Contraception & Same-Sex Relationships
Contraception & Family Planning
Contraception is the deliberate prevention of pregnancy. In modern Britain, contraception is widely available and accepted as a normal part of family planning. However, religious views on contraception vary significantly.
The Catholic Church is the only major Christian denomination that opposes all artificial contraception. Pope Paul VI’s encyclical Humanae Vitae (1968) taught that every sexual act must be open to the possibility of creating life. Catholics may only use natural family planning (tracking fertility cycles).
Most Protestant denominations, including the Church of England, accept the use of artificial contraception. They argue that responsible family planning allows couples to provide better for the children they do have. The Methodist Church stated that “responsible contraception is a welcome means towards fulfilment in marriage.” Contraception can also help prevent the spread of sexually transmitted infections. Protestants see family planning as a practical way to show love and responsibility.
Islamic views on contraception are divided. Many Muslim scholars accept contraception within marriage, particularly if pregnancy would harm the mother’s health, the family cannot afford more children, or it would protect existing children’s welfare. The Hadith records that some companions of the Prophet practised withdrawal (coitus interruptus) and he did not forbid it. However, some scholars oppose contraception because children are a blessing from Allah and humans should not interfere with God’s will. Methods that are permanent (such as sterilisation) are generally considered haram unless medically necessary.
Sexual Relationships Before Marriage
The specification requires you to explain contrasting beliefs about sexual relationships before marriage. In contemporary British society, pre-marital sex is widely accepted. However, most religious traditions teach that sex should be reserved for marriage.
Christianity: The Catholic Church teaches that sex must only take place within marriage. St Paul wrote: “Flee from sexual immorality” (1 Corinthians 6:18). However, liberal Protestants tend to accept sex within committed, loving relationships even without marriage.
Islam: Sex before marriage is strictly forbidden. The Qur’an prohibits zinah (unlawful sexual intercourse). Under Shari’ah law, sex outside marriage is a serious offence. There is no liberal/conservative divide on this issue in Islam — the teaching is clear and universal.
Same-Sex Relationships
Same-sex relationships are legally protected in the UK. The Equality Act 2010 makes discrimination based on sexual orientation illegal. The Marriage (Same Sex Couples) Act 2013 legalised same-sex marriage in England and Wales, and the first weddings took place in March 2014. However, religious views on same-sex relationships vary widely.
AQA requires you to explain contrasting beliefs on same-sex relationships with reference to Christianity and at least one other religion. Christianity has a wide range of views, from strong opposition to full acceptance. Islam is more uniformly opposed to same-sex relationships.
Christian Views on Same-Sex Relationships
Conservative Christians oppose same-sex relationships. They cite Leviticus 18:22: “Do not have sexual relations with a man as one does with a woman; that is detestable.” The Catholic Church teaches that homosexual orientation is not sinful, but homosexual acts are. The Catechism states that homosexual people “must be accepted with respect, compassion, and sensitivity” but should remain chaste.
Liberal Christians support same-sex relationships. They argue that the Bible must be interpreted in its historical context. Jesus never spoke about homosexuality but taught love for all people. Some denominations, such as the Quakers and United Reformed Church, perform same-sex marriages. They point to Jesus’s commandment: “Love your neighbour as yourself” (Mark 12:31).
The Church of England occupies a middle ground. It welcomes homosexual people and recognises civil partnerships and same-sex marriages performed in civil ceremonies. However, it does not currently allow same-sex marriages to take place in its churches. In 2023, the Church of England voted to allow blessings for same-sex couples but stopped short of allowing full church weddings. This ongoing debate shows how religious organisations can evolve on social issues.
Islamic Views on Same-Sex Relationships
Traditional Islamic teaching opposes all same-sex relationships. The Qur’an (7:80–81) tells the story of the Prophet Lut (Lot), whose people were punished for homosexual behaviour. Homosexual acts are classified as zinah under Shari’ah law.
However, some progressive Muslim organisations in Britain argue for greater acceptance. Groups like the Inclusive Mosque Initiative welcome LGBTQ+ Muslims. Many British Muslims also acknowledge that while they may personally disagree with homosexuality on religious grounds, they respect the laws of the country they live in and oppose discrimination against anyone.
Humanists and atheists generally support same-sex relationships and full equality for LGBTQ+ people. They argue that moral decisions should be based on human rights, happiness and the harm principle — not on ancient religious texts. Since same-sex relationships between consenting adults cause no harm, there is no ethical reason to oppose them. Humanists UK, formerly the British Humanist Association, actively campaigns for LGBTQ+ rights.
The exam asks for two contrasting beliefs, one from Christianity and one from another religious tradition. Three views worth learning are: conservative Christians oppose same-sex relationships (Leviticus 18:22), liberal Christians accept them (love matters most), and Islam opposes them (Qur’an 7:80–81, story of Lut). You must be able to explain why each group holds its view.