref>{{cite web|title=Segnung Homosexueller: Bunt wie ein Regenbogen|url=https://www.evangelisch.de/inhalte/111225/20-11-2014/segnung-homosexueller-bunt-wie-ein-regenbogen|access-date=26 September 2021|website=evangelisch.de|language=de}}</ref>
** The [[Evangelical Lutheran Church in America]]: During its 2009 Churchwide Assembly, the ELCA passed a resolution by a vote of 619–402 reading "Resolved, that the ELCA commit itself to finding ways to allow congregations that choose to do so to recognize, support and hold publicly accountable lifelong, monogamous, same-gender relationships."<ref>{{cite web|title=ELCA presiding bishop offers letter on Supreme Court marriage ruling|url=https://www.elca.org/News-and-Events/7759|access-date=26 September 2021|website=elca.org|language=en}}</ref>
** The [[Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada]] permits same-sex marriages.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada|url=https://www.elcic.ca/news.cfm?article=277|access-date=8 January 2022|website=elcic.ca|archive-date=12 September 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210912234031/https://www.elcic.ca/news.cfm?article=277|url-status=dead}}</ref> 
** The [[Church of Denmark|Evangelical Lutheran Church in Denmark]]: In 2012, the [[Folketing|Danish parliament]] voted to make same-sex marriages mandatory in all state churches. Individual priests may refuse to perform the ceremony, but the local bishop must organize a replacement.<ref>{{cite web|date=16 June 2013|title=You may now kiss the groom {{!}} The Copenhagen Post {{!}} The Danish News in English|url=http://cphpost.dk/news/national/you-may-now-kiss-groom|access-date=26 September 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130616173833/http://cphpost.dk/news/national/you-may-now-kiss-groom|archive-date=16 June 2013}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|date=15 June 2012|title=Endelig fik Steen og Stig kirkens ord|url=https://politiken.dk/indland/art5391632/Endelig-fik-Steen-og-Stig-kirkens-ord|access-date=26 September 2021|website=Politiken|language=da-DK}}</ref>
** The [[Evangelical Lutheran Church of Finland]]: The church does not currently allow same-sex marriages to be legally officiated in churches. However, couples may enter in a [[Same-sex marriage in Finland|civil partnership]] and "the couple may organise prayers with a priest or other church workers and invited guests.<ref>{{cite web|date=2015-04-04|title=Registered partnerships {{!}} Evl.fi – Evangelical Lutheran Church of Finland|url=http://evl.fi/EVLen.nsf/Documents/58821FD65B63B14DC2257C2A00478B57?openDocument&lang=EN|access-date=2021-09-26|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150404005641/http://evl.fi/EVLen.nsf/Documents/58821FD65B63B14DC2257C2A00478B57?openDocument&lang=EN|archive-date=4 April 2015}}</ref> This may take place on church premises – but practice varies from parish to parish." After a civil same-sex marriage, couples may request the same prayers in church. "All of the bishops have taken the position that it is possible to hold prayer services to bless same-sex couples."<ref>{{cite web|title=Finland's State Church To Sanction Prayer For Gay Marriages – Towleroad Gay News|date=12 November 2010 |url=https://www.towleroad.com/2010/11/finlands-state-church-to-sanction-prayer-for-gay-marriages/|access-date=26 September 2021|language=en-US}}</ref>
** The [[Federation of Swiss Protestant Churches]]: This is a group of 26 member churches. Several of its member churches permit prayer services and blessings of same-sex civil unions.<ref>{{cite web|title=Homosexuelle machen die Ehe stark|url=https://www.evangelisch.de/inhalte/122853/14-07-2015/ehe-fuer-alle-homosexuelle-machen-die-ehe-stark-homo-ehe|access-date=26 September 2021|website=evangelisch.de|language=de}}</ref>
** The [[Protestant Church in the Netherlands]]: The church has allowed the blessing of same-sex unions since 2001. This has included the blessing of same-sex unions as well as marriages.<ref>{{cite web|last=Chan|first=Kenneth|title=Protestant Church in Netherlands to Grant ''Blessings'' to Gay Couples|url=https://www.christianpost.com/news/protestant-church-in-netherlands-to-grant-blessings-to-gay-couples.html|access-date=26 September 2021|website=The Christian Post|date=27 November 2004 |language=en-US}}</ref>
** The [[United Protestant Church of France]] authorized the blessing of same-sex unions by pastors in May 2015, two years after the government legalized same-sex marriages. Individual vicars may refuse to perform same-sex marriage ceremonies.<ref>{{Cite news|date=17 May 2015|title=French Protestant church allows gay marriage blessing|language=en|work=Reuters|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/uk-france-protestant-marriage-idUKKBN0O20M220150517|access-date=26 September 2021}}</ref>
**The [[Evangelical Church of the Augsburg Confession in Austria]] permits same-sex marriages.<ref>{{cite web|year=2009|title=Resolution betreffend gleichgeschlechtlicher Partnerschaften|url=https://evang.at/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/091107Generalsyndoe_gleichgeschlechtlichePartnerschaften_01.pdf|access-date=2 August 2016|website=evang.at|publisher=Evangelical Church A.u.H.B in Austria}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|date=9 March 2019|title=Evangelische Kirche will homosexuelle Ehepaare künftig segnen|url=https://kurier.at/chronik/oesterreich/evangelische-synode-will-homosexueller-paare-oeffentlich-segnen/400430599|access-date=18 April 2021|website=Kurier|language=German}}</ref>
**The [[Church of Iceland]] permits same-sex marriages.<ref>{{cite web|title=Gospel of Christ's kindness trumps "religious freedom": The Icelandic Lutheran Church to perform same-sex marriages|url=https://icelandmag.is/article/gospel-christs-kindness-trumps-religious-freedom-icelandic-lutheran-church-perform-same-sex|access-date=1 December 2021|website=Icelandmag|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|date=29 October 2015|title=From Iceland – Icelandic Priests Cannot Deny Gay Marriage|url=https://grapevine.is/news/2015/10/29/icelandic-priests-cannot-deny-gay-marriage/|access-date=1 December 2021|website=The Reykjavik Grapevine|language=en-US}}</ref> 
**The [[Union of Evangelical Churches]] in Germany allows for the blessing of same-sex marriages.<ref>{{cite web|last=Bechtold|first=Markus|date=9 November 2019|title=Ordnung für die Trauung von Ehepaaren gleichen Geschlechts|url=https://www.evangelisch.de/inhalte/162309/09-11-2019/uek-ordnung-fuer-die-trauung-von-ehepaaren-gleichen-geschlechts|access-date=18 April 2021|website=Evangelisch}}</ref>
**The [[Lutheran Evangelical Church in Italy]] permits same-sex marriages<ref>{{cite web|date=22 July 2015|title=The Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Italy says yes to the blessing of same-sex couples : Changing Attitude|url=http://changingattitude.org.uk/archives/3566|access-date=1 December 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150722085855/http://changingattitude.org.uk/archives/3566|archive-date=22 July 2015}}</ref>
* The [[Metropolitan Community Church]] performs same-sex marriages.<ref>{{cite web|title=Stances on LGBTQ Issues: Metropolitan Community Churches|url=https://www.hrc.org/resources/stances-of-faiths-on-lgbt-issues-metropolitan-community-churches|access-date=26 September 2021|website=HRC|language=en-US}}</ref> The MCC was founded to support LGBTQ Christians.<ref name=":5">{{cite web|title=MCC and Marriage Equality – Metropolitan Community Churches|url=https://www.mccchurch.org/overview/history-of-mcc/mcc-and-marriage-equality/|access-date=26 September 2021|website=mccchurch.org}}</ref> In 1968, MCC founder Rev. [[Troy Perry]] officiated the first public same-sex marriage ceremony in the United States, though it was not legally recognized at the time.<ref name=":5" />
* [[Methodism]] (See [[Homosexuality and Methodism]]):
** The [[Methodist Church of Great Britain]] permits same-sex marriage.<ref>{{Cite news|date=30 June 2021|title=Methodist Church allows same-sex marriage in 'momentous' vote|language=en-GB|publisher=BBC News|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-england-57658161|access-date=1 December 2021}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|date=1 July 2021|title=UK Methodist Church votes to allow same-sex marriages|url=https://religionnews.com/2021/07/01/uk-methodist-church-votes-to-allow-same-sex-marriages/|access-date=1 December 2021|website=Religion News Service|language=en-US}}</ref> Clergy are allowed to enter into same-sex civil partnerships or marriages.<ref>{{cite web|title=Methodists move towards conducting same-sex marriages|url=https://www.churchtimes.co.uk/articles/2019/5-july/news/uk/methodists-move-towards-conducting-same-sex-marriages|access-date=26 September 2021|website=churchtimes.co.uk}}</ref>
** The [[Methodist Church of New Zealand]]: Clergy may enter into same-sex unions and permits same-sex marriages.<ref name="rnz.co.nz">{{cite web|date=6 January 2020|title=New Zealand Church unaffected by US methodist schism over gay marriage|url=https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/406736/new-zealand-church-unaffected-by-us-methodist-schism-over-gay-marriage|access-date=1 December 2021|website=[[RNZ]] |language=en-nz}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Methodists say yes to ordaining homosexuals|url=https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/methodists-say-yes-to-ordaining-homosexuals/EUX7DWPGZIVHNQL3RQQKVGY2QI/|access-date=26 September 2021|website=The New Zealand Herald|language=en-NZ}}</ref>
** The [[Methodist Church of Southern Africa]]: In [[Southern Africa]], the Methodist Church has allowed clergy in same-sex relationships, but they are not permitted to be in a same-sex marriage. The Methodist "Church allowed [clergy] to be in a homosexual relationship whilst being a minister, and allowed [clergy] to stay in the Church's manse with [their] partner, but drew the line at recognising [their] same-sex marriage." "The Methodist Church 'tolerates homosexuals' and even accepts same-sex relationships (as long as such relationships are not solemnised by marriage)..."<ref>{{cite web|title=De Lange v Presiding Bishop of the Methodist Church of Southern Africa for the time being and Another (CCT223/14) [2015] ZACC 35; 2016 (1) BCLR 1 (CC); 2016 (2) SA 1 (CC) (24 November 2015)|url=http://www.saflii.org/za/cases/ZACC/2015/35.html|access-date=26 September 2021|website=saflii.org}}</ref>
**Many of the Protestant Church of Switzerland churches permit blessings for same-sex couples.<ref>{{cite web|last=Brenner|first=Katharina|title=Wegen der "Ehe für alle": Ostschweizer Reformierte fürchten eine Kirchenspaltung|url=https://www.tagblatt.ch/ostschweiz/reformierte-in-der-ostschweiz-fuerchten-kirchenspaltung-wegen-ehe-fuer-alle-ld.1173530|access-date=1 December 2021|website=St.Galler Tagblatt|date=30 November 2019 |language=de}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|date=8 November 2019|title=Swiss Protestant church supports gay marriage|url=https://www.thelocal.ch/20191108/swiss-protestant-church-supports-gay-marriage/|access-date=1 December 2021|website=The Local Switzerland|language=en-US}}</ref>
**The [[Evangelical Methodist Church in Argentina]] allows "the freedom to accompany homosexual couples" in ministry.<ref>{{cite web|title=Hay libertad para acompañar a las parejas homosexuales|date=19 January 2014 |url=http://www.elciudadanoweb.com/hay-libertad-para-acompanar-a-las-parejas-homosexuales|access-date=2 August 2016}}</ref>
**The [[Evangelical Church of Uruguay in Uruguay|'''Evangelical Church in Uruguay''']], a Methodist denomination, has "resolved that pastors that wish to minister to homosexuals may do so freely".<ref>{{cite book |last1=Ezzatti |first1=Araceli |chapter=Discriminación sexual: avances y retrocesos de las Iglesias protestantes históricas |pages=99–110 |chapter-url=http://salutsexual.sidastudi.org/resources/inmagic-img/DD73022.pdf |trans-chapter=Sex discrimination: advances and setbacks of the historic Protestant Churches |language=es |title=Diversidad sexual y religión |date=2008 |publisher=Católicas por el Derecho a Decidir |isbn=978-987-1110-87-2 }}</ref> Each pastor is free to provide blessing services for same-sex unions if he or she chooses to do so.<ref>{{cite web|date=31 May 2015|title=Bendecidos por el clérigo Frontán|url=http://www.republica.com.uy/bendecidos-por-el-clerigo/519053/|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160630081947/http://www.republica.com.uy/bendecidos-por-el-clerigo/519053/|archive-date=30 June 2016|access-date=2 August 2016|language=es-ES}}</ref>
* [[National Council of Churches in India|'''National Council of Churches''' '''in India''']] leadership has expressed support for LGBTQ rights.<ref>{{cite web|title=Meet the people who are getting Churches to welcome the LGBTQIA+ community into their fold|url=https://www.edexlive.com/pride-unprejudice/2018/jun/28/meet-the-men-who-are-getting-churches-to-welcome-the-lgbtqia-community-into-their-fold-3293.html|access-date=29 March 2021|website=The New Indian Express|date=28 June 2018 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|date=14 August 2018|title=Devout and gay: Faith vs sexuality|url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/devout-and-gay-faith-vs-sexuality/story-zowTf0vmfo6Jqu3Qshgn3O.html|access-date=29 March 2021|website=Hindustan Times|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Fr Thomas Ninan: "I Started To Ask Myself, What Is Stopping Me From Genuinely Loving LGBT People?"|url=https://www.salzburgglobal.org/news/latest-news/article/fr-thomas-ninan-i-started-to-ask-myself-what-is-stopping-me-from-genuinely-loving-lgbt-people|access-date=29 March 2021|website=salzburgglobal.org}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|date=8 September 2019|title=How religions are engaging with the queer community a year after the Supreme Court verdict|url=https://indianexpress.com/article/express-sunday-eye/one-year-section-377-verdict-supreme-court-lgbtq-you-are-welcome-5968773/|access-date=29 March 2021|website=The Indian Express|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Meet the people who are getting Churches to welcome the LGBTQIA+ community into their fold|url=https://www.edexlive.com/pride-unprejudice/2018/jun/28/meet-the-men-who-are-getting-churches-to-welcome-the-lgbtqia-community-into-their-fold-3293.html|access-date=1 December 2021|website=Edex Live|date=28 June 2018 |language=en}}</ref>
* The [[Old Catholic Church]]: A group of churches which separated from Roman Catholicism over the issue of papal authority.
** Many American [[Old Catholic Church|'''Old Catholic churches''']] perform same-sex marriage ceremonies including American Apostolic Church, Catholic Apostolic Church in North America, Ecumenical Catholic Communion, American Catholic Church in the United States, American Catholic Church Diocese, and the National Catholic Church of America.<ref>{{cite web|title=Stances of Faiths on LGBTQ Issues: Old/Independent Catholics|url=https://www.hrc.org/resources/stances-of-faiths-on-lgbt-issues-old-catholics-independent-catholics|access-date=26 September 2021|website=HRC|language=en-US}}</ref>
** The [[Union of Utrecht (Old Catholic)|'''Union of Utrecht of the Old Catholic Churches''']] is a federation of six European Old Catholic organizations, four of which allow same-sex marriage ceremonies.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.episcopalnewsservice.org/2013/10/23/one-church-in-europe/ |title='One Church in Europe' Old Catholics, Episcopalians commit to deeper communion |last=Davies |first=Matthew |date=23 October 2013 |website=Episcopal News Service |access-date=29 September 2021}}</ref>
* [[Presbyterianism]] (See [[Homosexuality and Presbyterianism]]):
** The [[Church of Scotland]]: In 2015, the Kirk voted to allow congregations to ordain clergy who enter into same-sex civil partnerships. The General Assembly voted to allow clergy in same-sex marriages in 2016.<ref>{{cite web|date=21 May 2016|title=Church of Scotland votes to allow ministers to be in same-sex marriages|url=http://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2016/may/21/church-of-scotland-ministers-same-sex-marriages|access-date=26 September 2021|website=The Guardian|language=en}}</ref> Then, the General Assembly approved draft legislation that would allow ministers of Word and Sacrament and deacons to marry same-sex couples if they wish for further consideration of the general assemble and membership.<ref>{{cite web|last=Scotland|first=The Church of|date=16 June 2021|title=Same-sex marriage|url=https://www.churchofscotland.org.uk/about-us/our-views/same-sex-marriage|access-date=26 September 2021|website=The Church of Scotland|language=en}}</ref>
** The [[Presbyterian Church (USA)]], the largest Presbyterian group in the United States, voted to allow same-gender marriages on 19 June 2014.<ref>{{cite web|title=Stances of Faiths on LGBTQ Issues: Presbyterian Church (USA)|url=https://www.hrc.org/resources/stances-of-faiths-on-lgbt-issues-presbyterian-church-usa|access-date=26 September 2021|website=HRC|language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|date=18 March 2015|title=US Presbyterian church recognises gay marriage|language=en-GB|publisher=BBC News|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-31944725|access-date=26 September 2021}}</ref> This vote allows pastors to perform marriages in jurisdictions where same-sex marriages are legally recognized. Additionally, the Assembly voted to send out a proposed amendment to the Book of Order, changing the description of marriage from "between a man and a woman" to "between two people, traditionally between a man and a woman."<ref>{{cite web|last=Church (U.S.A.)|first=Presbyterian|date=17 March 2015|title=Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) – Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) approves marriage amendment|url=https://www.pcusa.org/news/2015/3/17/presbyterian-church-us-approves-marriage-amendment/|access-date=26 September 2021|website=pcusa.org|language=en}}</ref> This amendment needed to be approved by a majority of the 172 Presbyteries to take effect. On 17 March 2015, the New Jersey–based Presbytery of the Palisade became the 87th presbytery to approve the ratification, making the change official.<ref>{{cite web|last=Radio|first=Southern California Public|date=17 March 2015|title=Presbyterians' new marriage definition includes gay marriage|url=https://archive.kpcc.org/news/2015/03/17/50432/presbyterians-new-marriage-definition-includes-gay/|access-date=26 September 2021|website=Southern California Public Radio}}</ref>
**In 2011, the [[United Reformed Church]] allowed blessings of same-sex couples.<ref>{{cite web|date=8 July 2018|title=United Reformed Church votes to host same-sex civil partnerships|url=http://www.ekklesia.co.uk/node/16813|access-date=18 April 2021|website=Ekklesia}}</ref> In July 2016, the United Reformed Church allowed same-sex marriage.<ref>{{cite web|last=May|first=Callum|date=9 July 2016|title=United Reformed Church approves gay marriage services|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-36756387|access-date=18 April 2021|publisher=BBC News}}</ref>
* [[Quakers|Quakerism]] (See [[Homosexuality and Quakerism]])
** The [[Canadian Yearly Meeting]] supports the right of same-sex couples to marry.<ref>{{cite web|title=History|url=https://quaker.ca/who-we-are/history/|access-date=26 September 2021|website=Quakers in Canada|date=16 March 2013 |language=en-CA}}</ref>
** Several American, British, and Australian Quaker groups bless same-sex marriages.<ref>{{cite web|title=Stances of Faiths on LGBTQ Issues: Religious Society of Friends|url=https://www.hrc.org/resources/stances-of-faiths-on-lgbt-issues-religious-society-of-friends-quakers|access-date=26 September 2021|website=HRC|language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Equality {{!}} Quakers in Australia|url=https://www.quakersaustralia.org.au/node/22|access-date=26 September 2021|website=quakersaustralia.org.au}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Quakers and same-sex marriage|url=https://www.quaker.org.uk/about-quakers/our-history/marriage-equality|access-date=26 September 2021|website=Quakers|language=en}}</ref>
* Rainbow Catholics India now has representation at Mumbai, Goa, and Bangalore<ref>{{cite web |last1=Shine |first1=Robert |date=17 October 2019 |title=Indian Catholics Celebrate Launch of New LGBTQ Ministry Supported by Top Cardinal |url=https://www.newwaysministry.org/2019/10/17/indian-catholics-celebrate-launch-of-new-lgbtq-ministry-supported-by-top-cardinal/ |access-date=29 March 2021 |website=New Ways Ministry |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Rainbow Catholics India|url=https://rainbowcatholicsindia.wordpress.com/|access-date=29 March 2021|website=Rainbow Catholics India|language=en}}</ref>
* The [[United Church of Canada]]: The General Council of the church accepts same-sex marriages. However, each individual congregation is free to develop its own marriage policies.<ref>{{cite web|title=Marriage|url=https://united-church.ca/community-and-faith/welcome-united-church-canada/what-we-believe/marriage|access-date=26 September 2021|website=united-church.ca|language=en}}</ref>
* The [[United Church of Christ]]: In 2005, the General Synod adopted a resolution supporting equal access to marriage for all couples, regardless of gender. This resolution encouraged (but did not require) individual congregations to adopt policies supporting equal marriage rights for same-sex couples.<ref>{{cite web|title=Marriage Equality|url=https://www.ucc.org/what-we-do/justice-local-church-ministries/justice/health-and-wholeness-advocacy-ministries/lgbt/lgbt_issues_marriage-equality_index/|access-date=26 September 2021|website=United Church of Christ|language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Stances of Faiths on LGBTQ Issues: United Church of Christ|url=https://www.hrc.org/resources/stances-of-faiths-on-lgbt-issues-united-church-of-christ|access-date=26 September 2021|website=HRC|language=en-US}}</ref>
* The [[Philippine Independent Church]] is LGBT-supportive and "acknowledges past homophobic wrongs" through their statement "Our Common Humanity, Our Shared Dignity".<ref>{{cite web|title=Iglesia Filipina Independiente asks forgiveness from LGBT community, extends hand with pro-equality statement|date=31 August 2017 |url=https://outragemag.com/iglesia-filipina-independiente-asks-forgiveness-from-lgbt-community-extends-hand-with-pro-equality-statement/|access-date=27 November 2021|language=en-US}}</ref>
* The [[United Protestant Church in Belgium]] permits same-sex marriage.<ref>{{Cite news|date=9 July 2016|title=United Reformed Church approves gay marriage services|language=en-GB|publisher=BBC News|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-36756387|access-date=1 December 2021}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|date=21 May 2021|title=Les religions et les groupes politiques condamnent le harcèlement, la violence et la discrimination fondés sur l'orientation sexuelle et l'identité de genre.|url=https://fr.protestant.link/les-religions-et-les-groupes-politiques-condamnent-le-harcelement-la-violence-et-la-discrimination-fondes-sur-lorientation-sexuelle-et-lidentite-de-genre/|access-date=1 December 2021|website=Église Protestante Unie de Belgique|language=fr-BE}}</ref>
*The [[Waldensian Evangelical Church]] permits same-sex marriage.<ref>{{cite web|date=11 August 2020|title=News From Italy: The Waldensians have been a progressive religious sect for over 800 years, by Dario Pio Mucilli|url=http://www.star-revue.com/a-waldensian/|access-date=1 December 2021|website=Red Hook Star-Revue|language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|date=27 August 2010|title=Coppie gay, storica apertura della Chiesa valdese. Ma si aspetta ancora una legge|url=http://www.ilfattoquotidiano.it/2010/08/27/i-valdesi-riconoscono-le-coppie-gay-primo-si-in-italia/53688/|access-date=1 December 2021|website=Il Fatto Quotidiano|language=it-IT}}</ref>
*The [[Swiss Reformed Church]] permits same-sex marriage.<ref>[https://www.srf.ch/news/schweiz/eine-landeskirche-outet-sich-ehe-fuer-alle-sorgt-kirchenintern-fuer-unmut SRF.ch: Eine Kantonskirche outet sich, August 8, 2019] (german)]</ref><ref>[https://www.kirchenbund.ch/de/communiques-de/2019/rat-des-kirchenbundes-bef-rwortet-die-ffnung-der-ehe-f-r-gleichgeschlechtliche Kirchenbund.de: Rat des Kirchenbundes befürwortet die Öffnung der Ehe für gleichgeschlechtliche Paare (german)] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190830152319/https://www.kirchenbund.ch/de/communiques-de/2019/rat-des-kirchenbundes-bef-rwortet-die-ffnung-der-ehe-f-r-gleichgeschlechtliche |date=30 August 2019 }}, 29 August 2019</ref> 
*[[Mennonites in the Netherlands]] offer marriage to both heterosexual and same-gender couples.<ref>{{cite web|last=Johns|first=Loren L|title=Homosexuality and the Mennonite Church|url=http://www.ambs.edu/ljohns/H&MC.htm|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081005125238/http://www.ambs.edu/ljohns/H%26MC.htm|archive-date=5 October 2008|access-date=18 April 2021}}</ref>
*The [[Mennonite Church Canada]] offers marriage to both heterosexual and same-gender couples.<ref>{{cite web|last=Bergen|first=Rachel|date=6 January 2015|title=First MC Canada-officiated same-sex marriage|url=https://themennonite.org/daily-news/first-mc-canada-officiated-sex-marriage-saskatchewan/|access-date=18 April 2021|website=Anabaptist World|archive-date=3 August 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200803133045/https://themennonite.org/daily-news/first-mc-canada-officiated-sex-marriage-saskatchewan/|url-status=dead}}</ref>
*Each congregation within the [[Christian Church (Disciples of Christ)]] is permitted to determine if would like to perform same-sex marriages.<ref>{{cite web|date=7 August 2013|title=Open & Affirming Ministries|url=http://disciplesallianceq.org/open-affirming-ministries/|access-date=1 December 2021|website=The Disciples LGBTQ+ Alliance|language=en-US}}</ref>
*Parts of the [[Moravian Church]] permit same-sex marriage.<ref>{{cite web|date=12 May 2018|title=Moravian synod to allow gay ministers to marry|url=https://apnews.com/article/776448f54477422caa828af33b6d0a68|work=Associated Press News}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last=Comer|first=Matt|date=15 May 2018|title=Southern Moravians approve marriage for gay clergy, members|url=http://qnotescarolinas.com/southern-moravians-approve-marriage-for-gay-clergy-members/|access-date=1 December 2021|website=QnotesCarolinas.com|language=en-US}}</ref>
* The [[Unity Church]] is fully LGBT-affirming.<ref>{{cite journal |last1=McQueeney |first1=Krista |title="We are God's Children, Y'All:" Race, Gender, and Sexuality in Lesbian- and Gay-Affirming Congregations |journal=Social Problems |date=2009 |volume=56 |issue=1 |pages=151–173 |doi=10.1525/sp.2009.56.1.151 |jstor=10.1525/sp.2009.56.1.151 |url=https://www.jstor.org/stable/10.1525/sp.2009.56.1.151 |issn=0037-7791|url-access=subscription }}</ref>
* The [[United Church of Christ in the Philippines]] supports LGBTQ rights and inclusion.<ref>{{cite web|title=UCCP approves LGBT policy statement, stresses 'Let Grace Be Total'|date=21 December 2014 |url=https://outragemag.com/uccp-approves-lgbt-policy-statement-stresses-let-grace-total/|access-date=1 December 2021|language=en-US}}</ref>
*The [[Uniting Reformed Church in Southern Africa]] permits same-sex marriage<ref>{{cite web|title=Polygamy and gay marriage welcome: Church makes U-turn|url=https://www.timeslive.co.za/news/south-africa/2018-10-30-polygamy-and-gay-marriage-welcome-church-makes-u-turn/|access-date=1 December 2021|website=TimesLIVE|language=en-ZA}}</ref>
*The [[Church of South India]] has many members and clergy that support same-sex marriages.<ref>{{cite web|date=15 July 2016|title=Awesome! This Tamil Nadu seminary is teaching pastors to accept the LGBT community|url=https://www.thenewsminute.com/article/awesome-tamil-nadu-seminary-teaching-pastors-accept-lgbt-community-46577|access-date=1 December 2021|website=The News Minute|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine|author=M. C. Rajan |date=4 August 2009 |title=Protestants cool with verdict on homosexuality|url=https://www.indiatoday.in/mail-today/story/protestants-cool-with-verdict-on-homosexuality-53514-2009-08-04|access-date=1 December 2021|magazine=India Today|language=en}}</ref>

A number of Christian ministries seek to create officially sanctioned "[[safe-space]]s" in a similar vein as [[gay–straight alliance]]s in various schools.

====Unitarian Universalism====
{{Main|Unitarian Universalism and LGBTQ people}}
[[File:UnivUnitChurchHoustonTX.JPG|thumb|[[Rainbow flag (LGBTQ)|The LGBTQ flag]] at the [[Unitarian Universalism|First Unitarian Universalist Church]] in [[Houston]] indicates that the church welcomes LGBTQ-identifying people.]] [[Unitarian Universalism]] has a long-standing tradition of welcoming LGBTQ people. The official position of the [[Unitarian Universalist Association]] (UUA) states that "Each of us has worth and dignity, and that worth includes our gender and our sexuality. As Unitarian Universalists (UUs), we not only open our doors to people of all sexual orientations and gender identities, we value diversity of sexuality and gender and see it as a spiritual gift. We create inclusive religious communities and work for LGBTQ justice and equity as a core part of who we are. ''All'' of who you are is sacred. ''All'' of who you are is welcome."<ref>{{cite web|title=Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer Justice {{!}} UUA.org|url=https://www.uua.org/lgbtq|access-date=27 March 2021|website=uua.org|language=en}}</ref>

The first ceremony of union performed by a UU minister for a same-gender couple was reportedly done in the late 1950s. It became more commonplace in the late 1970s and early 1980s.<ref name=":0">{{cite web|date=October 2012|title=LGBTQ History & Facts for Unitarian Universalists|url=https://www.uua.org/files/documents/lgbtq/history.pdf|website=Unitarian Universalist Office of Bisexual, Gay, Lesbian, and Transgender Concerns}}</ref> The UUA has been ordaining people regardless of sexual orientation since the 1970s, and the first openly transgender person was ordained in 1988.<ref name=":0" /> The UUA expects all ministers to show ministerial competency in the area of human sexuality before being approved for ordination.<ref name=":0" /> In 2004 the UUA President's Freedom to Marry Fund was launched.<ref name=":0" /> In 2009 Standing on the Side of Love was launched, a public advocacy campaign that seeks to harness love's power to stop oppression.<ref name=":0" /> The campaign provides a platform for freedom to marry efforts, among other causes.<ref name=":0" />

===Judaism===
{{Main|Homosexuality and Judaism|Homosexuality in the Hebrew Bible}}
{{Further|LGBT-affirming denominations in Judaism|LGBTQ clergy in Judaism|Same-sex marriage and Judaism}}
[[File:Pride Minyan.jpg|thumb|A halakhic egalitarian Pride [[minyan]] in [[Tel Aviv]] on the second Shabbat of [[Hanukkah]]]]

The American branch of [[Conservative Judaism]] formally approves of same-sex marriage ceremonies.<ref name="SSM">{{cite web|date=1 June 2012|title=Conservative Jews approve gay wedding guidelines|website=[[Fox News]] |url=https://www.foxnews.com/us/conservative-jews-approve-gay-wedding-guidelines/|agency=Associated Press|access-date=1 May 2013}}</ref> As of 1992 with the ''Report of the Reconstructionist Commission on Homosexuality'', the Reconstructionist Movement of Judaism has expressed its support for same-sex marriages as well as the inclusion of gay and lesbian people in all aspects of Jewish life. The [[Reconstructionist Judaism|Jewish Reconstructionist Federation]] leaves the choice of whether or not to perform same-sex marriages to individual rabbis but the procedure is included in the Reconstructionist ''Rabbi's Manual'' and many choose to use the traditional language and symbols of ''kiddushin''.<ref>{{cite web|year=2008|title=FAQ's on Reconstructionist Approaches to Jewish ideas and Practices|url=http://www.jrf.org/showres&rid=487|publisher=Jewish Reconstructionist Federation|access-date=17 May 2008}}</ref><ref name=":03">{{cite web|title=Same-Sex Marriage|url=https://www.myjewishlearning.com/article/same-sex-marriage/|access-date=28 February 2019|website=My Jewish Learning|language=en-US}}</ref> [[Reform Judaism]], the largest Jewish denomination in the United States, is generally supportive of LGBTQ rights and marriage.<ref>{{cite web|title=Stances of Faiths on LGBTQ+ Issues: Reform Judaism|url=https://www.hrc.org/resources/stances-of-faiths-on-lgbt-issues-reform-judaism|access-date=28 August 2021|website=HRC|language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Reform Jewish Views on LGBTQ Equality|url=https://reformjudaism.org/reform-jewish-views-lgbtq-equality|access-date=28 August 2021|website=Reform Judaism|language=en}}</ref>

===Islam===
{{Main|LGBTQ people and Islam|Mukhannathun}}
{{Further|Liberalism and progressivism within Islam|Liberal and progressive Islam in Europe|Liberal and progressive Islam in North America}}
[[File:21. İstanbul Onur Yürüyüşü Gay Pride (58).jpg|thumb|[[Istanbul Pride|Istanbul LGBTQ Pride parade]] in 2013, [[Taksim Square]], [[Istanbul]], Turkey]]

Attitudes toward LGBTQ+ people and their experiences in the [[Muslim world]] have been influenced by its religious, legal, social, political, and cultural history.<ref name="Schmidtke 1999"/><ref name="Islamic Homosexualities"/><ref name="TEOEM"/><ref name="lawnet.fordham.edu">{{cite journal |last1=Rehman |first1=Javaid |last2=Polymenopoulou |first2=Eleni |year=2013 |title=Is Green a Part of the Rainbow? ''Sharia'', Homosexuality, and LGBT Rights in the Muslim World |url=https://ir.lawnet.fordham.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=2322&context=ilj |url-status=live |journal=[[Fordham International Law Journal]] |publisher=[[Fordham University School of Law]] |volume=37 |issue=1 |pages=1–53 |issn=0747-9395 |oclc=52769025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180721220600/https://ir.lawnet.fordham.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?referer=&httpsredir=1&article=2322&context=ilj |archive-date=21 July 2018 |access-date=30 October 2021}}</ref><ref name="iranica-law">{{cite encyclopedia |author-last=Rowson |author-first=Everett K. |author-link=Everett K. Rowson |title=HOMOSEXUALITY ii. IN ISLAMIC LAW |url=https://iranicaonline.org/articles/homosexuality-ii |volume=XII/4 |pages=441–445 |encyclopedia=[[Encyclopædia Iranica]] |publisher=[[Columbia University]] |location=New York |date=30 December 2012 |orig-date=15 December 2004 |doi=10.1163/2330-4804_EIRO_COM_11037 |doi-access=free |issn=2330-4804 |access-date=13 April 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130517035334/https://iranicaonline.org/articles/homosexuality-ii |archive-date=17 May 2013 |url-status=live}}</ref> The religious stigma and [[Sexual taboo in the Middle East|sexual taboo]] associated with homosexuality in Islamic societies can have profound effects for those Muslims who self-identify as LGBTQ.<ref name="lawnet.fordham.edu"/><ref>{{cite journal |author-last=Polymenopoulou |author-first=Eleni |date=18 May 2020 |title=Forum: LGBTQ+ Issues in International Relations, Human Rights & Development – Same-Sex Narratives and LGBTI Activism in the Muslim World |url=https://gjia.georgetown.edu/2020/05/18/same-sex-narratives-and-lgbti-activism-in-muslim-world/ |url-status=live |journal=[[Georgetown Journal of International Affairs]] |location=[[Washington, D.C.]] |publisher=[[Walsh School of Foreign Service]] at the [[Georgetown University]] |issn=1526-0054 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201020121756/https://gjia.georgetown.edu/2020/05/18/same-sex-narratives-and-lgbti-activism-in-muslim-world/ |archive-date=20 October 2020 |access-date=7 December 2021}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |author=<!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.--> |date=19 May 2017 |title=Origins of Homophobia in the Muslim Community |url=https://sydneyqueermuslims.org.au/2017/05/19/source-homophobia-muslim-community/ |url-status=live |website=sydneyqueermuslims.org.au |location=Sydney |publisher=[[Sydney Queer Muslims]] |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180312142856/https://sydneyqueermuslims.org.au/2017/05/19/source-homophobia-muslim-community/ |archive-date=12 March 2018 |access-date=7 December 2021}}</ref><ref name="Ibrahim 2016">{{cite journal |author-last=Ibrahim |author-first=Nur Amali |date=October 2016 |title=Homophobic Muslims: Emerging Trends in Multireligious Singapore |journal=Comparative Studies in Society and History |volume=58 |issue=4 |location=[[Cambridge]] and [[New York City|New York]] |publisher=[[Cambridge University Press]] |pages=955–981 |doi=10.1017/S0010417516000499 |issn=1475-2999 |jstor=26293235 |s2cid=152039212}}</ref> Today, most LGBTQ-affirming Islamic organizations and individual congregations are primarily based in the [[Western world]] and [[South Asia]]n countries{{Citation needed|date=March 2024}}; they usually identify themselves with the [[Liberalism and progressivism within Islam|liberal and progressive movements within Islam]].<ref name="lawnet.fordham.edu"/><ref>{{cite book |author-last=Geissinger |author-first=Aisha |year=2012 |chapter=Islam and Discourses on Same-Sex Desire |chapter-url=https://books.google.com/books?id=8sn9vMPUsNYC&pg=PA80 |editor1-last=Boisvert |editor1-first=Donald L. |editor2-last=Johnson |editor2-first=Jay E. |title=Queer Religion: Homosexuality in Modern Religious History, Volume 1 |location=[[Santa Barbara, California]] |publisher=[[Greenwood Publishing Group|Praeger Publishers]] |pages=80–90 |isbn=978-0-313-35359-8 |lccn=2011043406}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |author-last=Kurzman |author-first=Charles |author-link=Charles Kurzman |year=1998 |chapter=Liberal Islam and Its Islamic Context |chapter-url=https://books.google.com/books?id=4n8HSe9SfXMC&pg=PA1 |editor-last=Kurzman |editor-first=Charles |title=Liberal Islam: A Sourcebook |location=[[Oxford]] and [[New York City|New York]] |publisher=[[Oxford University Press]] |pages=1–26 |isbn=9780195116229 |oclc=37368975}}</ref>

Homosexual acts are [[Haram|forbidden]] in traditional [[Islamic jurisprudence]] and are liable to different punishments, including [[flagellation|flogging]], [[Stoning in Islam|stoning]], and the [[Capital punishment in Islam|death penalty]],<ref name="Schmidtke 1999"/><ref name="iranica-law"/><ref name="Ibrahim 2016"/> depending on the situation and [[Madhhab|legal school]].<ref name="Ibrahim 2016"/> However, homosexual relationships were generally tolerated in [[pre-modern Islamic societies]],<ref name="Schmidtke 1999"/><ref name="Islamic Homosexualities"/><ref name="iranica-law"/> and historical records suggest that these laws were invoked infrequently, mainly in cases of [[Rape in Islamic law|rape]] or other "exceptionally blatant infringement on [[Public morality|public morals]]".<ref name="iranica-law"/> Public attitudes toward homosexuality in the Muslim world underwent a marked negative change starting from the 19th century through the [[International propagation of Salafism and Wahhabism|global spread]] of [[Islamic fundamentalism|Islamic fundamentalist movements]] such as [[Salafi movement|Salafism]] and [[Wahhabism]],<ref name="Ibrahim 2016"/> and the influence of the sexual notions and restrictive norms prevalent in [[Europe]] at the time: a number of Muslim-majority countries have retained criminal penalties for homosexual acts enacted under European [[Colonialism|colonial rule]].<ref name="Ibrahim 2016"/> In recent times, extreme [[prejudice]], [[Discrimination against LGBTQ people|discrimination]], and [[violence against LGBTQ people]] persists, both [[Societal attitudes toward homosexuality|socially]] and legally, in much of the Muslim world,<ref name="lawnet.fordham.edu"/> exacerbated by increasingly [[Social conservatism|socially conservative]] attitudes and the rise of [[Islamism|Islamist movements]] in Muslim-majority countries.<ref name="Ibrahim 2016"/> There are laws against [[Homosexual sexual practices|homosexual sexual activities]] in a large number of Muslim-majority countries, which prescribe the [[Death penalty for homosexuality|death penalty]] in a limited number of them.<ref name="www.hrw.org">{{cite web |editor-last=Ghoshal |editor-first=Neela |date=26 January 2022 |title="Even If You Go to the Skies, We'll Find You": LGBT People in Afghanistan After the Taliban Takeover |url=https://www.hrw.org/report/2022/01/26/even-if-you-go-skies-well-find-you/lgbt-people-afghanistan-after-taliban-takeover |url-status=live |location=New York |publisher=Human Rights Watch |language=en |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230207145435/https://www.hrw.org/report/2022/01/26/even-if-you-go-skies-well-find-you/lgbt-people-afghanistan-after-taliban-takeover |archive-date=7 February 2023 |access-date=21 February 2023}}</ref>

[[File:Al-Fatiha Muslim Gays - Gay Parade 2008 in San Francisco.jpg|thumb|left|250px|Gay Muslim activists of the [[Al-Fatiha Foundation]] holding the [[flag of Turkey]] at the [[San Francisco Pride]] (2008)]]
In [[France]] there was an Islamic same-sex marriage on 18 February 2012.<ref>{{cite web|date=30 March 2012|title=FRANCE – Concilier islam et homosexualité, le combat de Ludovic-Mohamed Zahed – France 24|url=http://www.france24.com/fr/20120330-france-mariage-homosexuel-musulmans-gay-religion-imam-coran-corps-livre-ludovic-mohamed-zahed|publisher=France 24}}</ref> In Paris, in November 2012, a room in a Buddhist prayer hall was used by gay Muslims and called a "gay-friendly mosque",<ref>{{cite web|last=Banerji|first=Robin|date=30 November 2012|title=Gay-friendly 'mosque' opens in Paris|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-20547335|access-date=27 March 2021|publisher=BBC}}</ref> and a French Islamic website<ref>{{cite web|title=Homosexual Muslims – HM2F|url=http://www.homosexuels-musulmans.org/gay_muslims.html|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161227151103/http://www.homosexuels-musulmans.org/gay_muslims.html|archive-date=27 December 2016|access-date=20 January 2018|work=homosexuels-musulmans.org}}</ref> is supporting religious same-sex marriage. The [[Ibn Ruschd-Goethe mosque]] in Berlin is a liberal mosque open to all types of Muslims, where men and women pray together and LGBTQ worshippers are welcomed and supported.<ref>{{cite web|last=Sarac|first=Tugay|date=2 May 2019|title=My LGBT-friendly mosque saved me from being radicalised|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/bbcthree/article/cc70b8a4-f14f-4324-a81a-82fe347f9664|access-date=3 May 2019|publisher=BBC|series=BBC Three}}</ref> Other significant LGBT-inclusive mosques or prayer groups include the El-Tawhid Juma Circle Unity Mosque in Toronto,<ref>{{cite web|title=juma circle|url=http://www.jumacircle.com/|access-date=14 November 2021|website=juma circle|language=en-US|archive-date=19 April 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170419195623/http://www.jumacircle.com/|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|date=3 June 2016|title=Queer and going to the mosque: 'I've never felt more Muslim than I do now'|url=http://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2016/jun/03/unity-mosque-queer-muslim-islam-samra-habib|access-date=14 November 2021|website=The Guardian|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|last=Gillis|first=Wendy|date=25 August 2013|title=Islamic scholars experience diversity of Muslim practices at U of T summer program|language=en-CA|work=Toronto Star|url=https://www.thestar.com/news/gta/2013/08/25/islamic_scholars_experience_diversity_of_muslim_practices_at_u_of_t_summer_program.html|access-date=14 November 2021 }}</ref> Masjid an-Nur al-Isslaah (Light of Reform Mosque) in Washington D.C.,<ref>{{cite web|title=Meet America's first openly gay imam|url=http://america.aljazeera.com/watch/shows/america-tonight/america-tonight-blog/2013/12/20/meet-america-s-firstopenlygayimam.html|access-date=14 November 2021|publisher=Al Jazeera}}</ref><ref name="nbcnews.com">{{cite web|title=Affirming mosques help gay Muslims reconcile faith, sexuality|date=April 2019 |url=https://www.nbcnews.com/feature/nbc-out/affirming-mosques-help-gay-muslims-reconcile-faith-sexuality-n988151|access-date=14 November 2021|publisher=NBC News|language=en}}</ref> Masjid Al-Rabia in Chicago,<ref>{{Cite news|title=A Mosque For LGBTQ Muslims|language=en|publisher=NPR|url=https://www.npr.org/2018/04/15/602605271/a-mosque-for-lgbtq-muslims|access-date=14 November 2021}}</ref><ref name="nbcnews.com"/><ref>{{cite web|title=Masjid al-Rabia Home|url=https://masjidalrabia.org/|access-date=14 November 2021|website=Masjid al-Rabia|language=en-US}}</ref> Unity Mosque in Atlanta,<ref>{{cite web|title=Atlanta Unity Mosque|url=https://www.atlantaunitymosque.org/|access-date=14 November 2021|website=Atlanta Unity Mosque|language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Stances of Faiths on LGBTQ Issues: Islam|url=https://www.hrc.org/resources/stances-of-faiths-on-lgbt-issues-islam|access-date=14 November 2021|website=HRC|language=en-US}}</ref> People's Mosque in Cape Town South Africa,<ref>{{cite web|date=9 May 2015|title=Is Cape Town's women and gay-friendly mosque a sign of new Muslim attitudes?|url=https://www.pbs.org/newshour/show/cape-towns-gay-women-friendly-mosque-sign-re-interpretation-muslim-faith|access-date=14 November 2021|publisher=PBS NewsHour|language=en-us}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Gay Mosque in Cape Town – rainbopedia.org|url=https://rainbopedia.org/wiki/gay-mosque-in-cape-town/|access-date=14 November 2021|website=rainbopedia.org}}</ref> Masjid Ul-Umam mosque in Cape Town,<ref>{{Cite news|date=5 February 2019|title='Space to coexist': Inside South Africa's LGBT-friendly mosque|language=en|work=Reuters|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-safrica-lgbt-religion-idUSKCN1PU0J9|access-date=14 November 2021}}</ref> Qal'bu Maryamin in California,<ref>{{cite web|date=9 April 2017|title=Women Building New Mosque in CA That's Open to All Genders|url=https://www.worldreligionnews.com/religion-news/women-building-new-mosque-ca-thats-open-genders|access-date=14 November 2021|website=World Religion News|language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Qal'bu Maryam|url=https://qalbumaryam.weebly.com/|access-date=14 November 2021|website=Qal'bu Maryam Women's Justice Center|language=en}}</ref> and the Nur Ashki Jerrahi Sufi Community in New York City.<ref>{{cite web|date=14 June 2018|title=How Queer Muslims Are Working to End Stigma This Ramadan|url=https://www.them.us/story/lgbtq-iftar|access-date=14 November 2021|website=them.|language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|date=14 June 2018|title=Queering Ramadan: Second Annual LGBTQAI+ Muslims and Allies Iftar|url=https://womensenews.org/2018/06/queering-ramadan-second-annual-lgbtqai-muslims-and-allies-iftar/|access-date=14 November 2021|website=Women's eNews|language=en-US}}</ref>

[[Muslims for Progressive Values]], based in the United States and [[Malaysia]], is "a faith-based, grassroots, human rights organization that embodies and advocates for the traditional Qur'anic values of social justice and equality for all, for the 21st Century."<ref>{{cite web|title=Who We Are|url=http://www.mpvusa.org/who-we-are|access-date=5 April 2017|work=MPVUSA.org}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=SEXUAL DIVERSITY|url=https://www.mpvusa.org/sexual-diversity|access-date=14 November 2021|website=Muslims for Progressive Values|language=en-US}}</ref> MPV has recorded "a lecture series that seeks to dismantle the religious justification for homophobia in Muslim communities." The lectures can be viewed at MPV Lecture Series.<ref>{{cite web|title=LGBTQI Lecture Series – YouTube|url=https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLE3saqAXcc3ahCLB4FWqyd7XAJ_Lh72IZ|access-date=5 April 2017|via=YouTube}}</ref> The Mecca Institute is an LGBT-inclusive and progressive online Islamic seminary, and serves as an online center of Islamic learning and research.<ref name="nbcnews.com"/><ref>{{cite web|title=Home|url=https://www.meccainstitute.org/|access-date=14 November 2021|website=meccainstitute.org|language=en}}</ref>

==Dharmic religions==
===Buddhism===
{{Main|Buddhism and sexual orientation}}
{{Further|Buddhism and sexuality}}
[[File:Myoshinj shunkoin02s2000.jpg|thumb|right|[[Shunkō-in]] ({{langx|ja|春光院}}: "Temple of the Ray of Spring Light") in [[Kyoto]], Japan, that performs same-sex marriage ceremonies]]

According to the [[Pāli Canon]] and [[Āgama (Buddhism)|Āgama]] (the [[Buddhist texts|early Buddhist scriptures]]), there is nothing saying that same or opposite gender relations have anything to do with sexual misconduct,<ref name="cunda kammaraputta sutta">{{cite web|title=Cunda Kammaraputta Sutta|trans-title=To Cunda the Silversmith|translator-last=Bhikkhu|translator-first=Thanissaro|publisher=Access to Insight|year=1997|id=[[Anguttara Nikaya|AN]] 10.176|url=http://www.accesstoinsight.org/tipitaka/an/an10/an10.176.than.html| access-date = 14 March 2011|quote=Abandoning sensual misconduct, he abstains from sensual misconduct. He does not get sexually involved with those who are protected by their mothers, their fathers, their brothers, their sisters, their relatives, or their Dhamma; those with husbands, those who entail punishments, or even those crowned with flowers by another man}}</ref><ref>[http://www.dhammatalks.net/suttacentral/sc/zh/ma128.html 優婆塞經] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170218064551/http://www.dhammatalks.net/suttacentral/sc/zh/ma128.html |date=18 February 2017 }}(Upāsaka Sutra from Madhyam āgama):復次，舍梨子！白衣聖弟子離邪婬、斷邪婬，彼或有父所護，或母所護，或父母所護，或兄弟所護，或姉妹所護，或婦父母所護，或親親所護，或同姓所護，或為他婦女，有鞭罰恐怖，及有名雇債至華鬘親，不犯如是女。彼於邪淫淨除其心，白衣聖弟子善護行，此第三法</ref> and some [[Theravada|Theravādin]] [[Buddhist monasticism|Buddhist monks]] express that same-gender relations do not violate the rule to avoid sexual misconduct, which means not having sex with [[Age of consent|people under age]] (thus protected by their parents or guardians), someone [[betrothed]] or [[married]], and those who have taken vows of [[Celibacy|religious celibacy]].<ref>
* {{cite web|author1=Ajahn Punnadhammo|title=Same Sex Marriage|url=http://www.arrowriver.ca/torStar/samesex.html|quote=The lay man is told to abstain from sex with "unsuitable partners" defined as girls under age, women betrothed or married and women who have taken vows of religious celibacy. This is clear, sound advice and seems to suggest that sexual misconduct is that which would disrupt existing family or love relationships. This is consonant with the general Buddhist principle that that which causes suffering for oneself or others is unethical behaviour. ("Unskillful behaviour" would be closer to the original.) There is no good reason to assume that '''''homosexual relations which do not violate this principle''''' should be treated differently. }}
* {{cite book|author1=Somdet Phra Buddhaghosacariya|title=Uposatha Sila The Eight-Precept Observance|date=1993|url=http://www.accesstoinsight.org/lib/authors/nanavara/uposatha.html}}There are '''four factors of the third precept''' (kamesu micchacara)
#agamaniya vatthu – that which should not be visited (the 20 groups of women).
#asmim sevana-cittam – the intention to have intercourse with anyone included in the above-mentioned groups. 
#sevanap-payogo – the effort at sexual intercourse. 
#maggena maggappatipatti – sexual contact through that adhivasanam effort.
* {{cite book|author1=Bhikkhu Bodhi|title=Going for Refuge & Taking the Precepts (The Five Precepts)|date=1981|publisher=Buddhist Publication Society|url=http://bodhimonastery.org/going-for-refuge-taking-the-precepts.html#prec2}}
</ref>

Views on homosexuality and LGBTQ rights differ in the [[Buddhism|Buddhist tradition]]. However, many Buddhist leaders and groups have been historically supportive and continue to be supportive of LGBTQ people.<ref>{{cite web|title=The Buddhist pioneers of same-sex marriage in the West: a little-known history of compassion in action by Dr Michael Vermeulen|url=http://www.ebumagazine.org/2018/06/27/the-buddhist-pioneers-of-same-sex-marriage-in-the-west-a-little-known-history-of-compassion-in-action-dr-michael-vermeulen/|access-date=27 March 2021|language=it-IT}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last=Michael|first=Vermeulen|date=September 2017|title=Special Rapporteur's Compilation of Articles on Freedom of religion or belief and Sexuality: The rise of Rainbow Dharma: Buddhism on sexual diversity and same-sex marriage by Michael Vermeulen|url=https://www.ohchr.org/Documents/Issues/Religion/ArticlesCompilationForbAndSexuality.pdf|website=The Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (UN Human Rights)}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last=Atwood|first=Haleigh|title=LGBTQ Buddhists: Teachings, Profiles, and Conversations – Lion's Roar|url=https://www.lionsroar.com/lgbtq-buddhism/|access-date=27 March 2021|language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite journal|last=Jackson|first=Peter Anthony|date=December 1995|title=Thai Buddhist accounts of male homosexuality and AIDS in the 1980s|url=http://ccbs.ntu.edu.tw/FULLTEXT/JR-EPT/anth.htm|journal=The Australian Journal of Anthropology|volume=6|issue=3|pages=140–53|doi=10.1111/j.1835-9310.1995.tb00133.x|pmid=12291560|url-access=subscription}}</ref><ref name="All Beings">{{Cite journal|last=Wilson|first=Jeff|year=2012|title="All Beings Are Equally Embraced By Amida Buddha": Jodo Shinshu Buddhism and Same-Sex Marriage in the United States|url=http://www.globalbuddhism.org/jgb/index.php/jgb/article/viewFile/125/140|journal=Journal of Global Buddhism|volume=13|pages=31–59|access-date=27 March 2021|archive-date=13 April 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180413123019/http://www.globalbuddhism.org/jgb/index.php/jgb/article/viewFile/125/140|url-status=dead}}</ref> The renowned [[Vietnamese Thiền|Thiền Buddhist]] master [[Thích Nhất Hạnh]] remarked that the spirit of Buddhism is inclusiveness and states that "when you look at the ocean, you see different kinds of waves, many sizes and shapes, but all the waves have water as their foundation and substance. If you are born gay or lesbian, your ground of being in the same as mine. We are different, but we share the same ground of being."<ref>{{cite web|date=29 March 2009|title=Thich Nhat Hanh: On Homosexuality|url=https://isanghamahal.wordpress.com/2009/03/29/thich-nhat-hanh-on-homosexuality/|access-date=20 March 2021|website=praktis isanghamahal|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |last1=Hanh |first1=Thich Nhat |title=Answers from the Heart: Practical Responses to Life's Burning Questions. |date=2009 |publisher=Parallax Press |isbn=978-1-935209-00-3 |oclc=730045848 }}</ref> Thus [[Plum Village Monastery|Plum Village]], founded by Thích Nhất Hạnh and [[Chân Không]], and many of the [[sangha]]s within the [[Plum Village Tradition]], are LGBT-affirming.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Rowsell|first=Simeon|title=Rainbow Sangha|url=https://plumvillage.uk/find-a-group/rainbow-sangha/|access-date=15 December 2021|website=Plum Village UK|language=en-GB}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|last=Community|first=Wake Up|date=24 October 2021|title=International Queer Retreat: Coming Out, Coming Home, Coming Together|url=https://wkup.org/international-queer-retreat-coming-out-coming-home-coming-together/|access-date=15 December 2021|website=Wake Up International|language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|last=Community|first=Wake Up|date=16 June 2021|title=Dharma Talk on Gender Inclusivity|url=https://wkup.org/dharma-talk-on-gender-inclusivity/|access-date=15 December 2021|website=Wake Up International|language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Citation|title=Plum Village Q&A on LGBTQIA by Br Bao Tang| date=10 March 2021 |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g0w2LYTwaXM|language=en|access-date=15 December 2021}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=LGBT – Archive|url=https://www.mindfulnessbell.org/archive/tag/LGBT|access-date=15 December 2021|website=the Mindfulness Bell|language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=Resources {{!}} Rainbodhi|url=https://rainbodhi.org/resources/|access-date=15 December 2021|language=en}}</ref> Some efforts within [[engaged Buddhism]] include LGBTQ rights.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2 August 2020|title=From Radical Dharma to All About Love, a look at queer Black Buddhist perspectives on spiritual practice in contemporary texts|url=https://www.firstpost.com/living/from-radical-dharma-to-all-about-love-a-look-at-queer-black-buddhist-perspectives-on-spiritual-practice-in-contemporary-texts-8656221.html|access-date=15 December 2021|website=Firstpost|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=Chao-hwei Shih: Buddhist Nun Leads Asia's Fight for Gay Marriage|url=https://crcc.usc.edu/chao-hwei-shih-buddhist-nun-leads-asias-fight-for-gay-marriage/|access-date=15 December 2021|website=crcc.usc.edu|date=28 July 2020 |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Citation|title=ENGAGED BUDDHISM|url=https://vimeo.com/29174650|language=en|access-date=15 December 2021}}</ref><ref>{{Cite book|last=Fuller|first=Paul|title=An Introduction to Engaged Buddhism|publisher=Bloomsbury|year=2021|isbn=9781350129085|pages=Chapter 7. Suffering, Sexuality and Gender}}</ref>

[[Japan]]'s [[Japanese culture|culture]] and [[Religion in Japan|major religions]] do not have a history of hostility towards homosexuality.<ref>{{cite web|first=Sam|last=Shoushi|date=25 March 2008|title=Japan and Sexual Minorities &#124; ヒューライツ大阪|url=http://www.hurights.or.jp/archives/focus/section2/2008/06/japan-and-sexual-minorities.html|access-date=16 June 2014|publisher=Hurights.or.jp}}</ref> Same-sex marriages are performed at [[Shunkō-in]], a [[Rinzai Zen]] Buddhist temple in [[Kyoto]], Japan.<ref>{{cite web|last=Kure|first=Rena|date=22 October 2015|title=Buddhist Priest Invites Same-Sex Couples To Marry at His Temple|url=http://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/shunkoin-temple-gay-marriage_us_56290990e4b0aac0b8fbeb01|access-date=5 April 2017|work=[[HuffPost]]}}</ref> Shozenji Temple in Moriguchi City, Osaka is also LGBTQ affirming and includes a shrine to [[Guanyin]] who is said to have no gender or may change genders to best provide compassion to those in need.<ref>{{cite journal |last1=Bailey |first1=Cathryn |title=Embracing the Icon: The Feminist Potential of the Trans Bodhisattva, Kuan Yin |journal=Hypatia |date=December 2008 |volume=24 |issue=3 |pages=178–196 |doi=10.1111/j.1527-2001.2009.01051.x |s2cid=144982548 }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|last=MATCHA|title=Shozenji, An LGBTQ Safe Temple Run by a Transgender Nun|url=https://matcha-jp.com/en/9828|access-date=12 December 2021|website=MATCHA – JAPAN TRAVEL WEB MAGAZINE|date=22 July 2020 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|last=Yarber|first=Angela|date=9 May 2015|title=Guanyin Revisited: Queer, Pacifist, Vegan Icon by Angela Yarber|url=https://feminismandreligion.com/2015/05/09/guanyin-revisited-queer-pacifist-vegan-icon-by-angela-yarber/|access-date=12 December 2021|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite journal |last1=Vo |first1=Dan |title=THE COMPASSIONATE WAY: Towards Trans and Non-Binary Inclusive Narratives in Museums |journal=SQS – Suomen Queer-tutkimuksen Seuran Lehti |date=7 January 2021 |volume=14 |issue=1–2 |pages=95–101 |doi=10.23980/sqs.101457 |s2cid=234116545 |doi-access=free }}</ref> Some modern Buddhist leaders were active in the movement for same-sex marriage rights in [[Taiwan]], which legalized same-sex marriages in 2019.<ref>{{cite web|last=Hollingsworth |first=Julia |date=17 May 2019|title=Taiwan legalizes same-sex marriage in historic first for Asia|url=https://www.cnn.com/2019/05/17/asia/taiwan-same-sex-marriage-intl/index.html|access-date=27 March 2021|publisher=CNN|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Buddhist Nun Leads Asia's Fight for Gay Marriage|url=https://bulletin.hds.harvard.edu/buddhist-nun-leads-asias-fight-for-gay-marriage/|access-date=27 March 2021|website=Harvard Divinity Bulletin|language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Taiwan to stage first same-sex Buddhist wedding|date=11 July 2012 |url=https://sg.news.yahoo.com/taiwan-stage-first-same-sex-buddhist-wedding-061917131.html|access-date=27 March 2021|publisher=Yahoo! News|language=en-SG}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |first=Craig |last=Lewis |title=Taiwanese Buddhist Master Ven. Shih Chao-hwei Selected for 38th Niwano Peace Prize |date=26 February 2021 |url=https://www.buddhistdoor.net/news/taiwanese-buddhist-master-ven-shih-chao-hwei-selected-for-38th-niwano-peace-prize|website=Buddhistdoor Global}}</ref> [[Hsing Yun]], founder of the [[Fo Guang Shan]] Buddhist order, has called for tolerance towards the LGBTQ community.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Tibetan Buddhist views on LGBTQ: is Buddhism accepting, neutral, supportive, or alienating to lesbians, gay men and trans-gendered persons? What about same-sex marriage? – Buddha Weekly: Buddhist Practices, Mindfulness, Meditation|date=7 March 2018 |url=https://buddhaweekly.com/tibetan-buddhist-views-lgbtq-buddhism-accepting-neutral-supportive-alienating-lesbians-gay-men-trans-gendered-persons-sex-marriage/|access-date=22 December 2021|language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|last=Sujato|first=Bhante|date=12 March 2012|title=Why Buddhists Should Support Marriage Equality|url=https://sujato.wordpress.com/2012/03/21/1430/}}</ref> Some adherents of the [[Navayana|Navayāna (Ambedkarite) Buddhist tradition]] are supporting LGBTQ rights within their larger activist activities.<ref>{{cite web|title=Activism under the auspices of dhamma|url=http://www.advojka.cz/archiv/2020/23/activism-under-the-auspices-of-dhamma|access-date=29 March 2021|website=advojka.cz}}</ref> In [[Thailand]], some leaders in the [[Theravada|Theravāda tradition]] including Phra Payom Kalayano have expressed support for LGBTQ rights.<ref>{{Cite news|last=Chandran|first=Rina|date=21 August 2020|title='LGBT people are also humans': Thai Buddhist monk backs equality|language=en|work=Reuters|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-thailand-lgbt-religion-interview-trfn-idUSKBN25H0RZ|access-date=27 March 2021}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last=Lewis|first=Craig|date=August 2020|title=Buddhist Monk Seeks Equality, Acceptance for Thailand's LGBT+ Communities|url=https://www.buddhistdoor.net/news/buddhist-monk-seeks-equality-acceptance-for-thailandrsquos-lgbt-communities|website=Buddhistdoor Global}}</ref>

In 1997, the [[14th Dalai Lama|14th Dalai Lama Tenzin Gyatso]] declared: "From a Buddhist point of view, men-to-men and women-to-women is generally considered sexual misconduct."<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.sfgate.com/news/article/Dalai-Lama-Speaks-on-Gay-Sex-He-says-it-s-wrong-2836591.php |work=San Francisco Chronicle |date=11 June 1997 |title=Dalai Lama Speaks on Gay Sex / He says it's wrong for Buddhists but not for society}}</ref> However, this view expressed by the Dalai Lama is not based on the teachings of [[Gautama Buddha]] but derived from some later [[Abhidharma]] texts.<ref>{{cite book|author1=Thubten Chodron|title=Dealing With Life's Issues|url=https://thubtenchodron.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/Dealing-With-Lifes-Issues.pdf|quote=The Pali scriptures make no mention of homosexuality being unwise sexual conduct. For monastics, all sexual intercourse is a root downfall. It doesn't specify the gender of one's partner. Vasubandhu, a teacher who came several centuries after the Buddha, discouraged homosexuality. Personally speaking, I think what's most important is the motivation behind how we use our sexuality. In other words, if people use their sexuality unkindly or unwisely, it doesn't matter if it is directed to someone of their own sex or the opposite sex.}}</ref> Moreover, the Dalai Lama has repeatedly "voiced his support for the full recognition of human rights for all people, regardless of sexual orientation."<ref>{{cite web|date=23 April 2006|title=Dalai Lama urges 'full human rights for all,' including gays|url=http://quietmountain.org/links/teachings/gayrites.htm|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060423234456/http://quietmountain.org/links/teachings/gayrites.htm|url-status=dead|archive-date=23 April 2006|access-date=20 March 2021}}</ref> In the most recent interview with the Dalai Lama on this topic (10 March 2014), the Dalai Lama said gay marriage is "OK", provided it's not in contradiction with the values of one's chosen religion.<ref>{{cite web|date=6 March 2014|title=Dalai Lama says gay marriage is 'OK' and anti-LGBT bullying is 'wrong'|url=https://www.pinknews.co.uk/2014/03/06/dalai-lama-says-gay-marriage-ok-anti-lgbt-bullying-wrong/|access-date=27 March 2021|website=PinkNews|language=en-GB}}</ref><ref>{{Citation|title=The Dalai Lama Weighs in on Same Sex Marriage {{!}} Dalai Lama Interview {{!}} Larry King Now – Ora TV| date=27 February 2014 |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pJVvVSr8E2M|language=en|access-date=27 March 2021}}</ref> Also in the Tibetan tradition, the [[Nalandabodhi]] [[Sangha (Buddhism)|sangha]] has stated that they are welcoming of all sexual orientations and well-known Bhutanese lama [[Khyentse Norbu]] has expressed support for LGBTQ rights in [[Bhutan]].<ref>{{cite web|title=The Buddhist View on LGBTQ and Smoking|url=https://thebhutanese.bt/the-buddhist-view-on-lgbtq-and-smoking/|access-date=13 April 2021|website=The Bhutanese|language=en-US}}</ref>
[[File:Same-sex-marriage-taiwan.jpg|thumb|Buddhist same-sex wedding]]
In [[Western Buddhism|Western Buddhist denominations]], there is widescale support for LGBTQ rights from Buddhist groups and organizations, including the [[European Buddhist Union]],<ref>{{cite web|author=<!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.-->|date=3 July 2015|title=Rainbow Sangha|url=http://europeanbuddhism.org/activity/rainbow/|access-date=27 March 2021|website=European Buddhist Union|language=en}}</ref> the [[Buddhist Churches of America]],<ref>{{cite web|title=Seattle Betsuin Brings New Light to LGBTQ Issues: Northwest Dharma Association|url=https://northwestdharma.org/rainbowsea/|access-date=27 March 2021|website=northwestdharma.org}}</ref><ref name="All Beings" /><ref>{{cite web |title=Buddha's Big Shrug: The Non-Conflictual History of Same-Sex Marriage in the Buddhist Churches of America |date=20 June 2018 |last=Wilson |first=Jeff |url=https://berkleycenter.georgetown.edu/responses/buddha-s-big-shrug-the-non-conflictual-history-of-same-sex-marriage-in-the-buddhist-churches-of-america|access-date=18 April 2023|website=berkleycenter.georgetown.edu|language=en}}</ref> many [[Jōdo Shinshū|Shin Buddhist]] groups,<ref>{{cite web|title=Seminar traces roots of Buddhists' support for LGBTQ rights » Nichi Bei |date=10 July 2014 |last=Hamamoto |first=Ben|url=https://www.nichibei.org/2014/07/seminar-traces-roots-of-buddhists-support-for-lgbtq-rights/|access-date=18 April 2023|website=nichibei.org}}</ref> and Zen leaders such as [[Thích Nhất Hạnh]].<ref>{{cite book |last=Nhất Hạnh |first=Thích |title=Answers from the heart: practical responses to life's burning questions |date=2009 |publisher=Parallax Press |isbn=978-1-935209-00-3 |location=Berkeley |oclc=701109195 }}{{page needed|date=December 2021}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|date=29 March 2009|title=Thich Nhat Hanh: On Homosexuality|url=https://isanghamahal.wordpress.com/2009/03/29/thich-nhat-hanh-on-homosexuality/|access-date=27 March 2021|website=praktis isanghamahal|language=en}}</ref> The Federation of Australian Buddhist Councils (FABC), representing Buddhist laypeople, and the Australian Sangha Association vocally supported [[same-sex marriage]] in Australia.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Potts |first1=Andrew M |date=19 April 2012 |title=Buddhists come out for equality |url=https://www.starobserver.com.au/news/buddhists-come-out-for-equality/75906 |access-date=27 March 2021 |website=Star Observer |language=en-US}}</ref> 

Soka Gakkai was reluctant  about  homosexuality before the 1990s, then "became  more  open" as writes scholar Bernat Font in his essay Buddhism and Homosexuality.<ref>{{Cite book |last=Font |first=Bernat |url=https://www.academia.edu/49261065/Buddhism_and_Homosexuality_an_overview |title=Buddhism and Homosexuality |publisher=University of South Wales |year=2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220803063453/https://www.academia.edu/49261065/Buddhism_and_Homosexuality_an_overview |archive-date=2022-08-03}}</ref> Glenn Copeland, a member of the organization in Canada, remembers the leader of Soka Gakkai, Daisaku Ikeda, said in 1961 that "gay people would become heterosexual with chanting".<ref>{{Cite web |last=Negru |first=John Harvey |date=31 March 2018 |title=We’re All Different: Musician Glenn Copeland on his journey as a Black, Buddhist, transgender artist |url=https://www.lionsroar.com/were-all-different-musician-glenn-copeland-on-his-journey-as-a-black-buddhist-transgender-artist/ }}</ref> It changed later in some of its settlement areas. The Buddhist Church of San Francisco first performed a gay marriage ceremony in the 1970s.<ref>{{Cite web|title=The Buddhist pioneers of same-sex marriage in the West: a little-known history of compassion in action by Dr Michael Vermeulen |url=http://www.ebumagazine.org/2018/06/27/the-buddhist-pioneers-of-same-sex-marriage-in-the-west-a-little-known-history-of-compassion-in-action-dr-michael-vermeulen/|website=ebumagazine.org|access-date=18 April 2023}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|last=Kuwahara|first=Kiyonobu Joshin|title=Is My Sangha Inclusive?|date=2 June 2017 |url=https://www.lionsroar.com/lets-talk-is-my-sangha-inclusive/|website=[[Lion's Roar (magazine)|Lion's Roar]] |access-date=18 April 2023|language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|last=Wilson|first=Jeff|date=27 June 2015|title=A Big Gay History of Buddhist Same-sex Marriage|url=https://tricycle.org/trikedaily/big-gay-history-same-sex-marriage-sangha/|access-date=22 December 2021|website=[[Tricycle: The Buddhist Review]]|language=en}}</ref> American [[Soka Gakkai]] Buddhists have performed same-sex union ceremonies since the 1990s.<ref>{{cite web|last=Dart|first=John|date=1 July 1995|title=U.S. Buddhist Group Approves Marriage-Like Rights for Gays|url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1995-07-01-me-19075-story.html|access-date=5 April 2017|work=[[Los Angeles Times]]}}</ref> In a PEW research poll, 88% of American Buddhists stated that homosexuality should be accepted.<ref name="pewforum.org">{{cite web|title=Religion in America: U.S. Religious Data, Demographics and Statistics|url=https://www.pewforum.org/religious-landscape-study/|access-date=29 March 2021|website=Pew Research Center's Religion & Public Life Project|language=en-US}}</ref> This was a higher level of support than any other religious group studied.<ref name="pewforum.org" /> 

===Hinduism===
{{Main|Hinduism and LGBTQ topics}}
[[File:Bahuchara Devi.jpg|thumb|[[Bahuchar Mata]] is sometimes considered a patron goddess of the [[Hijra (South Asia)|Hijras]].]]

There is no central authority to speak on behalf of all [[Hinduism|Hindus]] and, therefore, each ''Sampradaya'', temple, and religious leader may have differing opinions. The Gay & Lesbian Vaishnava Association is a nonprofit religious organization offering positive information and support to LGBTQI Vaishnavas and Hindus more generally<ref>{{cite web|title=GALVA-108: Gay & Lesbian Vaishnava Association|url=https://www.galva108.org/|access-date=27 March 2021|website=galva108|language=en}}</ref> The [[Hindu American Foundation]] (HAF) states that one of Hinduism's core teachings is that every being is Divine or a reflection of Divine qualities, regardless of one's outer attributes.<ref name=":1">{{cite web|title=HAF Policy Brief: Hindu Teachings Inclusive of LGBT People|url=https://www.hinduamerican.org/press/haf-policy-brief-hindu-teachings-inclusive-lgbt-people/|access-date=27 March 2021|website=Hindu American Foundation|language=en-US}}</ref> HAF states that this and other fundamental and ancient Hindu teachings may allow Hindus to more openly embrace LGBTQ rights and marriage equality.<ref name=":1" /> HAF supports marriage equality for all Americans and submitted amicus briefs in various U.S. courts, including the U.S. Supreme Court, to this end.<ref name=":1" /> Anil Bhanot, general secretary of The [[United Kingdom]] Hindu Council said: "The point here is that the homosexual nature is part of the natural law of God; it should be accepted for what it is, no more and no less. Hindus are generally conservative but it seems to me that in ancient India, they even celebrated sex as an enjoyable part of procreation, where priests were invited for ceremonies in their home to mark the beginning of the process."<ref name="news.rediff.com">{{cite web|title='Hinduism does not condemn homosexuality' – Rediff.com India News|url=http://news.rediff.com/report/2009/jul/03/hinduism-does-not-condemn-homosexuality.htm|work=Rediff.com}}</ref> Many queer-affirming Hindus look to [[LGBTQ themes in Hindu mythology]] and [[LGBTQ culture in India|LGBTQ content in pre-modern India]] as reasons to support and celebrate LGBTQ people.<ref>{{cite web|date=14 July 2020|title=Storytelling: LGBT themes in Hindu mythology|url=https://indianexpress.com/article/parenting/blog/storytelling-lgbt-themes-in-hindu-mythology-5273332/|access-date=12 April 2021|website=The Indian Express|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|date=15 September 2018|title=India has assumed an ancient position on gay sex. Read the kama sutra|url=https://www.scmp.com/week-asia/politics/article/2164299/gay-sex-india-has-assumed-ancient-position-read-kama-sutra|access-date=12 April 2021|website=South China Morning Post|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|date=31 December 2018|title=Why legalising gay sex in India is not a Western idea|language=en-GB|publisher=BBC News|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-india-46620242|access-date=12 April 2021}}</ref>

===Sikhism===
{{Main|Sikhism and sexual orientation}}

As individuals, many [[Sikhism|Sikhs]] support LGBTQ rights, civil partnerships, and same sex marriage because of the religion's emphasis on justice and equality.<ref name=":2">{{cite web|title=What does Sikhism say about marriage? – Marriage and divorce – GCSE Religious Studies Revision|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/guides/z49whyc/revision/2|access-date=12 April 2021|publisher=BBC Bitesize|language=en-GB}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|date=22 April 2016|title=Vancouver Baisakhi parade organisers create history, include LGBT community|url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/punjab/vancouver-baisakhi-parade-organisers-create-history-includes-lgbt-community/story-QE71jRd5MEbBAtWWtg25zN.html|access-date=12 April 2021|website=Hindustan Times|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|date=15 December 2013|title=Gurpreet Singh: Many Canadians of South Asian descent support struggle for LGBT equal rights|url=https://www.straight.com/news/548886/gurpreet-singh-many-canadians-south-asian-descent-support-struggle-lgbt-equal-rights|access-date=12 April 2021|website=The Georgia Straight|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=Singh |first1=Sonny |date=10 November 2011 |title=We Are One: Guru Nanak's Legacy And LGBT Rights |url=https://www.huffpost.com/entry/lgbt-sikhs-and-guru-nanak_b_1086193 |access-date=12 April 2021 |website=HuffPost |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Headlines |first=Beyond |date=2013-05-12 |title=Sarmad Shaheed: The Martyr of Love |url=https://beyondheadlines.in/2013/05/sarmad-shaheed-the-martyr-of-love/#:~:text=Sarmad%20refused%20to%20go%20beyond,front%20of%20his%20very%20eyes. |access-date=2025-02-16 |website=BeyondHeadlines |language=en-US}}</ref> Civil partnerships and same sex marriage are not banned in the [[Guru Granth Sahib]].<ref name=":2" /> LGBT-affirming Sikhs point to the Sikh belief that marriage is a union of souls.<ref>{{cite web|title=Sikhism Religion of the Sikh People|url=http://www.sikhs.org/wedding/|access-date=12 April 2021|website=sikhs.org}}</ref> In Sikhism, the soul is seen as genderless, and the outward appearance of human beings (man, woman) is a temporary state.<ref name="Naad 33">{{cite web|date=2 September 2010|title=Sikhism, Yoga and Sexuality|url=http://www.projectnaad.com/wp-content/uploads/leaflets/sikhism_yoga_and_sexuality.pdf|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101011162907/http://www.projectnaad.com/wp-content/uploads/leaflets/sikhism_yoga_and_sexuality.pdf|archive-date=11 October 2010|access-date=2 September 2010|publisher=Project Naad|page=33}}</ref> 

Sikhism does not have a singular stance on LGBTQ rights. In 2005, the Jathedar of the Akal Takht, the highest temporal authority in Sikhism based in India, condemned homosexuality and urged Sikhs in Canada to vote against gay marriage.<ref name=":7">{{Cite web |title=Sikhism and Same-Sex Marriages |url=https://www.sarbat.net/articles/a-statement-on-marriage-equality-from-sarbat |access-date=2025-02-16 |website=Sarbat Sikhs |language=en-CA}}</ref> Navdeep Singh Bains defied this advice and supported gay marriage rights.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Sikh MP Lives on Both Sides of Ethno-political Divide |url=https://www.thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article/sikh-mp-lives-on-both-sides-of-ethno-political-divide |access-date=2025-02-16 |website=www.thecanadianencyclopedia.ca |language=en}}</ref> Past edicts from the Jathedar have not always been acknowledged or accepted by Sikh communities, both within India and abroad.<ref name=":7" /> The Sikh Council of the United Kingdom supports gay commitment ceremonies and legal rights but not marriage rights.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2013-07-29 |title=Sikh Council caution on ending civil marriage ceremonies {{!}} Law & Religion UK |url=https://lawandreligionuk.com/2013/07/29/sikh-council-caution-on-ending-civil-marriage-ceremonies/ |access-date=2025-02-16 |language=en-GB}}</ref> Many Sikhs, particular in Canada, have vocally support LGBTQ rights including [[Jagmeet Singh]] who is the first Sikh to be elected to leadership of a Canadian federal political party.<ref>{{Cite web |title=NDP statement on Pride Month |url=https://www.ndp.ca/news/ndp-statement-pride-month-5 |access-date=2025-02-16 |website=Canada's NDP |language=en}}</ref> LGBTQ groups were invited to march in the Sikh Baisakhi Parade in Vancouver and invited to the spring Vaisakhi festival.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2016-04-25 |title=LGBT Join Nagar Kirtan for 1st Time |url=https://www.sikhnet.com/news/lgbt-join-nagar-kirtan-1st-time |access-date=2025-02-16 |website=SikhNet |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2017-03-22 |title=Vancouver Sikh society builds bridges with LGBT South Asians to practise what they preach |url=https://www.straight.com/life/885166/vancouver-sikh-society-builds-bridges-lgbt-south-asians-practice-what-they-preach# |access-date=2025-02-16 |website=The Georgia Straight |language=en}}</ref> The [[World Sikh Organization]] (WSO) based in Canada supports the rights of LGBTQ people.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2013-12-15 |title=Gurpreet Singh: Many Canadians of South Asian descent support struggle for LGBT equal rights |url=https://www.straight.com/news/548886/gurpreet-singh-many-canadians-south-asian-descent-support-struggle-lgbt-equal-rights |access-date=2025-02-16 |website=The Georgia Straight |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Sikh MPs weigh in on same-sex legislation |url=https://www.hilltimes.com/story/2005/03/07/sikh-mps-weigh-in-on-same-sex-legislation/277454/ |access-date=2025-02-16 |website=The Hill Times |language=en-CA}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Affirming Faith Workbook |url=https://egale.ca/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/3.6-Faith-Workbook-Sikhism_Final.pdf |website=Egale Canada}}</ref>
[[File:Pride London Parade, July 2011 (5954030633).jpg|thumb|LGBTQ Sikhs at London gay pride event]]
While not a denomination, the organization Sarbat is a mixture of both practicing and non-practicing Sikhs with a focus on LGBTQ rights.<ref name="About us – Sarbat LGBT Sikhs">{{cite web|title=About us – Sarbat LGBT Sikhs|url=http://www.sarbat.net/faqs/|access-date=27 March 2021|language=en-GB}}</ref> The core ethics of the group include the concept of ''Seva (selfless service),'' treating others with equality and respect, acknowledgement of the five fundamental human qualities Gurus extensively advocated of Sat (truth), Daya (compassion), Santokh (contentment), Nimrata (humility), and Pyaar (love), and confidentiality and discretion.<ref name="About us – Sarbat LGBT Sikhs"/>

==Eastern and Southeast Asian religions==
===Chinese folk religion===
{{Main|Chinese folk religion}}
{{Further|Homosexuality in China}}

[[Tu'er Shen]], also known as the Rabbit God, is a gay [[Shen (Chinese religion)|Chinese deity]].<ref>{{Cite web|last=Volodzko|first=David|date=9 October 2020|title=How Fujian was once an LGBT mecca (where people worshipped a rabbit god)|url=https://supchina.com/2020/10/09/how-fujian-was-once-an-lgbt-mecca/|access-date=16 December 2021|website=SupChina|language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|date=19 January 2015|title=Taiwan's gays pray for soul mates at 'Rabbit' temple|language=en|work=Reuters|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/taiwan-gay-temple-idINKBN0KS0R120150119|access-date=16 December 2021}}</ref> In 2006, Lu Wei-ming founded a temple for Tu'er Shen and Taoist worship in [[Yonghe District]] in the [[New Taipei City]] in [[Taiwan]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.thestar.com.my/lifestyle/people/2015/01/26/praying-for-a-soul-mate-at-rabbit-temple|title=Praying for a soul mate at Rabbit Temple|last=GOLD|first=MICHAEL|date=26 January 2015|website=The Star Online|language=en|access-date=4 December 2019}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|date=19 January 2015|title=Why Taiwan's 'Rabbit' Temple Is Almost Exclusively Gay|url=https://www.huffpost.com/entry/taiwan-gay-temple-_n_6499210|access-date=16 December 2021|website=HuffPost|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Citation|title=受同志社群歡迎的台北道教廟堂| date=17 January 2015 |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=abSidDFK_ec|language=en|access-date=16 December 2021}}</ref> About 9,000 pilgrims visit the temple each year praying for a suitable (same-sex) partner.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.huffpost.com/entry/taiwan-gay-temple-_n_6499210|title=Why Taiwan's 'Rabbit' Temple Is Almost Exclusively Gay|date=19 January 2015|website=HuffPost|language=en|access-date=4 December 2019}}</ref> The [[Wei-ming temple]] also performs love ceremonies for gay couples.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.newnownext.com/taiwanese-rabbit-temple-drawing-gay-pilgrims/01/2015/|title=Thousands of Gay Pilgrims Trek To Taiwan To Pray For Love At "Rabbit" Temple |first=Alexander|last=Stevenson|website=LOGO News|access-date=4 December 2019 |url-status=deviated |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200302230623/http://www.newnownext.com/taiwanese-rabbit-temple-drawing-gay-pilgrims/01/2015/ |archive-date=March 2, 2020}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=Rabbittemple|url=https://twitter.com/rabbittemple|access-date=16 December 2021|via=Twitter|language=en}}</ref>{{Primary source inline|date=May 2023}} It is the world's only religious shrine for homosexuals.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/taiwan-gay-temple-idINKBN0KS0R120150119|title=Taiwan's gays pray for soul mates at 'Rabbit' temple|date=19 January 2015|work=Reuters|access-date=4 December 2019|language=en}}</ref>

===Confucianism===

[[Homosexuality]] is not mentioned in the [[Analects of Confucius]].<ref name="Siker encyclopedia">Jeffrey S. Siker, [https://books.google.com/books?id=PUqn33H-uDYC&q=Confucianism+homosexuality&pg=PA210 Homosexuality and Religion: an encyclopedia]. page 210. 2007. {{ISBN|0-313-33088-3}}</ref>

===Shinto===

Historically, [[Shinto]] "had no special code of morals and seems to have regarded sex as a natural phenomenon to be enjoyed with few inhibitions."<ref name="Crompton 2003">{{cite book |last=Crompton |first=Louis |author-link=Louis Crompton |year=2003 |title=Homosexuality and Civilization |chapter=Pre-Meiji Japan |chapter-url=https://books.google.com/books?id=TfBYd9xVaXcC&pg=PA413 |location=[[Cambridge, Massachusetts]] |publisher=[[Harvard University Press]] |isbn=9780674022331 |lccn=2003245327 |page=413 |quote=Shinto was principally concerned with propitiatory rites and ceremonies; [[Japanese mythology|its mythology]] fostered nationalism through the [[Imperial cult#Ancient and Imperial Japan|cult of divine emperors]], but it had no special code of morals and seems to have regarded sex as a natural phenomenon to be enjoyed with few inhibitions. [[Phallus|Phallic]] [[Shinto shrine|shrines]] dotted the countryside. Premarital virginity was not rigidly insisted upon, and freeborn boys did not lose status if they had adult lovers. Early law codes penalized incest and bestiality but not [[homosexual relations]]. The [[Shinto gods|gods of the Shinto pantheon]] were themselves highly sexual. In later times, some of them were seen as "guardian deities" of [[Love between men|male love]].}}</ref> While [[Shinto#Beliefs|Shinto beliefs]] are diverse, Japanese Shinto does not condemn homosexuality,<ref name="Crompton 2003"/> and the formally organized [[Konkokyo]] sect is fully affirming.<ref>{{Cite web|date=May 2017|title=Face to Faith No.89|url=http://kic.jpn.org/jpn/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/No89.pdf}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|last=Bernkastel|first=Olivia|date=15 December 2018|title=Throughout the years and even now, I have often been asked the view Shinto holds in regard to…|url=https://medium.com/@livingwithkami/throughout-the-years-and-even-now-i-have-often-been-asked-the-view-shinto-holds-in-regard-to-6d9eb0057997|access-date=25 August 2021|website=Medium|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=Living with Kami|url=https://www.livingwithkami.com/post/171313633965/great-news-from-konkokyo-message-below-from-the|access-date=25 August 2021|website=Living with Kami|language=en}}</ref> Multiple Shinto leaders advocated in support of [[Same-sex marriage in Hawaii|gay marriage in Hawaii]].<ref>{{Cite web|date=31 October 2013|title=Testimony in support of SB1 Relating to Equal Rights|url=https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/splsession2013b/SB1_Testimony_JUD-FIN_10-31-13_InPerson_Part1.pdf|website=Capitol.Hawaii.Gov}}</ref>

=== Taoism ===
{{Main|Homosexuality in China}}

In a similar way to Buddhism, Taoist schools sought throughout history to [[Five Precepts (Taoism)|define]] what would be sexual misconduct. The precept against Sexual Misconduct is sex outside your marriage. The married spouses ({{lang|zh|夫婦}}) usually in Chinese suggest male with female, though the scripture itself does not explicitly say anything against same-gender relations.<ref>{{cite book|title=Zhengtong daozang|year=c. 1445|script-title=zh:正統道藏|trans-title=Zhengtong-era Daoist Canon|script-chapter=zh:太上老君戒經|trans-chapter=Supreme [[Laozi]]'s Precepts|ref={{harvid|Zhengtong daozang|1445}}}}</ref><ref>{{cite book|author=Chinese Taoism Association|year=1994|publisher=华夏出版社 |isbn=7-5080-0112-5|script-title=zh:道教大辭典|trans-title=The Great Dictionary of Taoism}}/B.054</ref> Many sorts of precepts mentioned in the [[Yunji Qiqian]] ({{lang|zh|雲笈七籤}}), The Mini Daoist Canon, does not explicitly say anything against same-gender relations as well.<ref>{{cite book|volume=38–40|script-title=zh:正統道藏|trans-title=Zhengtong-era Daoist Canon|script-chapter=zh:雲笈七籤.說戒部|trans-chapter=[[Yunji Qiqian]]. Precepts}}</ref> Homosexuality is not unknown in Taoist history, such as during the Tang dynasty when Taoist nuns exchanged love poems.<ref>{{usurped|1=[https://web.archive.org/web/20060513051220/http://www.glbtq.com/social-sciences/china%2C5.html Homosexuality in China]}} on [[glbtq.com]].</ref>

=== Cao Dai ===
[[Caodaism|Cao Dai]] views on LGBTQ people are mixed. Cao Dai views all human beings as children of the Supreme Being, regardless of sexual orientation. While the faith emphasizes the balance of [[Yin and yang|Yin and Yang]] as a fundamental principle of life, it acknowledges that individual life paths are spiritually preordained by divine will.<ref name=":8">{{Cite web |title=CAO DAI FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions) PART IV - The Sacerdotal Council of Caodaism |url=https://caodai.com.vn/en/news-detail/cao-dai-faq-frequently-asked-questions-part-iv.html#:~:text=From%20this,%20it%20is%20safe,principle%20of%20Yin%20and%20Yang. |access-date=2025-02-16 |website=caodai.com.vn}}</ref> Homosexuality is not explicitly mentioned in Cao Dai doctrine or divine messages, and it is regarded more as a social issue rather than a religious one.<ref name=":8" /> The overarching perspective is one of acceptance without judgment, aligning with the principle of "live and let live," while recognizing that homosexuality does not align with the traditional Yin-Yang balance.<ref name=":8" />

==Indigenous religions==

=== African Continental religions ===
{{Main|LGBTQ rights in Africa}}

Traditionally, the [[Meru people|Meru culture]] included people called "Mugwe", who served spiritual roles and who were often homosexual and could marry other men.<ref>{{Cite web|title=The Mugwe: Homosexuality among the Meru People – KumbuKumbu|url=https://kumbukumbu.co.ke/?p=114|access-date=8 January 2022|language=en-GB}}</ref><ref>{{Cite journal|last=Needham|first=Rodney|year=1960|title=The Left Hand of the Mugwe: An Analytical Note on the Structure of Meru Symbolism|url=http://dx.doi.org/10.2307/1157738|journal=Africa: Journal of the International African Institute|volume=30|issue=1|pages=26|doi=10.2307/1157738|jstor=1157738|s2cid=145254421|issn=0001-9720|url-access=subscription}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|last=Van Heerden|first=Gerbrandt|date=10 July 2018|title=Dispelling The Myth That Homosexuality Is Un-African|url=https://irr.org.za/media/dispelling-the-myth-that-homosexuality-is-un-african-huffpost|website=Institute of Race Relations (IRR)}}</ref> Several pre-colonial religious and cultural groups across the continent permitted non-heterosexual relationships or gender identities outside of the modern western gender binary.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Elnaiem |first=Mohammed |date=29 April 2021 |title=The "Deviant" African Genders That Colonialism Condemned |url=https://daily.jstor.org/the-deviant-african-genders-that-colonialism-condemned/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250128192311/https://daily.jstor.org/the-deviant-african-genders-that-colonialism-condemned/ |archive-date=January 28, 2025 |access-date=8 January 2022 |website=JSTOR Daily |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=23 June 2021 |title=Gay is African |url=https://thenativemag.com/gay-is-african/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241203155201/https://thenativemag.com/gay-is-african/ |archive-date=December 3, 2024 |access-date=8 January 2022 |website=The NATIVE |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=13 February 2019 |title=African homophobia and the colonial roots of African conservatism |url=https://africasacountry.com/2019/06/african-homophobia-and-the-colonial-intervention-of-african-conservatism |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250109195739/https://africasacountry.com/2019/06/african-homophobia-and-the-colonial-intervention-of-african-conservatism |archive-date=January 9, 2025 |access-date=8 January 2022 |website=africasacountry.com |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Crutchfield |first=Joshua L. |date=21 October 2021 |title=Did Europe Bring Homophobia to Africa? |url=https://www.aaihs.org/did-europe-bring-homophobia-to-africa/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241213233532/https://www.aaihs.org/did-europe-bring-homophobia-to-africa/ |archive-date=December 13, 2024 |access-date=8 January 2022 |website=AAIHS |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite journal|last=Makofane|first=Keletso|date=July 2013|title=Unspoken facts: a history of homosexualities in Africa|url=http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/13691058.2012.732749|journal=Culture, Health & Sexuality|volume=15|issue=sup1|pages=114–116|doi=10.1080/13691058.2012.732749|s2cid=143109276|issn=1369-1058|url-access=subscription}}</ref><ref>{{Cite journal|last1=Mehra|first1=Bharat|last2=Lemieux|first2=Paul A.|last3=Stophel|first3=Keri|date=1 January 2019|title=An Exploratory Journey of Cultural Visual Literacy of "Non-Conforming" Gender Representations from Pre-Colonial Sub- Saharan Africa|journal=Open Information Science|language=en|volume=3|issue=1|pages=1–21|doi=10.1515/opis-2019-0001|s2cid=166833847|issn=2451-1781|doi-access=free}}</ref>

=== African Diasporic religions ===
[[File:Swearing-in_ceremony_of_Diaspora_GwètòDe_by_Konfederasyon_Nasyonal_Vodou_Ayisyen_07.jpg|thumb|Vodou event held at the National Black Theatre in Harlem, New York City]]
{{Main|Haitian Vodou and sexual orientation}}

==== Candomblé ====
Within [[Candomblé]], a [[Syncretism|syncretic]] religion founds primarily found in Brazil, there is widespread (though not universal) support for gay rights, many members are LGBT, and have performed gay marriages.<ref>{{cite web|last=CartaCapital|date=22 September 2017|title=Homossexualidade e candomblé|url=https://www.cartacapital.com.br/blogs/dialogos-da-fe/homossexualidade-e-candomble/|access-date=1 May 2021|website=CartaCapital|language=pt-BR}}</ref><ref>{{Cite journal|last=Moutinho|first=Laura|year=2013|title=Homosexuality, skin color and religiosity: flirting among the "povo de santo" in Rio de Janeiro|url=http://www.clam.org.br/uploads/publicacoes/book2/32.pdf|journal=CLAM. Sexuality, Culture and Politics – A South American Reader|pages=573–592|isbn=978-85-89737-82-1}}</ref><ref name="GI São Paulo">{{cite web|date=27 February 2017|title=Casal gay celebra casamento umbandista em bloco no centro de São Paulo|url=https://g1.globo.com/sao-paulo/carnaval/2017/noticia/casal-celebra-casamento-em-bloco-de-carnaval-no-centro-de-sao-paulo.ghtml|work=GI São Paulo|language=pt}}</ref><ref name="Homossexualidade e candomblé">{{cite web|date=22 September 2017|title=Homossexualidade e candomblé|url=https://www.cartacapital.com.br/blogs/dialogos-da-fe/homosexualidade-e-candomble/|work=Carta Capital|language=pt}}{{Dead link|date=May 2023 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref>
[[File:MinC_entrega_primeiro_Mapeamento_de_Terreiros_do_DF_(41930524282).jpg|thumb|A gathering of both Candomblé and Umbanda followers in Brazil]]

==== Haitain Vodou ====
Homosexuality is religiously acceptable in [[Haitian Vodou]].<ref name="Haiti's fight for gay rights">{{cite web|title=Haiti's fight for gay rights|url=http://projects.aljazeera.com/2014/haiti-lgbt/|access-date=27 March 2021|publisher=Al Jazeera}}</ref><ref name="Homosexuality And Voodoo">{{cite web|date=20 July 2013|title=Homosexuality And Voodoo|url=http://www.haitiobserver.com/blog/homosexuality-and-voodoo.html|access-date=30 March 2021|website=Haiti Observer}}</ref><ref name="advocate.com">{{cite web|date=31 October 2016|title=Queer Haitians Find a Refuge in Vodou|url=http://www.advocate.com/current-issue/2016/10/31/why-queer-haitians-are-turning-vodou|access-date=27 March 2021|website=advocate.com|language=en}}</ref> The lwa or loa (spirits) Erzulie Dantor and Erzulie Freda are often associated with and viewed as protectors of queer people.<ref name="Review">{{cite web|date=6 June 2018|title=Black Madonna Vodou Religion Spirit Lwa Erzulie Dantor by Kate Kingsbury|url=https://www.patheos.com/blogs/theglobalcatholicreview/2018/06/polish-black-madonna-haitian-vodou-spirit-erzulie-dantor-kate-kingsbury-africa-love-religion/|access-date=27 March 2021|website=The Global Catholic Review|language=en}}</ref><ref name="lisantiadmin">{{cite web|last=lisantiadmin|title=Haiti's LGBTQ-Accepting Vodou Societies|url=https://www.irenemonroe.com/haitis-lgbtq-accepting-vodou-societies/|access-date=27 March 2021|website=Rev Irene Monroe|language=en-US}}</ref> The lwa [[Guede Nibo]] is sometimes depicted as an effeminate cross-dresser, and inspires those he inhabits to lascivious sexuality of all kinds.<ref name="Cassell">Randy Conner, David Hatfield Sparks & Mariya Sparks (eds), Cassell's ''Encyclopedia of Queer Myth, Symbol & Spirit'', p. 963, London and New York: Cassell, 1997.</ref><ref>Conner, p. 157, "Ghede Nibo"</ref>

==== Santería ====
Practitioners of [[Santería]], primarily found in Cuba, generally (though not universally) welcome LGBTQ members and include them in religious or ritual activities.<ref>{{cite journal|title=Introduction ~ ¡Homofobia no! ¡Socialismo sí! Identity, culture, gender and sexuality in today's Cuba ~ Minority Stories|url=https://stories.minorityrights.org/afrocuba-lgbtqi/chapter/introduction/|access-date=1 May 2021|website=stories.minorityrights.org|date=5 March 2017 }}</ref><ref>{{cite journal |last1=Vidal-Ortiz |first1=Salvador |title=Sexuality discussions in santería: A case study of religion and sexuality negotiation |journal=Sexuality Research and Social Policy |date=September 2006 |volume=3 |issue=3 |pages=52–66 |doi=10.1525/srsp.2006.3.3.52 |s2cid=144582747 }}</ref>

==== Umbanda ====
Also a Brazilian syncretic religion, [[Umbanda]] houses generally support LGBTQ rights and have performed gay marriages.<ref>{{cite web|title=Brazil gays celebrate first mass wedding|url=https://www.pri.org/stories/2011-06-23/brazil-gays-celebrate-first-mass-wedding|access-date=1 May 2021|website=The World from PRX|date=August 2016 |language=en}}</ref><ref name="GI São Paulo" /><ref name="Homossexualidade e candomblé" /><ref>{{cite journal |last1=Ogland |first1=Curtis P. |last2=Verona |first2=Ana Paula |title=Religion and the Rainbow Struggle: Does Religion Factor into Attitudes Toward Homosexuality and Same-Sex Civil Unions in Brazil? |journal=Journal of Homosexuality |date=2 September 2014 |volume=61 |issue=9 |pages=1334–1349 |doi=10.1080/00918369.2014.926767 |pmid=24914634 |s2cid=32139660 }}</ref>

=== Ancient Mesopotamian religion ===
{{Main|Ancient Mesopotamian religion}}
[[File:Couple_de_musiciens.jpg|thumb|Two gala priests, dating to {{Circa|2450 BC}}, found in the temple of Inanna at Mari]]

Individuals who went against the traditional [[gender binary]] were heavily involved in the cult of [[Inanna]], an ancient Mesopotamian goddess.<ref name=":3">{{cite book |last1=Leick |first1=Gwendolyn |title=Sex and Eroticism in Mesopotamian Literature |date=2013 |isbn=978-0-203-41428-6 |oclc=1120210531 }}{{page needed|date=December 2021}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=LGBTQ+ in the Ancient World|url=https://www.worldhistory.org/article/1790/lgbtq-in-the-ancient-world/|access-date=28 August 2021|website=World History Encyclopedia|language=en}}</ref> During Sumerian times, a set of priests known as ''[[Gala (priests)|gala]]'' worked in Inanna's temples, where they performed elegies and lamentations.<ref name=":3" /> Men who became ''gala'' sometimes adopted female names and their songs were composed in the Sumerian ''[[Sumerian language#Dialects|eme-sal]]'' dialect, which, in literary texts, is normally reserved for the speech of female characters. Some Sumerian proverbs seem to suggest that ''gala'' had a reputation for engaging in [[anal sex]] with men.<ref name=":4">{{cite book |last1=Murray |first1=Stephen O |title=Islamic homosexualities: culture, history, and literature |date=1997 |publisher=NYU Press |isbn=978-0-8147-7467-0 |oclc=35526232 }}{{page needed|date=December 2021}}</ref> During the Akkadian Period, ''kurgarrū'' and ''assinnu'' were servants of Ishtar who [[Cross-dressing|dressed in female clothing]] and performed war dances in Ishtar's temples.<ref name=":4" /> Several Akkadian [[proverb]]s seem to suggest that they may have also had homosexual proclivities.<ref name=":4" /> Gwendolyn Leick, an anthropologist known for her writings on Mesopotamia, has compared these individuals to the contemporary Indian ''[[Hijra (South Asia)|hijra]].''<ref name=":3" /> In one Akkadian hymn, Ishtar is described as transforming men into women.<ref name=":4" /> Some modern pagans include Inanna in their worship.<ref>{{cite book |last1=Rountree |first1=Kathryn |title=Cosmopolitanism, nationalism, and modern paganism |date=2017 |publisher=Palgrave Macmillan US |isbn=978-1-137-56200-5 |oclc=966491570 }}{{page needed|date=December 2021}}</ref>

=== Burmese folk religion ===
{{Main|Burmese folk religion}}

Many ''Nat Kadaws'' in traditional Burmese folk religion are members of the LGBTQ community.<ref>{{cite web|last=Brown|first=Grace|date=1 September 2018|title=Myanmar's LGBT community find freedom at spirit festival|url=https://www.cnn.com/2018/08/31/asia/myanmar-spirit-festival-intl/index.html|access-date=25 November 2021|publisher=CNN|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite journal |last1=Coleman |first1=Eli |last2=Allen |first2=Mariette Pathy |last3=Ford |first3=Jessie V. |title=Gender Variance and Sexual Orientation Among Male Spirit Mediums in Myanmar |journal=Archives of Sexual Behavior |date=May 2018 |volume=47 |issue=4 |pages=987–998 |doi=10.1007/s10508-018-1172-0 |pmid=29497915 |s2cid=4730569 }}</ref><ref>{{cite thesis |last1=Purday |first1=Kevin Michael |title=Shamanic gender liminality with specific reference to the NatKadaw of Myanmar and the Bissu of Sulawesi. |year=2013 |url=https://repository.uwtsd.ac.uk/id/eprint/433/ |s2cid=131727907 }}</ref>

=== Đạo Mẫu ===
[[File:Mother_Goddess_of_Heaven_Mẫu_Thượng_Thiên_-_Artist_Lunae_Lumen_-_Four_Palaces_Tứ_Phủ.jpg|thumb|Đạo Mẫu Mother Goddess of Heaven Mẫu Thượng Thiên – Artist Lunae Lumen – Four Palaces Tứ Phủ]]
{{Main|Đạo Mẫu}}

In Vietnam, many LGBTQ people find a safe community within the ''Đạo Mẫu'' religion which is worship on the mother god''.''<ref>{{Cite web|last=VietnamPlus|date=11 December 2013|title=First art festival focuses on LGBT community {{!}} Culture – Sports {{!}} Vietnam+ (VietnamPlus)|url=https://en.vietnamplus.vn/first-art-festival-focuses-on-lgbt-community/53562.vnp|access-date=9 December 2021|website=VietnamPlus|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=Some Asian Governments Claim LGBTQ Culture Is a Western Invention: Here's Why That's Garbage|url=https://www.vice.com/en/article/some-asian-governments-claim-lgbtq-culture-is-a-western-invention-heres-why-thats-garbage/|access-date=9 December 2021|website=Vice (magazine)|date=6 June 2019 |language=en}}</ref> Many LGBTQ people act as mediums during ''Đạo Mẫu'' rituals''.''<ref>{{cite journal |last1=Binh |first1=Tran Thi Thuy |last2=Filax |first2=Gloria |title=Social effects of Đạo Mẫu gay mediums |journal=Regional Journal of Southeast Asian Studies |year=2019 |volume=3 |issue=1 |pages=2–24 }}</ref>

=== Indonesian religions ===
{{Main|Torajan people|Gender in Bugis society}}

Among the Saʼadan (eastern Toraja) in the island of Sulawesi (Celebes), Indonesia, there are shamans who do not fit into the western gender binary.<ref>{{cite book |doi=10.1163/9789004454422_013 |chapter=Toburake |title=Powers of Blessing from the Wilderness and from Heaven |year=2006 |pages=139–155 |isbn=978-90-6718-270-6 |first1=Kees |last1=Buijs }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Phobia, Whose Phobia? Unpacking Present-Day Homophobia and Transphobia in Asia {{!}} Gunda-Werner-Institut|url=https://www.gwi-boell.de/en/2021/05/17/phobia-whose-phobia-unpacking-present-day-homophobia-and-transphobia-asia|access-date=25 November 2021|website=Heinrich-Böll-Stiftung|language=en}}</ref> Many within the Bugis society recognize five [[gender]]s: ''makkunrai'', ''oroané'', ''bissu'', ''calabai'', and ''calalai''.<ref name="Graham Davies">{{cite book|last=Graham Davies|first=Sharyn|title=Challenging Gender Norms: Five Genders Among Bugis in Indonesia|publisher=Thomson Wadsworth|year=2006|isbn=978-0-495-09280-3|series=Case Studies in Cultural Anthropology|page=xi|oclc=476076313}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last=Hidayana|first=Irwan Martua|title=On gender diversity in Indonesia|url=http://theconversation.com/on-gender-diversity-in-indonesia-101087|access-date=25 November 2021|website=The Conversation|date=12 September 2018 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":6">{{cite web|last=Stables|first=Daniel|title=Asia's isle of five separate genders|url=https://www.bbc.com/travel/article/20210411-asias-isle-of-five-separate-genders|access-date=25 November 2021|publisher=BBC|language=en}}</ref> Historically, the bissu gender often played religious roles though modern discrimination has reduced the number of bissu religious leaders.<ref name="ABC">{{cite news|last=Ibrahim|first=Farid M|date=27 February 2019|title=Homophobia and rising Islamic intolerance push Indonesia's intersex bissu priests to the brink|publisher=ABC News|location=Australia|url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2019-02-27/indonesia-fifth-gender-might-soon-disappear/10846570|url-status=live|access-date=27 February 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190227045350/https://www.abc.net.au/news/2019-02-27/indonesia-fifth-gender-might-soon-disappear/10846570|archive-date=27 February 2019}}</ref><ref name=":6" />

=== Pre-colonial religions of the Americas ===
[[File:Catlin - Dance to the berdache.jpg|thumb|Drawing by [[George Catlin]] (1796–1872) while on the [[Great Plains]] among the [[Sac and Fox Nation]]. Depicting a group of male warriors dancing around a male-bodied person in a woman's dress, non-Native artist George Catlin titled the painting ''Dance to the Berdache''.]]{{Main|Alaska Native religion|Mesoamerican religion|Native American religion|Inuit religion}}

{{Further|Same-sex marriage in tribal nations in the United States}}Among the [[Indigenous peoples of the Americas]] prior to the [[European colonization of the Americas|European colonization]], many Nations had respected ceremonial, religious, and social roles for homosexual, bisexual, and gender-nonconforming individuals in their communities and in many contemporary [[Native Americans in the United States|Native American]] and [[First Nations in Canada|First Nations]] communities, these roles still exist.<ref name="Estrada">{{cite journal |url=http://nativeout.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/Two-Spirits-Nadleeh-and-Navajo-LGBTQ2-Gaze.pdf |title=Two Spirits, Nádleeh, and LGBTQ2 Navajo Gaze |journal=American Indian Culture and Research Journal |volume=35 |issue=4 |pages=167–190 |last=Estrada |first=Gabriel S |year=2011 |doi=10.17953/aicr.35.4.x500172017344j30 |doi-broken-date=3 December 2024 |access-date=29 September 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150513044527/http://nativeout.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/Two-Spirits-Nadleeh-and-Navajo-LGBTQ2-Gaze.pdf |archive-date=13 May 2015}}</ref><ref name="terms">{{cite web |url=http://nativeout.com/twospirit-rc/two-spirit-101/two-spirit-terms-in-tribal-languages/ |title=Two Spirit Terms in Tribal Languages |website=Native Out |access-date=29 September 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150102172337/http://nativeout.com/twospirit-rc/two-spirit-101/two-spirit-terms-in-tribal-languages/ |archive-date=2 January 2015}}</ref><ref name="de Vries 2009">{{cite book|last1=de Vries|first1=Kylan Mattias|title=Encyclopedia of gender and society|date=2009|publisher=SAGE|isbn=9781412909167|editor1-last=O'Brien|editor1-first=Jodi|location=Los Angeles|page=64|chapter=Berdache (Two-Spirit)|access-date=6 March 2015|chapter-url=https://books.google.com/books?id=_nyHS4WyUKEC}}</ref><ref name="Kehoe">{{cite web|last=Kehoe|first=Alice B.|author-link=Alice Beck Kehoe|year=2002|title=Appropriate Terms|url=https://www.saa.org/publications/saabulletin/16-2/saa14.html|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20041105120021/https://www.saa.org/publications/saabulletin/16-2/saa14.html|archive-date=5 November 2004|access-date=1 May 2019|work=SAA Bulletin|publisher=Society for American Archaeology 16(2), [[UC-Santa Barbara]] }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|last=Roscoe|first=Will|title=LGBTQ America: A Theme Study of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer History|url=https://www.nps.gov/subjects/lgbtqheritage/upload/lgbtqtheme-nativeamerica.pdf|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161024182954/https://www.nps.gov/subjects/lgbtqheritage/upload/lgbtqtheme-nativeamerica.pdf|url-status=dead|archive-date=24 October 2016|website=National Park Service}}</ref> Homosexual and gender-variant individuals were also common among other pre-[[Spanish colonization of the Americas|conquest]] civilizations in [[Latin America]], such as the [[Aztec]]s, [[Maya civilization|Mayans]], [[Quechuas]], [[Moche (culture)|Moches]], [[Zapotec civilization|Zapotecs]], and the [[Tupinambá people|Tupinambá]] of Brazil and were accepted in their various religions.<ref name="glbtqlatinamerica">{{citation|last=Pablo|first=Ben|title=Latin America: Colonial|url=http://www.glbtq.com/social-sciences/latin_america_colonial.html|periodical=[[glbtq.com]]|year=2004|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071211012339/http://www.glbtq.com/social-sciences/latin_america_colonial.html|access-date=1 August 2007|archive-date=11 December 2007|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref name="glbtqmex">{{cite encyclopedia|year=2004|title=Mexico|encyclopedia=glbtq: An Encyclopedia of Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer Culture|publisher=[[glbtq.com|glbtq, Inc.]]|url=http://www.glbtq.com/social-sciences/mexico.html|access-date=1 August 2007|last=Murray|first=Stephen|author-link=Stephen O. Murray|editor=Claude J. Summers|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071102132531/http://www.glbtq.com/social-sciences/mexico.html|archive-date=2 November 2007|url-status=dead}}</ref>

It is important to note that the indigenous peoples of the Americas includes hundreds of cultures with varying views on sex, gender, and spirituality. Additionally, first nations and indigenous views on gender and sexuality may not fall within modern western categorizations of sex and gender.<ref>{{Cite news|title=For many Native Americans, embracing LGBT members is a return to the past|language=en-US|newspaper=The Washington Post|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/national/for-many-native-americans-embracing-lgbt-members-is-a-return-to-the-past/2019/03/29/24d1e6c6-4f2c-11e9-88a1-ed346f0ec94f_story.html|access-date=11 December 2021 }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|date=20 August 2019|title=Indigenous Sexualities: Resisting Conquest and Translation|url=https://www.e-ir.info/2019/08/20/indigenous-sexualities-resisting-conquest-and-translation/|access-date=11 December 2021|website=E-International Relations|language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=Gender and Sexuality in Native America: Many People, Many Meanings (U.S. National Park Service)|url=https://www.nps.gov/articles/gender-and-sexuality-in-native-america.htm|access-date=11 December 2021|website=nps.gov|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|last=Enos|first=Tony|title=8 Things You Should Know About Two Spirit People|url=https://indiancountrytoday.com/archive/8-misconceptions-things-know-two-spirit-people|access-date=11 December 2021|newspaper=Ict News|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|last=Anayah|first=Stephanie|title=LibGuides: Williams Institute Reading Room: Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Resources in Law and Public Policy: LGBT / Two Spirit Native Americans|url=https://libguides.law.ucla.edu/c.php?g=183364&p=5550803|access-date=11 December 2021|website=libguides.law.ucla.edu|language=en}}</ref>

=== Pre-colonial religions of the Philippines ===
{{Main|Filipino shamans|Indigenous Philippine folk religions|LGBTQ rights in the Philippines}}

Filipino shamans, often known as ''babaylan'' held positions of authority as religious leaders or healers in some precolonial Philippine societies''.<ref>{{cite book|last=Lewis|first=Nantawan B|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=VLnHBQAAQBAJ|title=Remembering Conquest: Feminist/Womanist Perspectives on Religion, Colonization, and Sexual Violence|publisher=Taylor & Francis|year=2014|isbn=978-1-317-78946-8|page=[https://books.google.com/books?id=VLnHBQAAQBAJ&dq=babaylan&pg=PT69 698]}}</ref>'' Cross-dressing or non-gender conforming males sometimes took on the role of the female babaylan.<ref>{{cite book|last=Garcia|first=J. Neil C.|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=93lag7tXriIC|title=Philippine Gay Culture: Binabae to Bakla, Silahis to MSM|publisher=UP Press|year=2008|isbn=978-971-542-577-3|pages=[https://books.google.com/books?id=93lag7tXriIC&dq=babaylan+%22cross-dressers%22+transvestites&pg=PA162 162–163]}}</ref> Early historical accounts record the existence of male ''babaylans'' who wore female clothes and took the demeanor of a woman.<ref name="Alcina 195–209">{{Cite book|last=Alcina|first=Francisco|title=Historia de las Islas e Indios de Bisayas|pages=195–209}}</ref><ref name="Ribadeneira 1947 50">{{Cite book|last=Ribadeneira|first=Marcelo de|title=History of the Islands of the Philippine Archipelago and the Kingdoms of Great China, Tartary, Cochinchina, Malaca, Siam, Cambodge and Japan|publisher=La Editorial Catolica|year=1947|location=Barcelona|pages=50}}</ref> Anatomy was not the only basis for gender. Being male or female was based primarily on occupation, appearance, actions and sexuality. A male ''babaylan'' could partake in romantic and sexual relations with other men without being judged by society.<ref name=":022">{{Cite book|last=Garcia|first=J. Neil|title=Philippine gay culture : the last thirty years : binabae to bakla, silahis to MSM|publisher=Hong Kong University Press, 2009, c2008.|year=2009|isbn=9789622099852|location=Hong Kong|pages=162–163, 166, 170–173, 191, 404}}</ref> A small number of Filipinos practice local indigenous religions today.<ref>{{Citation|title=Philippines|date=16 November 2021|url=https://www.cia.gov/the-world-factbook/countries/philippines/#people-and-society|work=The World Factbook|publisher=Central Intelligence Agency|language=en|access-date=24 November 2021}}</ref>

=== Traditional religions of Pacific Islands ===
In [[Native Hawaiian]] and [[Tahitians|Tahitian]] cultures there are [[third gender]] people called [[māhū]] with traditional spiritual and social roles within the culture.<ref>{{cite web|title=The Meaning of Mahu|url=https://www.pbslearningmedia.org/resource/04dee370-6375-45d9-b7e2-83c8b0a23371/the-meaning-of-mahu/|access-date=25 November 2021|publisher=PBS LearningMedia|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=Ravida |first=Meldrick |date=2018-02-11 |title=The Māhū |url=https://www.manoanow.org/kaleo/special_issues/the-m-h/article_ba191154-0dd9-11e8-ba11-bbb0d1090a78.html |access-date=25 November 2021 |website=Ka Leo O Hawaii |language=en}}</ref><ref name="GC">{{cite web|last=Perkins|first=Robert|date=October 2013|title=Like a Lady in Polynesia: The ''Māhū'' of Tahiti, the ''Fa'a Fafine'' in Samoa, the ''Fakaleiti'' in Tonga and More|url=http://www.gendercentre.org.au/resources/polare-archive/archived-articles/like-a-lady-in-polynesia.htm|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150924021528/http://www.gendercentre.org.au/resources/polare-archive/archived-articles/like-a-lady-in-polynesia.htm|archive-date=24 September 2015|access-date=30 September 2015|work=GenderCentre.org.au|publisher=The Gender Centre|location=Petersham, NSW, Australia}}</ref><ref>{{Citation|title=The role of Mahu in Tahiti|date=12 November 2021|url=https://www.abc.net.au/abc-international-development/tahiti-mahu/13626922|publisher=Australian Broadcasting Corporation|language=en|access-date=25 November 2021}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last=Llosa|first=Mario Vargas|title=The men-women of the Pacific: Paul Gauguin II – Tate Etc|url=https://www.tate.org.uk/tate-etc/issue-20-autumn-2010/men-women-pacific|access-date=25 November 2021|website=Tate Etc.|language=en-GB}}</ref> The term is similar to the Tongan ''{{lang|to|[[fakaleiti]]}}'' and Samoan ''{{lang|sm|[[fa'afafine]]}}'' who were accepted in the traditional pre-colonial religions of their societies.<ref>{{cite web|date=24 May 2018|title=Pacific News Minute: Tonga's Leitis "We Cannot Be Silent Anymore."|url=https://www.hawaiipublicradio.org/pacific-news-minute/2018-05-24/pacific-news-minute-tongas-leitis-we-cannot-be-silent-anymore|access-date=25 November 2021|website=Hawai'i Public Radio|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|date=18 April 2019|title=Meet this LGBTI activist from the Pacific Island of Tonga|url=https://www.amnesty.org/en/latest/campaigns/2019/04/leiti-and-lgbti-activism-in-tonga/|access-date=25 November 2021|publisher=Amnesty International|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|date=16 April 2018|title=Tonga's transgender community fights for visibility in Pacific Kingdom|language=en-AU|publisher=ABC News|url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2018-04-16/tongan-leitis-hope-for-greater-visibility-with-new-documentary/9653964|access-date=25 November 2021}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|date=8 May 2021|title='They need to care about our humanity': death of Tongan LGBTQ+ activist sparks calls for reform|url=http://www.theguardian.com/world/2021/may/08/were-seen-as-dogs-death-of-tongan-lgbtq-activist-sparks-calls-for-reform|access-date=25 November 2021|website=The Guardian|language=en}}</ref>

==New religious movements==
Since the beginning of the [[Sexual revolution|sexual liberation movement]] in the Western world, which coincided with [[second-wave feminism]] and the [[women's liberation movement]] initiated in the early 1960s,<ref name="Urban 2007">{{cite book |last=Urban |first=Hugh B. |author-link=Hugh Urban |year=2007 |orig-date=2003 |chapter=The Cult of Ecstasy: Meldings of East and West in a New Age of Tantra |chapter-url=https://books.google.com/books?id=wvtLClojU_4C&pg=PA203 |title=Tantra: Sex, Secrecy, Politics, and Power in the Study of Religion |location=[[Berkeley, California|Berkeley]] and [[Delhi]] |publisher=[[University of California Press]]/[[Motilal Banarsidass]] |edition=1st |pages=203–263 |doi=10.1525/california/9780520230620.003.0007 |isbn=9780520236561 |jstor=10.1525/j.ctt1pp4mm.12}}</ref><ref name="Pike 2004">{{cite book |last=Pike |first=Sarah M. |author-link=Sarah M. Pike |year=2004 |chapter=Part II – "All Acts of Love and Pleasure Are My Rituals": Sex, Gender, and the Sacred |chapter-url=https://books.google.com/books?id=2DoK_bUwSR0C&pg=PA115 |title=New Age and Neopagan Religions in America |location=[[New York City|New York]] |publisher=[[Columbia University Press]] |series=Columbia Contemporary American Religion Series |pages=115–144 |isbn=9780231508384 |jstor=10.7312/pike12402.10 |lccn=2003061844}}</ref> new religious movements and alternative spiritualities such as [[Modern Paganism]] and the [[New Age]] began to grow and spread across the globe alongside their intersection with the sexual liberation movement and the [[counterculture of the 1960s]],<ref name="Urban 2007"/><ref name="Pike 2004"/> and exhibited characteristic features, such as the embrace of [[alternative lifestyles]], unconventional dress, rejection of [[Abrahamic religions]] and their [[Social conservatism|conservative social mores]], use of [[Cannabis (drug)|cannabis]] and other [[Recreational drug use|recreational drugs]], relaxed attitude, [[Sarcasm|sarcastic humble]] or self-imposed poverty, and ''laissez-faire'' [[Human sexual activity|sexual behavior]].<ref name="Urban 2007"/><ref name="Pike 2004"/> The sexual liberation movement was aided by feminist ideologues in their mutual struggle to challenge traditional ideas regarding [[Human female sexuality|female sexuality]], [[Human male sexuality|male sexuality]], and [[queer]] sexuality.<ref name="Pike 2004"/> Elimination of undue favorable bias towards men and objectification of women, as well as support for women's right to choose their sexual partners free of outside interference or societal judgment, were three of the main goals associated with sexual liberation from the feminist perspective.<ref name="Pike 2004"/>

===Antoinism===
[[Antoinism]], a [[new religious movement]] founded in Belgium in 1910, does not provide any prescription on issues such as sexuality,<ref>{{cite journal |title=Antoinisme: Un produit wallon basé sur une foi exclusive |first=Marie-Pierre |last=Fonsny |journal=[[Le Soir]] |date=26 October 1993 |publisher=Rossel |place=Brussels |page=21 |language=fr}}</ref> as it considers that this is not related to spirituality; homosexuality is not deemed a sin and there is nothing wrong to be gay and antoinist.<ref>{{cite journal |url=https://www.alterechos.be/__trashed-5/ |author=Julie Luong |title=Antoinisme : un culte simple et belge |journal=Alter Echos |number=496 |date=8 September 2021 |language=fr |access-date=18 September 2021}}.</ref>

===Eckankar===
[[Eckankar]], an American [[new religious movement]] founded by [[Paul Twitchell]] in 1965, says on its website that "where legally recognized, [[same-sex marriage]]s are performed, in the form of the ECK Wedding Ceremony, by ordained ministers of Eckankar".<ref>{{cite web |title=Frequently Asked Questions – Does Eckankar recognize same-sex relationships? |url=https://www.eckankar.org/FAQ/index.html#samesex |publisher=[[Eckankar]] |access-date=24 October 2021 |archive-date=13 October 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201013142834/https://www.eckankar.org/FAQ/index.html#samesex |url-status=dead }}</ref>

===Modern Paganism===
{{Main|Modern paganism and LGBTQ people}}

Most [[Neopaganism|Neopagan religions]] have the theme of fertility (both physical and creative/spiritual) as central to their practices, and as such encourage what they view as a healthy sex life, consensual sex between adults, regardless of gender.

[[Heathenry (new religious movement)|Heathenry]], a [[Modern Paganism|modern Germanic Pagan movement]], includes several pro-LGBTQ groups. Some groups legitimize openness toward LGBTQ practitioners by reference to the gender-bending actions of [[Thor]] and [[Odin]] in [[Norse mythology]].<ref>{{Cite book|url=https://www.worldcat.org/oclc/908932432|title=Contemporary pagan and native faith movements in Europe : colonialist and nationalist impulses|date=2015|editor=Kathryn Rountree |isbn=978-1-78238-647-6 |publisher=De Gruyter |location=New York|pages=64–84|oclc=908932432}}</ref> There are, for instance, homosexual and [[transgender]] members of [[The Troth]], a prominent U.S. Heathen organisation.<ref>{{Cite journal|last=Rountree|first=Kathryn|year=2015|title=Contemporary Pagan and Native Faith Movements|url=https://www.stantonkeble.com/downloads/NATIVE-FAITH-MOVEMENTS.pdf|journal=Association of European Anthropologists|volume=26|access-date=23 October 2021|archive-date=23 October 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211023234304/https://www.stantonkeble.com/downloads/NATIVE-FAITH-MOVEMENTS.pdf|url-status=dead}}</ref> Many Heathen groups in Northern Europe perform [[same-sex marriage]]s,<ref>{{Cite book|url=https://www.worldcat.org/oclc/42330378|title=Magical religion and modern witchcraft|date=1996|publisher=State University of New York Press|author=James R. Lewis|isbn=0-585-03650-0|location=Albany, N.Y.|pages=193–236|oclc=42330378}}</ref> and a group of self-described "Homo-Heathens" marched in the 2008 [[Stockholm Pride]] carrying a statue of the Norse god [[Freyr]].<ref>{{Cite book|last=Schnurbein|first=Stefanie v.|url=https://www.worldcat.org/oclc/964730476|title=Norse Revival : transformations of Germanic neopaganism|date=2017|isbn=978-1-60846-737-2|publisher=Haymarket Books |location=Chicago, IL|oclc=964730476}}</ref> Research found a greater proportion of LGBTQ practitioners within Heathenry (21%) than wider society, although noted that the percentage was lower than in other forms of modern Paganism.<ref>{{Cite journal|last=Cragle|first=Joshua Marcus|date=11 June 2017|title=Contemporary Germanic/Norse Paganism and Recent Survey Data|url=https://www.equinoxpub.com/journals/index.php/POM/article/view/30714|journal=Pomegranate: The International Journal of Pagan Studies|volume=19|issue=1|pages=77–116|doi=10.1558/pome.30714|issn=1528-0268|url-access=subscription}}</ref>

====Wicca====

[[Wicca]], like other religions, has adherents with a broad spectrum of views, ranging from conservative to liberal. It is a largely nondogmatic religion and has no prohibitions against sexual intercourse outside of marriage or relationships between members of the same sex. The religion's ethics are largely summed up by the [[Wiccan Rede]]: "An it harm none, do as thou wilt", which is interpreted by many as allowing and endorsing responsible sexual relationships of all varieties. Specifically in the Wiccan tradition of modern witchcraft, one of the widely accepted pieces of [[Craft]] liturgy, the Charge of the Goddess instructs that "...all acts of love and pleasure are [the Goddess'] rituals",<ref>{{cite web | title =Alternative Sexuality | publisher =Tangled Moon Coven |date=8 August 2006 | url =http://www.tangledmoon.org/sexuality.htm | access-date = 30 December 2006 }}</ref> giving validity to all forms of sexual activity for Wiccan practitioners.

In the [[Gardnerian]] and [[Alexandrian Wicca|Alexandrian]] forms of Wicca, the "[[Great Rite]]" is a sex ritual much like the [[hieros gamos]], performed by a priest and priestess who are believed to embody the Wiccan God and Goddess. The Great Rite is almost always performed figuratively using the athame and chalice as symbols of the penis and vagina. The literal form of the ritual is always performed by consenting adults, by a couple who are already lovers and in private. The Great Rite is not seen as an opportunity for casual sex.<ref>{{cite journal | title =Sex, Wicca and the Great Rite | journal =The Blade & Chalice | volume = Spring 1993 | issue = 3 }}</ref>

Many [[Wicca]]ns are generally welcoming of LGBTQ people. Wiccans tend to view sex in a positive light without guilt.<ref>{{cite book |last1=Sabin |first1=Thea |title=Wicca for Beginners: Fundamentals of Philosophy & Practice |date=2006 |publisher=Llewellyn Publications |isbn=978-0-7387-0751-8 }}{{page needed|date=December 2021}}</ref> Some strands of Wicca go beyond welcoming queer people and actively celebrate gay relationships.<ref>{{cite book |last1=Ochshorn |first1=Judith |last2=Cole |first2=Ellen |title=Women's Spirituality, Women's Lives |date=1995 |publisher=Haworth Press |isbn=978-1-56023-065-6 |page=127 }}</ref>

===Neo-Druidism===
The [[Order of Bards, Ovates and Druids]] is a worldwide group dedicated to practicing, teaching, and developing modern [[Druidry (modern)|Druidry]] and has more than 25,000 members in 50 countries. The Order is LGBT-affirming within a larger framework of support for civil rights, love of justice, and the love of all existences.<ref>{{cite web|title=About The Order {{!}} Order of Bards, Ovates & Druids|date=12 May 2019 |url=https://druidry.org/about-us|access-date=23 October 2021|language=en-US}}</ref>

===Raëlism===
{{Main|Raëlism}}
{{Further|Raëlian beliefs and practices}}
[[File:Korea Queer Culture Festival 2014 58.JPG|thumb|230px|right|Raëlian participants attending the [[Korea Queer Culture Festival]] (2014)]]

[[Raëlism]], an international [[new religious movement]] and [[UFO religion]] which was founded in France in 1974,<ref name="Palmer 2012">{{cite book |author1-last=Palmer |author1-first=Susan J. |author1-link=Susan J. Palmer |author2-last=Sentes |author2-first=Bryan |year=2012 |chapter=The International Raëlian Movement |chapter-url=https://books.google.com/books?id=RM0AAwAAQBAJ&pg=PA167 |editor1-last=Hammer |editor1-first=Olav |editor1-link=Olav Hammer |editor2-last=Rothstein |editor2-first=Mikael |editor2-link=Mikael Rothstein |title=The Cambridge Companion to New Religious Movements |location=[[Cambridge]] |publisher=[[Cambridge University Press]] |pages=167–183 |doi=10.1017/CCOL9780521196505.012 |isbn=978-0-521-19650-5 |lccn=2012015440 |s2cid=151563721}}</ref><ref name="Dericquebourg 2021">{{cite book |author-last=Dericquebourg |author-first=Régis |author-link=Régis Dericquebourg |year=2021 |chapter=Rael and the Raelians |chapter-url=https://books.google.com/books?id=tkswEAAAQBAJ&pg=PA472 |editor-last=Zeller |editor-first=Ben |title=Handbook of UFO Religions |location=[[Leiden]] and [[Boston]] |publisher=[[Brill Publishers]] |series=Brill Handbooks on Contemporary Religion |volume=20 |doi=10.1163/9789004435537_024 |isbn=978-90-04-43437-0 |issn=1874-6691 |pages=472–490|s2cid=239738621}}</ref> promotes a [[Sex-positive movement|positive outlook towards human sexuality]], including homosexuality.<ref name="Palmer 2012"/><ref name="Dericquebourg 2021"/><ref name="Gregg 2014">{{cite journal |last=Gregg |first=Stephen E. |date=September 2014 |title=Queer Jesus, straight angels: Complicating 'sexuality' and 'religion' in the International Raëlian Movement |url=https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/1363460714526129 |journal=[[Sexualities (journal)|Sexualities]] |publisher=[[SAGE Journals]] |volume=17 |issue=5–6 |pages=565–582 |doi=10.1177/1363460714526129 |issn=1461-7382 |hdl=2436/609871 |s2cid=147291471 |hdl-access=free |oclc=474576878}}</ref><ref name="Palmer 2014">{{cite book |last=Palmer |first=Susan J. |author-link=Susan J. Palmer |year=2014 |chapter=Raël's Angels: The First Five Years of a Secret Order |chapter-url=https://books.google.com/books?id=7ZQMCgAAQBAJ |editor1-last=Bogdan |editor1-first=Henrik |editor2-last=Lewis |editor2-first=James R. |editor2-link=James R. Lewis (scholar) |title=Sexuality and New Religious Movements |location=[[New York City|New York]] |publisher=[[Palgrave Macmillan]] |series=Palgrave Studies in New Religions and Alternative Spiritualities |pages=183–211 |doi=10.1057/9781137386434_9 |isbn=978-1-349-68146-4}}</ref> Its founder [[Raël]] recognised same-sex marriage, and a Raëlian press release stated that sexual orientation is genetic and it also likened [[Homophobia|discrimination against gay people]] to [[racism]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.raelpress.org/news.php?item.16.1 |title=A modern nation is a nation where gays and lesbians are free |date=25 March 2005 |website=Raelian Press Site |access-date=30 March 2021}}</ref> Some Raëlian leaders have performed licensed same-sex marriages.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://raelianews.org/news.php?item.524.10 |title=A Raelian official licensed to perform legal marriages for same-sex couples in Hawaii |date=18 July 2013 |website=Raelianews |access-date=30 March 2021}}</ref>

===Santa Muerte===
The cult of [[Santa Muerte]] is a [[new religious movement]]<ref name="Chesnut 2017">{{cite speech |last=Chesnut |first=R. Andrew |title=Santa Muerte: The Fastest Growing New Religious Movement in the Americas |url=https://www.up.edu/garaventa/archives/lectures-and-readings/2017-2018-lectures-and-readings/andrew-chesnut-lecture.html |url-status=live |event=Lecture |date=26 October 2017 |location=Portland, Oregon |publisher=[[University of Portland]] |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210207214656/https://www.up.edu/garaventa/archives/lectures-and-readings/2017-2018-lectures-and-readings/andrew-chesnut-lecture.html |archive-date=7 February 2021 |access-date=14 August 2021}}</ref> centered on the worship of Santa Muerte, a [[cult image]], [[female deity]], and [[folk saint]] which is popularly revered in [[Mexico|Mexican]] [[Modern Paganism|Neopaganism]] and [[folk Catholicism]].<ref>{{cite book |author-last=Chesnut |author-first=R. Andrew |year=2016 |chapter=Healed by Death: Santa Muerte, the Curandera |editor-last=Hunt |editor-first=Stephen J. |editor-link=Stephen J. Hunt |title=Handbook of Global Contemporary Christianity: Movements, Institutions, and Allegiance |location=[[Leiden]] |publisher=[[Brill Publishers]] |series=Brill Handbooks on Contemporary Religion |volume=12 |doi=10.1163/9789004310780_017 |pages=336–353 |isbn=978-90-04-26539-4 }}</ref><ref>{{cite book |author-last=Flores Martos |author-first=Juan Antonio |year=2007 |chapter=La Santísima Muerte en Veracruz, México: Vidas Descarnadas y Práticas Encarnadas |chapter-url=https://books.google.com/books?id=F992RDiGJKEC&pg=PA296 |editor1-last=Flores Martos |editor1-first=Juan Antonio |editor2-last=González |editor2-first=Luisa Abad |title=Etnografías de la muerte y las culturas en América Latina |location=[[Cuenca, Spain|Cuenca]] |publisher=[[University of Castilla–La Mancha|Ediciones de la Universidad de Castilla–La Mancha]] |language=es |pages=296–297 |isbn=978-84-8427-578-7}}</ref> A [[personification of death]], she is associated with healing, protection, and safe delivery to the [[afterlife]] by her devotees.<ref>{{cite book |last=Chesnut |first=R. Andrew |year=2018 |orig-date=2012 |title=Devoted to Death: Santa Muerte, the Skeleton Saint |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=ul0vDwAAQBAJ&pg=PA6 |edition=Second |location=[[New York City|New York]] |publisher=[[Oxford University Press]] |doi=10.1093/acprof:oso/9780199764662.001.0001 |pages=6–7 |isbn=978-0-19-063332-5 |lccn=2011009177}}</ref> Santa Muerte is also revered and seen as a saint and protector of the [[LGBTQ in Mexico|lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) communities in Mexico]],<ref name="CIESAS 2019">{{cite journal |last=Bárcenas Barajas |first=Karina |date=September–December 2019 |title=Apropiaciones LGBT de la religiosidad popular |url=https://desacatos.ciesas.edu.mx/index.php/Desacatos/article/view/2135/1491 |journal=Desacatos: Revista de Ciencias Sociales |location=Mexico City |publisher=Centro de Investigaciones y Estudios Superiores en Antropología Social (CIESAS) |volume=61 |language=es |pages=98–113 |doi=10.29340/61.2135 |doi-broken-date=1 November 2024 |doi-access=free |issn=2448-5144 |access-date=16 June 2021}}</ref><ref name="hemisphericinstitute.org">{{cite magazine |last=Lorentzen |first=Lois Ann |year=2016 |title=Santa Muerte: Saint of the Dispossessed, Enemy of Church and State |url=https://hemisphericinstitute.org/en/emisferica-13-1-states-of-devotion/13-1-essays/santa-muerte-saint-of-the-dispossessed-enemy-of-church-and-state.html |url-status=live |editor1-last=Pellegrini |editor1-first=Anna |editor2-last=Vaggione |editor2-first=Juan Marco |magazine=Emisférica |volume=13 |issue=1 |location=New York City |publisher=[[Hemispheric Institute of Performance and Politics]] |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190730153106/https://hemisphericinstitute.org/en/emisferica-13-1-states-of-devotion/13-1-essays/santa-muerte-saint-of-the-dispossessed-enemy-of-church-and-state.html |archive-date=30 July 2019 |access-date=14 August 2021}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Woodman |first=Stephen |date=31 March 2017 |title=How a skeleton folk saint of death took off with Mexican transgender women |url=https://eu.usatoday.com/story/news/world/2017/03/31/santa-muerte-death-transgender-women-mexico/99867052/ |url-status=live |work=[[USA Today]] |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191010080701/https://eu.usatoday.com/story/news/world/2017/03/31/santa-muerte-death-transgender-women-mexico/99867052/ |archive-date=10 October 2019 |access-date=17 November 2021}}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine |last=Villarreal |first=Daniel |date=6 April 2019 |title=Bishops tell Catholics to stop worshipping this unofficial LGBTQ-friendly saint of death: Even though "La Santa Muerte" is not a Church-sanctioned saint, millions of people still revere her |url=https://www.lgbtqnation.com/2019/04/bishops-asking-catholics-stop-worshipping-unofficial-lgbtq-friendly-saint-death/ |url-status=live |magazine=[[LGBTQ Nation]] |publisher=Q.Digital |location=San Francisco |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190407080835/https://www.lgbtqnation.com/2019/04/bishops-asking-catholics-stop-worshipping-unofficial-lgbtq-friendly-saint-death/ |archive-date=7 April 2019 |access-date=16 June 2021}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.outinthebay.com/archives.htm |title=Archives |year=2012 |website=outinthebay.com |publisher=Out in the Bay |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120424085030/http://www.outinthebay.com/archives.htm |archive-date=24 April 2012}}</ref> since LGBTQ+ people are considered and treated as outcasts by the [[Catholic Church and homosexuality|Catholic Church]], [[Christianity and homosexuality#Evangelical churches|evangelical churches]], and Mexican society at large.<ref name="CIESAS 2019"/><ref name="hemisphericinstitute.org"/> Many LGBTQ people ask her for protection from violence, hatred, disease, and to help them in their search for love. Her intercession is commonly invoked in [[Same-sex marriage in Mexico City|same-sex marriage ceremonies]] performed in Mexico.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.eluniversal.com.mx/notas/663167.html |title=Iglesia de Santa Muerte casa a gays – El Universal – Sociedad |newspaper=El Universal |date=3 March 2010 |access-date=9 February 2013}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|author=ABC.es |url=http://www.abc.es/agencias/noticia.asp?noticia=296160 |title=La Iglesia de Santa Muerte mexicana celebró su primera boda gay y prevé 9 más – ABC.es – Noticias Agencias |publisher=ABC|location=Spain |access-date=9 February 2013 |url-status=deviated |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180701031140/http://agencias.abc.es/agencias/noticia.asp?noticia=296160 |archive-date=July 1, 2018}}</ref> The [[Traditionalist Mexican-American Catholic Church|Iglesia Católica Tradicional México-Estados Unidos]], also known as the Church of Santa Muerte, [[recognition of same-sex unions in Mexico|recognizes]] gay marriage and performs religious wedding ceremonies for homosexual couples.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://los21.com/vision21/?p=3400 |title=La Nueva Iglesia De La Santa Muerte Permite Bodas Gay |publisher=Los21.com |date=24 January 2012 |access-date=9 February 2013}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://mexicoytradicion.over-blog.org/article-la-santa-muerte-celebra-bodas-homosexuales-en-mexico-51509467.html |title=La Santa Muerte celebra 'bodas homosexuales' en México – México y Tradición |language=es |publisher=Mexicoytradicion.over-blog.org |date=2 June 2010 |access-date=9 February 2013}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.tendenciagay.com/noticias/ampliar/789/culto-a-la-santa-muerte-casara-a-gays |title=Culto a la santa muerte casará a gays |publisher=Tendenciagay.com |date=11 January 2010 |access-date=9 February 2013}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Mexico's Holy Death Church Will Conduct Gay Weddings |work=Latin American Herald Tribune |date=2010-01-07 }}</ref> According to R. Andrew Chesnut, [[Doctor of Philosophy|PhD]] in [[History of Latin America|Latin American history]] and [[professor]] of [[Religious studies]], the cult of Santa Muerte is the single fastest-growing new religious movement in the Americas.<ref name="Chesnut 2017"/>

===Satanism===
In both of the two primary mainstream [[Satanism|Satanist denominations]], sex is viewed as an indulgence, but one that should only be freely entered into with [[Sexual consent|consent]]. [[The Satanic Temple]] appears to be more vocally supportive of the LGBTQIA+ community. Satanists from The Satanic Temple are pluralists, accepting bisexuals, lesbians, gays, transgender people, [[BDSM]], and [[polyamory|polyamorists]]. On 14 July 2013, The Satanic Temple travelled to the [[Mississippi]] gravesite of the mother of [[Westboro Baptist Church]] founder, [[Fred Phelps]]. They performed a '[[The Satanic Temple#Pink Mass|pink mass]]' ritual, aiming to make Phelps believe that The Satanic Temple had "turned his mother gay".<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/entry/pink-mass-westboro-baptist-church-gay-satanists_n_3616642 |title='Pink Mass' Has Made Westboro Baptist Church Founder's Mom Gay in Afterlife, Satanists Claim |last=Jauregui |first=Andres |date=18 July 2013 |website=HuffPost |access-date=7 April 2021}}</ref>

[[LaVeyan Satanism]] is critical of Abrahamic sexual mores, considering them narrow, restrictive and hypocritical. [[LaVeyan Satanism#The Eleven Satanic Rules of the Earth|The Eleven Satanic Rules of the Earth]] which are specific to the [[Church of Satan]], only give two instructions regarding sex: "Do not make sexual advances unless you are given the mating signal" and "Do not harm little children", though the latter is much broader and encompasses physical and other abuse.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.churchofsatan.com/eleven-rules-of-earth/ |title=The Eleven Satanic Rules of the Earth |author=Anton Szandor LaVey |website=Church of Satan |access-date=30 March 2021}}</ref> This has been a consistent part of Church of Satan policy since its inception in 1966.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.learnreligions.com/satanic-rules-of-the-earth-95969 |title=The Eleven Satanic Rules of the Earth – An Early Document from the Church of Satan |last=Beyer |first=Catherine |date=23 December 2018 |website=Learn Religions |access-date=30 March 2021}}</ref>
In a 2004 essay supporting [[same-sex marriage]]:{{blockquote|The Church of Satan is the first church to fully accept members regardless of sexual orientation and so we champion weddings/[[civil unions]] between adult partners whether they be of opposite or the [[homosexuality|same sex]]. So long as love is present and the partners wish to commit to a relationship, we support their desire for a legally recognized partnership, and the rights and privileges which come from such a union.|Magister [[Peter H. Gilmore]]<ref name="churchofsatan.com">{{cite web |url=http://www.churchofsatan.com/Pages/FoundingFamily.html |title=Founding Family: 'Morality' versus Same-Sex Marriage |date=9 March 2004 |author=Peter H Gilmore |access-date=30 March 2021}}</ref>}}Though the Church of Satan began marketing an anti-equality polo shirt in March 2015 just 3 months before the Supreme Court legalized gay marriage, to the criticism of some, their site states that their purpose in doing so was to ″embrace the stratified & Darwinian reality of Nature to encourage strength, self-improvement & the mastery of diverse skills.″<ref>{{cite web|title=Inequality Polo Shirt – ASP Apparel Satanic Showcase|url=https://www.churchofsatan.com/inequality-polo-shirt-asp-apparel-satanic/|access-date=7 April 2021|website=Church of Satan|language=en-US}}</ref>{{Citation needed|reason=Who specifically criticized the Church of Satan for this, and where is that criticism?|date=October 2021}}

Some [[Theistic Satanism|Theistic Satanists]] also oppose homophobia. Others like the [[Order of Nine Angles]] are extremely homophobic, and support and perpetrate hate crimes against gay people, like the [[Keillers Park murder]] perpetrated by the ONA group [[Temple of the Black Light]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.svenskamord.se/mordet-keillers-park/|title=Mordet i Keillers park|website=Svenska Mord|language=sv-SE|access-date=2019-02-08}}</ref><ref name="Upchurch 2021">{{Cite journal |date=22 December 2021 |editor-last=Cruickshank |editor-first=Paul |editor2-last=Hummel |editor2-first=Kristina |title=The Iron March Forum and the Evolution of the 'Skull Mask' Neo-Fascist Network |url=https://ctc.usma.edu/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/CTC-SENTINEL-102021.pdf |url-status=live |journal=[[CTC Sentinel]] |location=[[West Point, New York]] |publisher=[[Combating Terrorism Center]] |volume=14 |issue=10 |pages=27–37 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211227044425/https://ctc.usma.edu/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/CTC-SENTINEL-102021.pdf |archive-date=27 December 2021 |access-date=19 January 2022 |author-last=Upchurch |author-first=H. E.}}</ref><ref name="kids">{{cite web |url=http://theisticsatanism.com/asp/tolerance.html#gay |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060716061125/http://www.theisticsatanism.com/asp/tolerance.html#gay |url-status=usurped |archive-date=16 July 2006 |title=Promoting religious tolerance – Defending a humanistic ethic: The example of opposing homophobia |year=2006 |last=Vera |first=Diane |access-date=30 March 2021}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.isdglobal.org/explainers/the-order-of-nine-angles-explainer/|title=The Order of Nine Angles explainer|date=1 August 2024|work=[[Institute for Strategic Dialogue]]}}</ref> The [[London nailbomber]] that targeted the LGBT people and migrants was also inspired by ONA founder [[David Myatt]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://searchlightmagazine.com/2024/04/25-years-on-the-hunt-for-the-london-nailbomber/|work=[[Searchlight Magazine]]|title=25 years on: The hunt for the London nailbomber|date=6 May 2025}}</ref>

==See also==
{{Portal|LGBTQ|Religion}}
{{columns-list|
* [[History of human sexuality]]
* [[LGBTQ history]]
** [[LGBTQ rights by country]]
** [[List of LGBT-related organizations and conferences]]
** [[Outline of transgender topics]]
** [[Timeline of LGBTQ history]]
* [[Religion and sexuality]]
** [[Homosexuality and religion]]
** [[Side B Christian]]
** [[Side A, Side B, Side X, Side Y (theological views)]]
** [[LGBTQ themes in mythology]]
** [[Religion and LGBTQ people]]
** [[Religious views on same-sex marriage]]
** [[Transgender people and religion]]
* [[Same-sex marriage]]
** [[History of same-sex unions]]
** [[Legal status of same-sex marriage]]
** [[Timeline of same-sex marriage]]
* [[Societal attitudes toward homosexuality]]
* [[Third gender]]
* [[Two-spirit]]
|colwidth=30em}}

==References==
{{reflist}}

==External links==
{{Commons category|LGBT or LGBT-friendly churches}}
* [https://www.lgbtqhumanists.org LGBTQ Humanists] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220113065601/https://www.lgbtqhumanists.org/ |date=13 January 2022 }}
* {{cite web |author=<!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.--> |title=LGBTQI Resources |url=https://www.mpvusa.org/lgbtqi-resources |url-status=live |year=2021 |website=mpvusa.org |location=Los Angeles |publisher=[[Muslims for Progressive Values]] |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210819022452/https://www.mpvusa.org/lgbtqi-resources |archive-date=19 August 2021 |access-date=7 November 2021}}
*{{cite web |last=Eastman |first=Don |year=1990 |title=Homosexuality: Not a Sin, Not a Sickness – Part II: "What The Bible Does and Does Not Say…" |url=http://religiousinstitute.org/denom_statements/homosexuality-not-a-sin-not-a-sickness-part-ii-what-the-bible-does-and-does-not-say/ |url-status=usurped |website=religiousinstitute.org |location=Bridgeport, Connecticut |publisher=[[The Religious Institute on Sexual Morality, Justice, and Healing]] |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210830094927/http://religiousinstitute.org/denom_statements/homosexuality-not-a-sin-not-a-sickness-part-ii-what-the-bible-does-and-does-not-say/ |archive-date=30 August 2021 |access-date=7 November 2021}}
*{{cite magazine |last=Vines |first=Matthew |date=June 2014 |title=10 Reasons God Loves Gay Christians |url=https://time.com/2842044/gay-christians/ |url-status=live |magazine=[[Time (magazine)|Time]] |publisher=Time Inc. |location=New York City |oclc=1311479 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210503045248/https://time.com/2842044/gay-christians/ |archive-date=3 May 2021 |access-date=7 November 2021}}
*{{cite web |last=Wilson |first=Nancy L. |date=22 May 2010 |title=Our Story Too: Reading the Bible with "New Eyes" |url=https://mccchurch.org/files/2016/08/OurStoryToo.pdf |url-status=live |website=mccchurch.org |location=Ocala, Florida |publisher=[[Metropolitan Community Church]] |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170201133244/https://mccchurch.org/files/2016/08/OurStoryToo.pdf |archive-date=1 February 2017 |access-date=7 November 2021}}

{{LGBTQ|state=collapsed}}
{{Religion and LGBT people}}
{{Sex}}

[[Category:Religion and LGBTQ people]]
[[Category:Organizations that support LGBTQ people]]