2357 Homosexuality refers to relations between men or
between women who experience an exclusive or predominant sexual
attraction toward persons of the same sex. It has taken a great
variety of forms through the centuries and in different cultures. Its
psychological genesis remains largely unexplained. Basing itself
on Sacred Scripture, which presents homosexual acts as acts of
grave depravity,* tradition has always declared that
"homosexual acts are intrinsically disordered." They are contrary to the
natural law. They close the sexual act to the gift of life. They do not
proceed from a genuine affective and sexual complementarity.
Under no circumstances can they be approved.
2358 The number of men and women who have deep-seated
homosexual tendencies is not negligible. This inclination, which
is objectively disordered, constitutes for most of them a trial. They must be
accepted with respect, compassion, and sensitivity. Every sign of
unjust discrimination in their regard should be avoided. These
persons are called to fulfill God's will in their lives and, if they
are Christians, to unite to the sacrifice of the Lord's Cross the
difficulties they may encounter from their condition.
