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This site does not endorse the following Watchtower quotes. They are simply presented to show what the Watchtower teaches regarding the following topic.

Homosexuality

Watchtower labels homosexuality as one of the most vile sins, and practicing homosexuals will be destroyed at Armageddon. It has written that masturbation can lead to becoming homosexual, and homosexuality is a desire that can be overcome. Clever use of images convey a message not always put into writing.

In publications directed to the public, Watchtower claims not to judge homosexuals, yet continues to release articles that are disparaging of gay people and anyone supporting gay people.

Image Source: Watchtower 2019 Jue p.5

"Picture Description. ... An advertisement from a church that tolerates homosexuality." Watchtower 2019 Jun p.7

"The clergy have watered down the Bible's pure and clear standards regarding sexual morality. As a result, the moral standards of the world around us keep sinking ever lower." Pure Worship of Jehovah - Restored at Last! 2018 pp.60,61

Image of gay marriage - image Source: Pure Worship of Jehovah - Restored at Last! 2018 p.60

Watchtower 2023 Aug p.6
"Some even try to bully our young ones into breaking their loyalty to Jehovah. Note, for example, what happened to a young man named Graeme, who lives in Australia. He faced a challenging situation when he attended high school. The teacher asked the class how they would react if a friend confided in them about being a homosexual. The teacher said that all in the class who would support a friend in pursuing such a lifestyle must stand on one side of the room; those who would not, on the other side. Graeme says, “The entire class stood on the side that supported that lifestyle except for me and another Witness.” What happened next was a real test of Graeme’s loyalty to Jehovah. “For the rest of the hour-long class,” he says, “the other students and even the teacher taunted and insulted us. I did my best to defend my faith in a calm and reasonable way, but they didn’t listen to a word I said.” What effect did this test of loyalty have on Graeme? He says, “I did not like being the target of such verbal attacks, but I felt incredibly happy that I was able to defend my beliefs without compromise.”"

Pure Worship of Jehovah - Restored at Last! (2018) p.157
"... if someone tries to convince you that God's standards regarding homosexual conduct are mistaken, will you agree with him? Or will you agree with Jehovah God, whose Word clearly states that those who carry out such acts are "working what is obscene"?"

Awake! 2016 No 4
"Although the Bible condemns homosexual acts, it does not encourage prejudice, hate crimes, or any other kind of mistreatment of homosexuals....

Jehovah's Witnesses choose to live by the moral code set forth in the Bible. They do not approve of the actions that the Bible prohibits. But they neither mock nor mistreat people whose practices differ from their own. ...

The Bible thus makes a distinction between inclinations and practices. (Romans 7:16-25) A person who has homosexual leanings can control what he allows his mind to dwell on, just as he would control any other wrong desire, including leanings toward anger, adultery, and greed.-1 Corinthians 9:27; 2 Peter 2:14, 15.

While Jehovah's Witnesses uphold the moral code set forth in the Bible, they do not force their views on others. Nor do they try to reverse laws that protect the human rights of those whose lifestyle differs from theirs."

In 2016 Watchtower released One Man One Woman, a video condemning gay marriage, aimed at Jehovah's Witness children. It states "people can change," and that gay people will need to in order to enter paradise.

To view the video go to One Man One Woman (2016-05-02) Source: jw.org.

The following audio is Governing Body member Anthony Morris's comment to Rome Bethel 20th Jan 2014 regarding metrosexual tight jeans and Homosexuals.

What Does the Bible Say About Homosexuality? (as of 5 Mar 2018)
The Bible condemns sexual activity that is not between a husband and wife, whether it is homosexual or heterosexual conduct. (1 Corinthians 6:18) This includes intercourse, fondling another person’s genitals, and engaging in oral or anal sex.
Can a person be born homosexual?
The Bible doesn’t comment directly on the biology of homosexual desires, though it acknowledges that we are all born with a tendency to go against what God commands. (Romans 7:21-25) Rather than focus on the cause of homosexual desires, however, the Bible prohibits homosexual acts.

Teenagers Ask : I’m Attracted to the Same Sex—Does That Mean I’m Gay?
(2012-06-26)

Fact: In many cases, same-sex attraction is nothing more than a passing phase.
...
But what if your attraction to the same sex seems to be more than a passing phase?
...
The Bible’s stand is not unreasonable. It simply directs those with homosexual urges to do the same thing that is required of those with an opposite-sex attraction—to “flee from fornication.” (1 Corinthians 6:18) The fact is, millions of heterosexuals who wish to conform to the Bible’s standards employ self-control despite any temptations they might face. Those with homosexual inclinations can do the same if they truly want to please God.

Watchtower 2014 Apr 15 p.19
"Reports from various countries indicate that living apart from a mate or children in order to work abroad is a factor that for some has contributed to serious problems. These include infidelity on the part of one or both mates, homosexuality, or incest, ..."

Watchtower 2012 Mar 15 p.31
"There is sordid, abhorrent pornography involving homosexuality (sex between those of the same gender), group sex, bestiality, child pornography, gang rape, the brutalizing of women, bondage, or sadistic torture. … What Christian would deny that the above-mentioned abhorrent, sexually degrading forms of pornography are “unnatural lusts” and are sordid?"

Awake! 8 Feb 1995 p.15-17
"Sometimes, faulty family environment also seems to play a major role, especially among males. ... Mental-health writer Joseph Nicolosi claims that male homosexuality is "almost always the result of problems in family relations, particularly between father and son." ... Interestingly, significant numbers of homosexuals are victims of childhood molestation. ... Scientists may never resolve exaclty how much of a role nature and nurture play in same-sex attraction. But one thing is clear: all humans are born with the tendency to succumb to wrong thinking and inclinations. ... a Christian cannot excuse immoral behavior by saying he was 'born that way.' Child molesters invoke the same pathetic excuse when they say their craving for children is "innate". But can anyone deny that their sexual appetite is perverted? So it the deisre for someone of the same sex."

Awake 1997 Dec 8 pp.14-15 Should Christians Hate Homosexuals?
"The Bible admonishes: O you lovers of Jehovah, hate what is bad. (Psalm 97:10) Hence, Christians are expected to hate every practice that violates Jehovahs laws. Some people may even react with stronger feelings of aversion or disgust toward homosexuality than toward other types of immorality, viewing homosexuality as an unnatural sexual perversion. ...
Those who practice what is bad, including homosexuals, can make radical changes in their pattern of thinking and behavior, and many have indeed been successful in making this transformation. Jesus himself preached to such ones; and on showing repentance, they became acceptable to him.Matthew 21:31, 32.
Christians welcome repentant people from diverse walks of life. After leaving behind immoral practices, whatever they might have been, all can enjoy the full benefits of Gods forgiveness because Jehovah is good to all, and his mercies are over all his works."

Awake 1989 Jul 8 p.27
"Since sexual immorality is based largely on self-gratification, it often leads to more debased acts. And fallen human nature being what it is, once an act becomes commonplace, its excitement tends to wane. Thus, some homosexuals have gone on to sadomasochism and other vile practices . One Bible commentary says that the effect of such base and unnatural passions ... tended to debase the mind; to sink man below the level of the brute; to destroy the sensibility. A Bible scholar grouped homosexuality with crimes, which were utterly inconsistent with reason, nature, and their own and each others welfare.
Bible Standards Bring Peace
We can be grateful that God does not change his standards just to satisfy the passing fancies or perverted desires of men. Even as he does not approve of polluting the earth or of lying simply because more people want to do it, so he does not condone homosexuality though many espouse it with zeal. No matter what course men promote, Jehovah wants us to honor him and benefit ourselves."

True Peace (1986) pp.142-51
"The inspired Bible writer did not have to explain the natural way in which the reproductive organs of husband and wife complement each other. Homosexual relations obviously cannot follow this natural way. So, male and female homosexuals employ other forms of intercourse in what the apostle refers to as "disgraceful sexual appetites" and "obscene" practices. (Romans 1:24-32) Could married couples imitate such homosexual forms of intercourse in their own marriage and still be free in God's eyes from expressing "disgraceful sexual appetites" or "hurtful desire"?"

Watchtower 1979 Mar 15 pp.10-11
"Some customs involve practices so gross that they are detestable to Jehovah, and, hence, to his people. Among such practices are sodomy, bestiality, homosexuality, incest and other forms of sexual immorality. These were being indulged in by the Canaanite inhabitants of the Promised Land. After citing the practices that were unclean and detestable to him, Jehovah warned the Israelites: You must keep your obligation to me not to carry on any of the detestable customs that have been carried on before you, that you may not make yourselves unclean by them. He then emphasized the seriousness of the matter by saying, I am Jehovah your God.Lev. 18:1-30.
Thus we see Jehovahs viewpoint of such vile practices. But what about today? Are these practices common in your country? What is the situation in your own neighborhood? Is it not true that some nations are even changing their laws so that homosexuality no longer is punishable by law and homosexuals are looked on as respectable in the community? Just as in the days of the ancient Israelites and the early Christian congregation, such practices are repulsive to all those who want to become holy in all their conduct."

Watchtower 1976 Feb 15 pp.122-3
In recent years, homosexuality has swept the world. These homosexuals claim that they are 'bringing it out of the closet' and they brag by saying, 'We are proud to be such.' It was apparent that this erosion of moral standards could pose a danger or threat for God's holy people, so the congregations were alerted and wrongdoers were cleaned out. Likewise, unclean practices, such as masturbation, which can be a steppingstone to homosexuality, have been dealt with in a serious, yet understanding, way, to help individuals keep clean and pure in Jehovah's eyes.

Your Youth - Getting the Best out of It (1976) p.39
In fact, masturbation can lead into homosexuality. In such instances the person, not satisfied with his lonely sexual activity, seeks a partner for mutual sex play. This happens much more frequently than you may realize. Contrary to what many persons think, homosexuals are not born that way, but their homosexual behavior is learned. And often a person gets started when very young by playing with another's sexual parts, and then engaging in homosexual acts.

Your Youth - Getting the Best out of It (1976) p.42

Watchtower 1973 Sep 15 p.565
[Masturbation] can, and frequently does, lead into homosexuality, in which the person, not satisfied with his lonely sexual activity, seeks a partner for mutual sex play.

Watchtower 1969 12/15 pp.765-766
In Romans 1:24-32, where it speaks of both men and women who participated in immoral sex practices, including lesbian and sodomite acts, the Bible mentions a “natural use of the female.” Thus it shows that to indulge in such perverted use of the reproductive organs so as to satisfy a covetous desire for sexual excitement is not approved by God.

Homosexuality

Further reading