Which religions permit same-sex marriage?

Answer 1

Some faiths are governed by structures (regions, bishoprics, national conventions, etc.) which establish formal answers to such issues, while others allow individual congregations a good deal of discretion. In the West, a number of Protestant denominations sanctify same-sex marriages, as does Reform Judaism. Some other denominations do not sanctify such marriages, but do not oppose civil same-sex marriage.

Answer 2

It's going to be hard to answer this question without editorializing!

All Christian religions agree that the New Covenant replaced the old covenant between God and the Jews. But the various religions differ on which elements of the old covenant were retained in the new. For example, most Christian denominations don't worry about mixing meat and dairy products, and they deliberately shifted the Sabbath from Saturday to Sunday. As their gay and lesbian congregants have become more visible, many communities have wrestled with the question of whether or not to incorporate the apparently anti-homosexual text in Leviticus.

Some denominations have decided to incorporate the Levitical prohibition (at least as they interpret it); others have left it to congregational discretion; others are still struggling with the question.

Those religions that support gay marriage do so for the same reason that they support straight marriage: it is a sacrament that unites two people in holy wedlock, "which is an honorable estate".

An example of a Christian denomination which accepts gay relationships and relations are Quakers (The Religious Society of Friends), however I am unclear on their views of gay marriage.

This is indeed a hard question to answer, as Christianity consists of over 100 different notable sects (with at least two dozen having a million or more members), and a full answer would have to enumerate the stance of each sect.

About the best generalization that is possible is this: Roman Catholic (and associated Orthodox Catholic) Churches, plus the more fundamentalist evangelical Protestant Churches, believe that homosexuality is a sin, and thus do not sanction same-sex marriage. The majority of the more liberal "mainline" Protestant Churches do now consider homosexuality acceptable, and most of those sanction same-sex marriage. In the Protestant sects, the major dividing line seems to correlate with the belief that The Bible is the literal Word of God - those Protestant denomination which hew to considering a more literal interpretation of the Bible also tend to consider homosexuality a sin, while those denominations which see the Bible as more parable (or, as metaphor) tend to be accepting of homosexuality.

Answer 3

Although most same-sex marriages are civil, some religions do permit same-sex couples to marry and will provide clergy to officiate assuming other religious requirements are met. Among these are:

1. Some Protestant denominations of Christianity (see related question below);
2. Some branches of Judaism (see related question below);
3. Wicca.

Answer 4

I am not speaking for all Christians, but there are some Christians that do not believe in gay marriage because in Leviticus 18:22 the bible states:

"Do not lie with a man as one lies with a woman; that is detestable."

Alternate Answer:

Yes, the majority of Christians in the United States support same-sex marriage, except for White evangelical Christians. According to a 2012 poll, in the United States, support for same-sex marriage among various Christian groups is as follows:

• White evangelical Christians - 24% support; 73% oppose
• White non-evangelical Protestants - 54% support; 43% oppose
• White Catholics - 54% support; 43% oppose
• Hispanic Catholics - 54% support; 35% oppose
• African-American non-evangelical Christians - 65% support; 31% oppose

Answer 5

The LDS (Mormon) church has identified homosexual sexual activities as immoral. Those who identify themselves as gay but refrain from homosexual sexual conduct can be members in good standing. The church has come out with statements on several occasions that homosexuals should not be bullied, teased, ridiculed, beat up, or otherwise persecuted. The church encourages those engaging in any type of sexual activity outside of marriage to repent and cease such activity.

The LDS church officially recognizes marriage as instituted of God as a union between a man and woman. As such there is no such thing as "gay marriage". The LDS church has also endorsed measures that would allow states to create a category like a "civil union" that would confer most of the legal protections such as inheritance, sharing of property, etc. that are associated with marriage but which would not call it a marriage. In this way, the states do not provide their endorsement of homosexuality as a "moral" activity.

Answer 6

No. Some do (like Islam), many are split on the issue (like Judaism and Christianity), some permit it unequivocally (like Wicca) and others have no official position on the issue (like Buddhism).

Answer 7

Most religions do not support or permit same-sex marriage. Therefore, most same-sex marriages are civil ceremonies. Some religions do, however, permit same-sex couples to marry and will provide clergy to officiate assuming other religious requirements are met. Among these are:

1. Some Protestant denominations of Christianity;
2. Some branches of Judaism; and,
3. Wicca.

Answer 8

Except for their position on the existence of a deity (there isn't one) atheists do not have a unified set of positions on social issues. In the case of same sex marriage each atheist person would form their own opinion.

Answer 9

Speaking within the United States which is predominantly Christian, it appears sentiments favoring same sex marriage are increasing especially in the demographic of those born after 1980 with a 7 out of 10 majority pro. Generally speaking those younger than 50 yrs. of age, better educated, living in the Northeast or West Coast, votes Democratic (Liberal even more) and women are the most likely groups favoring gay marriage. Whites and Hispanic are about 55% pro while Blacks are 39% pro. However, this in itself, does not make it 'right' especially in the eyes of the Creator God.

The majority in Christianity - church leadership - do not support gay marriage in any form as it is against the Law of God. Smaller, more liberal church leaderships have succumbed to modern societal acceptance and changed their laws.

Answer 10

Most world religions do not accept same-sex marriages. They think their god considers it an "abomination."