The people of Punjabi origin are often considered to be quite conservative when it comes to discuss 'homosexuality' or 'same sex marriages'. Probably one of the reasons could be the very nature of this subject – yes, it is distasteful to them.
According to Sikhwiki - Sikhisim has no specific teachings about homosexuality. The Sikh holy book, the Guru Granth Sahib, does not explicitly mention homosexuality.
Views on homosexuality tend not to be a primary concern in Sikh teachings, as the universal goal of a Sikh is to have no hate or animosity to any person, regardless of race, caste, color, creed, gender, or sexuality.
In the last two decades, dozens of scientific papers have been published on the biological origins of homosexuality. However, the subject with the tag line 'Homosexuality – natural/genetic or selective social cohort' still remains controversial.
In a recent video, a concerned UK Punjabi mother came forward to discuss that 'Homosexuality is a natural phenomenon', and urged community to be considerate while tackling issues related to homosexual people.
A Punjabi mother explains ‘what homosexuality is to parents’
There are few studies published to suggest that homosexuality is in the genes. A study presented at the American Association for the Advancement of Science's annual conference in Chicago in 2014, established the existence of genes that increase the chance of a man being gay. The study, which involved more than 400 gay brothers, identified two small areas on the male genome that appear to be linked to sexuality.
Michael Bailey, from Northwestern University in Chicago, who carried out the research, said
"Sexual orientation has nothing to do with choice. Our findings suggest there may be genes at play and we found evidence for two sets that affect whether a man is gay or straight."
Source: wiki
The question "Can Amritdharis be practicisng homosexuals?"
In a SikhNet Article – Nirmal Singh collected some thoughts and initiated a dialogue within the community. The article raises the following questions with some potentail answers as collected by the discussions with some community membres.
- Should we join this debate? - We should. At the same time, we do not have to overly worry about the legislative measures being pushed in the Western societies as long as religious groups are left free to take their own decisions for their faith group.
- What do we do if a request is received for same sex wedding to be performed from a Sikh couple in a Gurdwara? How about if one of the couple is non Sikh? Refusal in both cases would be a perfectly valid response.
- If a known homosexual person requests for conversion to become a Sikh - accept and persuade to live per reht.
- Do we socialize with them? - Yes, if we like. Gurdwaras must not treat them different than any others who are not living per the reht.
- Do we lobby for them? Yes for civil rights, justice and civic non discrimination.
- Do we give them time to speak in the Gurdwara? On gurbani, yes; defending their life style or promoting it, no.
- How about seva, kirtan, paathh - see no issue except that their choice as a panj pyara could be problematic.
- Leadership roles in Gurdwaras and Sikh institutions - no harm, if sangat thinks they are fit for the task.
- Participation in interfaith work, conferences on Sikh issues, joining in Jathas - yes, as ordinary Sikhs, not as gay Sikh or any other group not representative of mainstream, unless the meet is about looking at internal diversity etc and disclosure of such identity is required.
- Should we try to reform them? - no, it is a matter best dealt between them and their families and friends; sangat or Gurdwaras should come in if asked and that too in an empathetic and helpful manner.
- Is unnatural sex a sin in Sikhi? - it is not mentioned. In any case, in Sikhi the stress is more on recognizing failure to live per hukam and reht on one's own and to try and mend choices going forward. We should acknowledge our weaknesses and seek/accept guidance to improve, where possible.
"There should be a deep down discussion in the community. We may also keep in mind that the Guru has said that 'within this body are two siblings, vice and virtue. Joining the two together, the universe was produced. Subduing both, and entering into the home of the One, through the Guru's teachings, we are absorbed in intuitive peace We all have our share of guns and avguns - merits & demerits - the latter mostly hidden from public view but not from us only if we are willing to look within.
"Let us therefore ponder together and collectively chart the course going forward. What has been suggested is one view and can be improved. That however will happen only if we get involved and talk about it in an empathetic manner, restraining our judgmental instincts" says the author from the "Same Sex Marriages" article published on Sikhnet website.
Additionally, one must understand that homosexual people are entitled to be free from discrimination. The International Convention on Civil and Political Rights provides that all people, including people who identify as homosexual, are entitled to non-discrimination and equality before the law.
The International Convention on Civil and Political Rights provides that everyone shall have the right to freedom of thought, conscience and religion.
