Those who come to recognize Bahá’u’lláh as “the representative and mouthpiece of God” in this day will naturally strive to obey, out of love for His Beauty, the laws and exhortations He has brought. It would be a profound contradiction, however, for someone to profess the intention to be a Bahá’í yet consciously reject, disregard, or contend with aspects of belief or practice ordained by Him. It would only be reasonable in such instances for a person to resolve any fundamental contradiction for himself or herself before deciding whether to make the commitment to join the Bahá’í community. An example of this would be someone who holds a political post and shows interest in the Cause. Another would be someone whose professional life is prominently associated with the manufacture or distribution of alcohol. The same principle would also apply to the example you give of an individual involved in a same sex marriage. It is clear from the Bahá’í laws and principles concerning marriage and sexual conduct that marriage is a union between a man and a woman, and therefore it is not possible to recognize a same-sex union within the Bahá’í community.
The House of Justice is deeply sympathetic to those who may find themselves facing such a dilemma. No pressure should be brought to bear by the Bahá’í community on any person in this position, who must prayerfully determine the path to take. Recognition of Bahá’u’lláh is a matter between the individual and God. While it may not be possible for some individuals to enroll as Bahá’ís, they can, if they choose, continue their study of the Teachings and strive to put them into practice in their lives.
- The Universal House of Justice (From a letter dated 5 June 2018, written on behalf of the Universal House of Justice to an individual believer; US National Baha’i Administrative website)
