Bible, LGBTQ+ rights
Last week, the Supreme Court of England gave judgement in a case that has wider implications for transgender persons.
In a landmark case, For Women Scotland sought to challenge the Scottish government’s inclusion of women in quotas to ensure gender balance in public sector boards in line with the Equality Act 2010.
The main issue was whether trans women with gender recognition certificates (a document that gives formal recognition to persons who have undergone a sex change) could be recognised as women, and thus, able to access women-only spaces.
The court ruled that the definition of sex in the Equality Act was binary, and as such, referred only to biological women to the exclusion of trans women.
The decision has wider implications across diverse areas: trans women participating in sports, access to women-only toilets, gyms, etc.
It has also reawakened the age-old debate about the rights of LGBTQ+ individuals, which this column will tackle in the immediate future.
Bible
Today’s piece, however, springs from conversations I have participated in on a WhatsApp group on what the Bible says about homosexuality.
Many orthodox and conservative evangelists point out that homosexuality is forbidden by God, relying heavily on Leviticus.
However, there is a counter explanation in hermeneutics (the art of interpreting biblical texts) which argues that the Bible has to be read holistically on any given topic, exploring the linguistic, historical and cultural context.
As we mourn the passing of Pope Francis, we should remember that he stated that “being homosexual isn't a crime” and called laws that criminalise homosexuality “unjust”, which is a testament to these fluid concepts.
Letter
The following excerpt from a letter written as a response to the claim by a US radio presenter that homosexuality is an abomination according to Leviticus and cannot be condoned under any circumstances clearly demonstrates the absurdity of a rigid interpretation of the Bible:
“Thank you for doing so much to educate people regarding God's Law. I have learned much from your show and try to share that knowledge with as many people as possible.
When someone tries to defend the homosexual lifestyle, for example, I remind them that Leviticus 18:22 clearly states it to be an abomination ... End of debate.
I do need some advice from you, however, regarding some other elements of God's Laws and how to follow them.
• Leviticus 25:44 states that I may possess slaves, both male and female, provided they are purchased from neighbouring nations.
A friend of mine claims that this applies to Mexicans, but not Canadians. Can you clarify?
Why can't I own Canadians?
• I would like to sell my daughter into slavery, as sanctioned in Exodus 21:7. In this day and age, what do you think would be a fair price for her?
• I know that I am allowed no contact with a woman while she is in her period of Menstrual uncleanliness - Lev.15: 19-24.
The problem is how do I tell? I have tried asking, but most women take offence.
• When I burn a bull on the altar as a sacrifice, I know it creates a pleasing odour for the Lord - Lev.1:9.
The problem is my neighbours. They claim the odour is not pleasing to them. Should I smite them?
• I have a neighbour who insists on working on the Sabbath. Exodus 35:2 clearly states he should be put to death.
Am I morally obligated to kill him myself, or should I ask the police to do it?
• A friend of mine feels that even though eating shellfish is an abomination, Lev. 11:10, it is a lesser abomination than homosexuality. I don't agree. Can you settle this? Are there 'degrees' of abomination?
• Lev. 21:20 states that I may not approach the altar of God if I have a defect in my sight. I have to admit that I wear reading glasses. Does my vision have to be 20/20, or is there some wiggle room here?
• Most of my male friends get their hair trimmed, including the hair around their temples, even though this is expressly forbidden by Lev. 19:27. How should they die?
• I know from Lev. 11:6-8 that touching the skin of a dead pig makes me unclean, but may I still play football if I wear gloves? Thank you again for reminding us that God's word is eternal and unchanging.
— James M. Kauffman, Ed.D. Professor Emeritus, Dept. of Curriculum, Instruction and Special Education, University of Virginia.
The writer is a lawyer.
E-mail: georgebshaw1@gmail.com
