Why have some religious groups opposed same-sex marriage?

Religious groups that oppose same-sex marriage often ground their position in the belief that such unions are contrary to divine intention, sacred texts, and long-standing tradition.12

Commonly cited reasons for this opposition include:

• Scriptural and Moral Doctrine: Many religious institutions maintain that homosexual acts violate natural law or divine will and are therefore immoral. Specific passages in sacred texts, such as those found in the Bible or Islamic hadiths, are frequently invoked to condemn same-sex relationships.12
• Definition of Marriage: Traditional religious perspectives often define marriage exclusively as a union between one man and one woman. From this viewpoint, marriage is fundamentally linked to procreation; because same-sex couples cannot naturally procreate, these groups argue that they do not fulfill the essential purpose of the institution.12
• Preservation of Social Order: Some religious leaders argue that maintaining the traditional definition of marriage is vital for the stability of society and the future of humanity. They contend that legalizing same-sex marriage ignores biological and moral distinctions that they believe are necessary for the continued existence of society.21