October 6. On this date in 1956, Shoghi Effendi wrote, "Homosexuality is highly condemned and often a great trial and cause of suffering to a person, as a Bahá’í. Any individual so afflicted must, through prayer, and any other means, seek to overcome this handicap."
92: Jeanne Boekhoudt, 6 October 1956
Dear Bahá’í Sister:
Your letter of September 4th has been received by the beloved Guardian, and he has instructed me to answer you on his behalf.
Homosexuality is highly condemned [143] and often a great trial and cause of suffering to a person, as a Bahá’í. Any individual so afflicted must, through prayer, and any other means, seek to overcome this handicap. But, unless the actions of such individuals are flagrantly immoral [144], it cannot be a pretext for depriving them of their voting rights.
The young believers in question must adhere to their Faith, and not withdraw from active service, because of the tests they experience. In one way or another, we are all tested; and this must strengthen us, not weaken us.
The Guardian will pray for these two young believers, and also for you and for the situation there.
With warm Bahá’í greetings, R. Rabbání
May the Beloved bless your efforts, guide and sustain you always, and enable you to win great victories in the days to come.
Your true brother, Shoghi
[143] In 1950 the Guardian had written to an individual believer: ‘No matter how devoted and fine the love may be between people of the same sex, to let it find expression in sexual acts is wrong.’ And in 1954: ‘Homosexuality, according to the Writings of Bahá’u’lláh, is spiritually condemned. This does not mean that those people so afflicted must not be helped and advised and sympathized with. It does mean that we do not believe that it is a permissible way of life.’
[144] The word ‘flagrantly’ is one of very few words ever underlined in a letter of the Guardian. The phrase ‘flagrantly immoral’ was understood at the time to mean ‘showing very obvious disrespect for Bahá’í law’.
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