Zoroastrian Zoroastrianism ( ), also called Mazdayasnā () or Beh-dīn (), is an Iranian religion centred on the Avesta and the teachings of Zarathushtra Spitama, who is more commonly referred to by the Greek translation, Zoroaster ( ). Among the wo ...

views on

homosexuality Homosexuality is romantic attraction, sexual attraction, or Human sexual activity, sexual behavior between people of the same sex or gender. As a sexual orientation, homosexuality is "an enduring pattern of emotional, romantic, and/or sexu ...

have traditionally been negative. Modern-day Zoroastrian communities hold a variety of views on the topic.

Homosexuality in scripture

Within the Gathas, the sacred hymns attributed directly to Zarathushtra, there exists a singular reference which is considered to touch upon homosexuality. This reference appears in Yasna 51.12, a rhymed verse line. In this verse, the prophet strongly condemns a figure referred to as a "sorcerer poet" or 'vaēpiia'. This term has been translated by Nanavutty to mean 'sodomite' and by Humbach to mean 'passive sodomite'. The term "vaēpiia" bears significance, in the Vedic tradition, it denotes an inspired, frenzied poet, one whose emotions, feelings, and poetry resonate with a vibration, swinging rhythm, and frenzy. However, the same term is also associated with wanton sexual behavior. In all the other Avestan works, "vaæpyö" takes on a strictly derogatory connotation related to sexuality. The Südgar Nask commentary on the Gathas reinforces this condemnation of sodomy. This understanding of Yasna 51.12 is still prevalent amongst conservative Zoroastrians today. Zoroastrians associated with reformist movements tend to reject this interpretation, this includes Rohinton Nariman's translation and D.J. Irani's translation of the Gathas. Traditionalist Zoroastrians believe that the

Vendidad The Vendidad /ˈvendi'dæd/, also known as Videvdat, Videvdad or Juddēvdād, is a collection of texts within the greater compendium of the Avesta. However, unlike the other texts of the Avesta, the ''Vendidad'' is an ecclesiastical code, not a ...

, one of the books of the Avesta, is an inherent part of Zoroastrian oral tradition even though it was compiled far later than the other parts of the Avesta. This passage has been interpreted to mean that

is a form of demon worship, and thus sinful. Commentary on this passage suggests that those engaging in

sodomy Sodomy (), also called buggery in British English, principally refers to either anal sex (but occasionally also oral sex) between people, or any Human sexual activity, sexual activity between a human and another animal (Zoophilia, bestiality). I ...

could be killed without permission from the

Dastur A dastur ( ), sometimes spelt dustoor, is a term for a Zoroastrian high priest who has authority in religious matters and ranks higher than a mobad or herbad. In this specific sense, the term is used mostly among the Parsis of India. The term has ...

, the

high priest The term "high priest" usually refers either to an individual who holds the office of ruler-priest, or to one who is the head of a religious organisation. Ancient Egypt In ancient Egypt, a high priest was the chief priest of any of the many god ...

. Zoroastrianism has been said to have a "hatred of male anal intercourse" that is reflected in at least one mythological tale. When

Ahriman Angra Mainyu (; ) is the Avestan name of Zoroastrianism's hypostasis of the "destructive/evil spirit" and the main adversary in Zoroastrianism either of the Spenta Mainyu, the "holy/creative spirits/mentality", or directly of Ahura Mazda, th ...

, the "Spirit of Aridity and Death" and "Lord of Lies", sought to destroy the world, he engaged in self-sodomy. That caused an "explosion of evil power" and resulted in the birth of a host of evil minions. Apart from the Vendidad, the Pahlavi scriptures, later religious Persian books considered sacred by many Zoroastrians, also strongly forbid sodomy.

Societal attitudes of Zoroastrian communities

Within modern Zoroastrian communities, attitudes towards homosexuality can vary. While some adherents, especially in Iran and India, hold conservative views that align with traditional interpretations, others have adopted liberal stances in diaspora communities, reflecting broader Western societal shifts. In recent years, debates surrounding same-sex marriage have emerged within Zoroastrian communities, in regions such as India where the religion maintains a significant presence. Zoroastrian religious leaders have historically upheld socially conservative perspectives on marriage and sexuality, and as recently as 2023 they have publicly decried a religious validity for same-sex marriages. In India, where Zoroastrians are governed by personal laws under the Parsi Marriage and Divorce Act of 1936, same-sex marriage remains unrecognized within the community. Religious leaders, such as Dasturji Dasturji Khurshed Dastoor, the high priest of Iranshah Atash Behram, Udvada have voiced opposition to efforts to legalize same-sex marriage among Parsis. Dastoor, the high priest of Iranshah Atash Behram, Udvada, expressed that Zoroastrian ancient texts do not mention same-sex marriages as they date back to a time when such unions were not recognized. The texts focus on marriage between a male and female. Dastoor acknowledges that legal judgments, including those from the Supreme Court, should be respected and followed and so if same-sex marriage becomes legalized, individuals will marry according to the law. However, Dastoor clarifies that ceremonies for same-sex couples would not be allowed to be conducted in Zoroastrian places of worship.

Homosexuality in scripture

Societal attitudes of Zoroastrian communities

References

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Further reading