Thursday, February 17, 2011

Buddhism and homosexuality Overview. Argument from basic principles.

"LGBT" refers to lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgendered persons and transsexuals.


Overview:

Apparently, the Buddha did not leave any specific teachings on either homosexual orientation or homosexual behavior. He strongly encouraged his followers to be independent, to "be a lamp onto yourself." That is, to examine and test the truth of religious teachings before accepting them.

Buddhism is most concerned with whether an action is helpful, based on good intentions, and free from harm. Thus, a specific activity can sometimes be either permissible or not permissible, depending upon its context. This differs from the positions taken by conservative faith groups within Christianity, Islam, Hinduism, etc. They often evaluate a specific sexual activity itself, and decide whether it is good or evil according to a system of morality derived from that group's interpretation of their holy text(s). Often the nature of the relationship is immaterial.


For more details:
http://www.religioustolerance.org/hom_budd0.htm

Srorn

The Coming out in the Kingdom: Lesbian & Gay

CCHR releases report examining the situation of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people in Cambodia

PHNOM PENH, December 9 -- The Cambodian Center for Human Rights (“CCHR”) today releases a report entitled Coming out in the Kingdom: Lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people in Cambodia (the “Report”). The Report is the first publication produced by the LGBT Rights Project (the “Project”) implemented by CCHR and supported by the Swedish Association for Sexuality Education.

There have only been a small number of studies of the situation of LGBT people in Cambodia to date. Most of these have focused on health issues related to sexual behavior. This Report looks at the current situation for LGBT people in Cambodia from a human rights perspective, noting that LGBT people are entitled to exactly the same human rights as others in the community. The research in the Report was supported by interviews with approximately 60 LGBT Cambodians, conducted in September and October 2010. The interviews took place in Phnom Penh, Kandal, Kampong Thom, Siem Reap, Battambang, Banteay Meanchey, Pursat, Kampong Chhnang, Kampong Speu, Takeo, and Sihanoukville. CCHR met with interviewees in both groups and on a one-on-one basis. The interview structure was informal. The Report notes that LGBT Cambodians face unique challenges, including ostracism from their families and communities, which often leads to economic hardship, as well as discrimination from employers and authorities such as the police.

CCHR hopes that the Report will serve as a useful tool for raising awareness about the challenges facing LGBT Cambodians today and encouraging acceptance of LGBT people in families and communities throughout Cambodia. CCHR will continue to work with LGBT individuals and groups to support them in their efforts to document and report discrimination and abuse and advocate for recognition of their fundamental human rights. The Report is available to view or download in Khmer and English on the Cambodian Human Rights portal www.sithi.org and on the CCHR website www.cchrcambodia.org.

http://www.sithi.org/temp.php?url=media_view.php&mid=4050&publication=1&

For more information, please contact:


Srorn Srun
Project Coordinator, LGBT Rights Project
Cambodian Center for Human Rights
Tel: +855 81 202 444
Email: srornsrun@cchrcambodia.org