Does Confucianism permit same-sex marriage

Answer 1

Confucianism is primarily a social and political philosophy, which focused little on sexuality, whether homosexual or heterosexual.

Homosexuality is not mentioned in the Analects of Confucius.

Answer 2

Homosexualityis not listed in the Analects of Confucius as a sin. Actually Confucius disdains sexual activity of any kind period. It is considered a distraction from the life roles that one is meant to play. For Confucius sexual activity of any kind should be utilized only for the sole purpose of reproduction and is not to be exaggerated or become a subject or activity upon which to dwell or bring attention. A person overly concerned with sex may well fail in his social duties. Obviously homosexuality existed in the time of Confucius but it, like all sexual activity, would not have been practiced or discussed in any way that would have made it to stand out or to appear dominant or important in ones life. But to put a modern perspective on the topic, it may well have been accepted that two members of the same sex "marry". This is because, once again, sexual activity and sexuality were not considered important. The importance of social morality and social responsibility in child rearing as well as helping your fellow man was of utmost importance. Therefore if two men or two women were doing these duties as expected and adhering to the dictates of Confucius then there would likely be no problem.

Answer 3

No.

Within Confucianism, marriage is inherently between people of different genders. Any other relationship would not fall under the definition of marriage. To the Confucians, marriage is of important significance both in the family and in society. In the perspective of family, marriage can bring families of different surnames (different clans) together, and continue the family life of the concerned clans. Therefore, only the benefits and demerits of the clans, instead of the individual couples, are concerned in a marriage.