Buddhist views of homosexuality - Definition and Overview

One of five precepts states that one is to refrain from sexual misconduct or, more accurately, one is to refrain from indulging in sexual pleasure. Most Buddhist schools construe this to means that monks and nuns are to practice celibacy. Anal sex falls into this prohibition along with other sexual behaviour.

For laypersons, this precept mainly applies to adultery. However, wide ranges of interpretations are possible about what exactly consititutes "sexual misconduct" and therefore the different schools of Buddhism - or even different individual monks - at different periods of time have offered varying opinions.

It is common to see condemnation of homosexual behaviour by Buddhists in more traditional societies in Asia. However, there is no explicit scriptural basis upon which homosexuality is to be condemned. Therefore, there is no definite Buddhist view on homosexuality except to say that celibacy is ideal.

It is worth noting that the Dalai Lama, while somewhat ambiguous on certain terms of homosexuality, has openly campaigned for and supported equal rights for homosexuals.

External links

• Homosexuality and Theravada Buddhism (http://www.buddhanet.net/homosexu.htm)