Buddhism approaches the same-sex marriage issue the way it approaches any human behavior. Is the action helpful? Does it reduce suffering? Does it harm others?
This foundational approach is quite helpful as it places the context on the behavior and not the definition. There is a Buddhist code of ethics known as the Five Precepts or Five Virtues. These are commitments (not commandments) that a practitioner can adopt to lead a compassionate life.
One should abstain from killing, stealing, engaging in sexual misconduct, lying, and drunkenness. Sexual misconduct is harmful so that behavior can, and should, be prohibited — in both a secular and spiritual sense — as it brings harm and suffering. Is a same-sex marriage sexual misconduct?
Any relationship has the seeds of harm in it. But if the relationship is nurturing and no harm is created, that is, neither party suffers or is harmed by the behavior of the other partner, how is this sexual misconduct? That you prefer your sex a certain way does not make the consensual behavior of others misconduct.
Should same-sex marriage be legally prohibited? In the Lotus Sutra (scripture), the Buddha said: “People with small minds want a small law because they can’t believe they could become Buddha.” This sutra deals with intolerance and the desire to create rigid rules of conduct demanding that others obey your beliefs. If no harm is created, then may same-sex couples be happy and free from suffering.
No comments:
Post a Comment