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Religious people tend to hold far more moderate views on homosexuality that is commonly assumed, reveals new research from the University of Leeds.

Jewish, Muslim, Hindu and Christian people from across the north of England were interviewed about their views on sexual orientation. Many had significantly more moderate views of homosexuality than is often claimed on their behalf by faith leaders.

Participants suggested to researchers that when tension between faith and sexual orientation is discussed in public, the agenda often becomes so dominated by aggression and sensationalism that levels of respect between faith communities and gay communities are overlooked.

Interviewees suggested that new legal protections for lesbian and gay people, including civil partnership, have had a ‘civilising effect’ on British society. The increased acceptance of gay people on a national and political level is also thought to have had a positive impact on attitudes at a local level.

Participants made a number of recommendations. They included acknowledging that gay people of faith exist and listening to the quieter voices from within faith communities, rather than just those who ‘make the most noise’.

The research confirm the findings of a YouGov survey of 2,000 people published by Stonewall in 2007 which found that 84% of people who identified as religious disagreed with the statement ‘homosexuality is morally unacceptable in all circumstances.’

Ben Summerskill, Stonewall Chief Executive, said: ‘Witnessing the saddening divisions in the Church of England demonstrated at this week’s Lambeth Conference, it’s telling that so many people of faith say they actually live, work and socialise with lesbian and gay people, and that significantly reduces negative ideas about difference.”

“Many Christians, Jews, Muslims and Hindus are clearly markedly more moderate that we are often allowed to believe. The stark conclusion to draw when it comes to religion and homosexuality is that it may be time to start listening to the voices of the many people of faith in Britain which have until now not been heard enough.”

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