Judaism's Views
Main Point: Homosexual acts are
forbidden and not homosexual orientation.
It is the act that is an abomination and not the people themselves.(http://ohr.edu/ask_db/ask_main.php/6/Q1/)
Another Point: Bible is ambiguous about female homosexuality. It basically says nothing about it.
Three types of Judaism:
Orthodox, Conservative, and Reform
Reform:
"...if there is anything at all that Reform Jews do, it is to create an inclusive spiritual home for all those who seek the solace of our sanctuaries. And if this Movement does not extend support to all who have been victims of discrimination, including gays and lesbians, then we have no right to call ourselves Reform Jews." FAW, Soc.Culture.Jewish Newsgroups (qtd from http://www.religioustolerance.org/hom_jref.htm)
The Central Conference of American Rabbis (CCAR) allows for Rabbis to officiate same-sex marriages at own discretion. The Union of American Hebrew Congregations (UAHC) requires complete legality before they will allow it. (http://www.religioustolerance.org/hom_jref.htm) Reform Judaism as a whole is accepting of gays and lesbians and speaks out against discrimination of their community.
Reform sees the prohibitions as something from long ago and not necessarily applicable to today. Also, the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah is thought of as being for their xenophobia as opposed to homosexuality as said in later tradition. (http://urj.org/ask/homosexuality/)
Orthodox:
Orthodox only has a problem with homosexual behavior and as long as the people remain celibate they do not care. The main reason for being against homosexual acts is because of the Leviticus passages that rule against it. (http://www.religioustolerance.org/hom_jortho.htm)
Some rabbis believe that if homosexuality is hardwired into the brain then homosexuals are not necessarily morally responsible for partaking in homosexual acts. However, others point out that it is like saying a kleptomaniac is not morally responsible for stealing. (http://www.jewfaq.org/sex.htm#Homosexuality)
However, there is a homosexual Orthodox rabbi. Rabbi Steven Greenberg speaks out for reinterpretation of the Bible edicts against homosexuality. Much of the sanctions against are related to pagan practices that included homosexual acts. Also, he argues that the reason why male homosexual acts are forbidden is because "the seed is wasted," whereas in lesbianism there is no seed to waste. The concept stems from the edict placed against male masturbation where "the seed is wasted." (Paulson, http://www.jewfaq.org/sex.htm#Homosexuality)
Conservative:
Conservative are a middle ground between the Orthodox and Reform. Gays and lesbians are to be treated like all other members except for marriages and ordination as rabbis. (http://www.religioustolerance.org/hom_jcons.htm)
Conservative rabbis are working towards reconciling with homosexuality. They are trying to find ways to reinterpret the Bible as well as make homosexuals more accpeted in the modern world. Overall public opinion is the biggest force for their actions. They do not want to push the issue too fast risking upsetting some people. (Cooperman)
As a whole Conservatives are really torn between accepting homosexuals and sticking with the Bible. Both sides of the argument are debating this heated topic. For the congragation they have a "don't ask, don't tell"-like policy. Only as rabbis and cantors does this policy take effect, other areas are to welcome open homsexuals. (Stammer)
Reconstructionist:
"They regard all restrictions on homosexuality in the Hebrew Scriptures to be null and void. They ordain homosexual Jews as rabbis and cantors." (http://www.religioustolerance.org/hom_jother.htm)
Passages in Old Testament:
Judges 19:14-29 Story of the tribe of Benjamin, similar to the Sodom and Gomorrah story but the people are punished by fellow IsraelitesGenesis 19: Story of Sodom and Gomorrah
"Do not lie with a man as one lies with a woman; that is detestable," (Leviticus 18:22, NIV)
"If a man lies with a man as one lies with a woman, both of them have done what is detestable. They must be put to death; their blood will be on their own heads." (Leviticus 20:1, NIV)
Positive Passages:
"Where you go I will go, and where you stay I will stay. Your people will be my people and your God my God. Where you die I will die, and there I will be buried. May the Lord deal with me, be it ever so severely, if anything but death separates you and me." (Ruth 1:16-17, NIV). Said by Ruth to her lover Naomi."...Jonathan became one in spirit with David and he loved him as himself." (1 Samuel 18:1, NIV)
"From that day, Saul kept David with him and did not let him return to his father's house." (1 Samuel 18:2, NIV)
"And Jonathan made a covenant with David because he loved him as himself. Jonathan took off the robe he was wearing and gave it to David, along with his tunic, and even his sword, his bow and his belt." (1 Samuel 18:3-4, NIV)
"Now Saul's daughter Michal was in love with David, and when they told Saul about it, he was pleased. 'I will give her to him', he thought, 'so that she may be a snare to him and so that the hand of the Philistines may be against him'. Now you have a second opportunity to become my son-in-law" (1 Samuel 18:20-21, NIV)
"After the boy had gone, David got up from the south side of the stone and bowed down before Jonathan three times, with is face to the ground. Then they kissed each other and wept together - but David wept the most." (1 Samuel 20:41, NIV)
"I grieve for you, Jonathan my brother; you were very dear to me. Your love for me was wonderful, more wonderful than that of women." (2 Samuel 1:26, NIV)