News: Dalai Lama: No Problem with Gay Marriage

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The celibate Dalai Lama has thrown his considerable moral weight behind gay marriage, condemning homophobia and saying sex was fine as long as it was consensual.

In an interview, said that gay marriage was up to each government and was ultimately "individual business."

"If two people -- a couple -- really feel that way is more practical, more sort of satisfaction, both sides fully agree, then okay," he told an online talk show by veteran radio and television host Larry King.

The Dalai Lama said though that people should still follow their own religions' rules on sexuality.

"But then for a non-believer, that is up to them. So there are different forms of sex -- so long (as it is) safe, okay, and (if both people) fully agree, okay," the Dalai Lama said in English.

"Bully, abuse - that's totally wrong. That's a violation of human rights," he said.

Gay marriage has won growing acceptance in the Western world and Latin America. But no predominantly Buddhist nation allows gay marriage, although several places with Buddhist influence including India, Nepal, Taiwan and Vietnam have increasingly debated the issue.

The Dalai Lama, who fled his Chinese-ruled homeland for India in 1959 and later won the Nobel Peace Prize, has prided himself on progressive positions and described himself as a feminist.

But his past comments on gay rights have occasionally bothered some of his Western audiences. In one of his books, the Dalai Lama, while not explicitly criticizing homosexuality, said that sex should only involve "organs intended for sexual intercourse."

http://www.ndtv.com/article/world/da...arriage-492498

Dei

He's so old, you'd think he'll be stuck in the past with his knowledge. But he actually thinks way ahead unlike his fellow religious leaders. He's so likeable.

Kula

well... this is impressive coming from such an influence person

BudBud

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Originally posted by Dei

He's so old, you'd think he'll be stuck in the past with his knowledge. But he actually thinks way ahead unlike his fellow religious leaders. He's so likeable.

buddhism doesnt really have anything against the gays, theres a quote that forbids sexual misconduct but even that refers to adultery and such

Skywalker

Times are changing.

funnychick

The only two I stan for.

BadKidBrodie

I like how he is a forward thinker and is willing to adjust himself to contemporary society

DDRdashing

what kind of enlightenment?!?!?

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Quote:

Originally posted by BudBud

buddhism doesnt really have anything against the gays, theres a quote that forbids sexual misconduct but even that refers to adultery and such

Exactly. I don't think people seem to be getting that judging from the responses in this thread.

And his views are very neutral, which is normal there. He's saying we should tolerate people's beliefs and that includes people who don't approve of homosexuality and gay marriage.

GreasyBruce

He is one of the few religious figures I look up to, and this is just further proof of why.