Religious Minority Views on Sexual Minorities: Contemporary Ultra-Orthodox Perceptions Toward Homosexuality in Israel

This study examined contemporary perceptions and attitudes within Israel's ultra-Orthodox (Haredi) community, a religious minority characterized by a strict interpretation of Jewish religious law, toward homosexuality and gay men. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews with 25 ultra-Orthodox males in 2023-2024. Using thematic analysis, four distinct discourses emerged: the discourse of deviation and pathology, which views homosexuality as a medical condition requiring treatment, including advocacy for conversion therapy; the discourse of negation alongside inclusion, which rejects homosexual behavior on religious grounds while accepting gay men as people; the discourse distinguishing personal from public spheres, which tolerates private relationships but opposes public normalization; the discourse of an evolving approach, reflecting views on how the ultra-Orthodox community's attitudes toward homosexuality have changed in recent years, incorporating emerging awareness as well as criticism of conversion therapy. These findings reveal a shift from uniform rejection to more nuanced attitudes that align with broader societal changes and the gradual integration of modern Western values. The study contributes to understanding the dynamics of religious minorities concerning sexual minorities. Additionally, the research has practical implications for developing strategies to reduce homonegativity and promote inclusive perceptions and attitudes regarding gay men within the ultra-Orthodox community, specifically, and religious minorities generally. Study limitations and recommendations for future research and practice are discussed.