Volu m e II - Purdue University Calumet

Maeghan Mier
Central Michigan University
Homosexuality in Judaism and Islam
Homosexuality is a contested idea in contemporary society; however, the notion of same-sex
preference is not a new phenomenon. Homosexuality continues to persist, often more publicly and vocally
than ever before, and societal notions and attitudes regarding homosexuality have evolved over time and
place. These attitudes often vary from openness to and acceptance of same-sex relations as a normal and
healthy way of life, to condemning them as a deplorable sin or crime against a higher power. Such attitudes
have manifested themselves in the traditional views and beliefs of religions across the globe. This essay will
address the traditional views regarding same-sex relations in Judaism and Islam through the work of scholars
Judith Plaskow and Kecia Ali, who actively practice Judaism and Islam respectively. These scholars raise
new questions for their religions to consider in regards to homosexual intimacies. Plaskow and Ali believe
that through this reflection, the traditional practices and beliefs of Judaism and Islam may become more
inclusive and serve the needs of all people who practice these religions. Plaskow and Ali believe that the
customs of Judaism and Islam should be reflected upon due to the traditional ways in which these religions
set forth laws to control the sexuality of all those practicing, as well as the hierarchal nature that is present
through the subordination of women by male dominance. Traditional principles regarding homosexuality in
Judaism will be treated through Plaskow’s The Coming of Lilith, specifically focusing on her reflection of
Leviticus 18, a chapter in the Bible that explicitly addresses sexual acts that are considered to be unclean or
unholy. Traditional beliefs regarding homosexuality in Islam will be examined using a chapter from Ali’s
Sexual Ethics and Islam. In this chapter, “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell,” Ali focuses on principles introduced in the
Qur’an that condemn homosexuality, while also stressing her personal belief in the importance of
inclusivity in a New Islam. In order to gain a deeper and more meaningful understanding of the beliefs
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