Prejudice & Discrimination: Sexuality & Disability Chapter Notes | Religion, Philosophy & Ethics for GCSE/IGCSE - Year 11 PDF Download

The Nature of Equality, Prejudice & Discrimination

• Equality signifies that all individuals possess equal worth and status.

• Prejudice and discrimination diminish the worth and status of others.

• Prejudice involves forming judgments or opinions about an individual or group without knowing them.

  • These judgments are typically based on stereotypes or generalizations about race, gender, religion, or disability, and are often negative.

• Discrimination occurs when individuals act on their prejudices, treating others unfairly or unjustly due to their differences.

• Both Christianity and Islam oppose prejudice and discrimination, as they teach that all humans are God’s creation and inherently equal.

• Any action that devalues another person contradicts this teaching, making prejudice and discrimination morally wrong.

Examiner Tips and Tricks:

• Ensure a clear understanding of the distinction between prejudice and discrimination.

• Prejudice = prejudging.

  • This pertains solely to thoughts and opinions about a group of people.

• Discrimination = acting on a prejudice.

  • When someone acts on their thoughts or opinions and treats another unfairly, it is classified as discrimination.

• Discrimination can be observed and prohibited through equality laws.

• Prejudice is harder to detect, as it exists within people’s minds.

Christian and Muslim Attitudes to Prejudice Based on Sexuality

• Prejudice and discrimination based on sexuality refer to negative attitudes (prejudice) or unfair treatment (discrimination) toward someone due to their sexual orientation.

• UK law upholds equality based on sexual orientation, and same-sex couples can legally marry.

• Christians and Muslims hold diverse views on homosexual relationships.

• Due to teachings in the Bible and Qur’an about Adam and Eve, heterosexual relationships are often seen as natural and God’s intended design.

• This topic remains contentious and sparks significant debate.

Christian Attitudes Towards Homosexuality

• Some Christians reject homosexuality:

  • The Bible portrays heterosexuality as God’s plan, with the account of Adam and Eve describing a marriage-like relationship: “a man leaves his father and mother and is united to his wife, and they become one flesh” (Genesis 2:24).

  • God’s command to Adam and Eve to “Be fruitful and increase in number” (Genesis 1:28) implies that only heterosexual couples can naturally fulfill this.

  • Certain Bible passages, such as Paul’s teaching that “neither the sexually immoral nor … men who have sex with men … will inherit the kingdom of God” (1 Corinthians 6:9-10), are taken literally by some Christians.

  • These Christians view homosexuality as sinful and do not support or bless same-sex marriages in their churches.

• Some Christians accept homosexuality but not homosexual acts:

  • They believe all humans, including homosexuals, are created in God’s image and should be accepted.

  • However, they consider homosexual acts sinful.

  • The command to “Be fruitful and increase in number” (Genesis 1:28) suggests procreation, which only heterosexual couples can achieve naturally.

  • Catholic teachings emphasize that sex is for procreation, so homosexuals should remain celibate.

  • These Christians cite Biblical teachings condemning homosexuality and do not support or bless same-sex marriages.

• Some Christians fully accept homosexuality:

  • They base this on the teaching that everyone is made in God’s image and deserves respect.

  • They argue that Bible teachings condemning homosexuality were contextual to their time and are less applicable today.

  • These Christians support and may bless same-sex civil marriages, with some performing same-sex marriage ceremonies.

Muslim Attitudes Towards Homosexuality

• Many Muslims view homosexuality as wrong.

  • They believe it contradicts God’s natural law, as stated in the Qur’an: “How can you lust after men instead of women? What fools you are!” (Qur’an 27:55).

  • Muslims are encouraged to marry someone of the opposite sex and have children: following Shari’ah law and the Prophet Muhammad’s (pbuh) example.

  • Shari’ah law prohibits same-sex marriage: viewing homosexual acts as extramarital sex, which is forbidden.

  • In some countries governed by Shari’ah law: homosexuality may incur severe punishments, including the death penalty.

• Some Muslims encourage repentance for homosexual acts.

  • They reference the Qur’an’s teaching that Allah is merciful, allowing forgiveness for those who repent: “If two men commit a lewd act, punish them both; if they repent and mend their ways, leave them alone - God is always ready to accept repentance, He is full of mercy” (Qur’an 4:16).

• Some Muslims accept homosexuality but not homosexual acts.

  • Having same-sex attraction is not sinful, but acting on it is considered a sin.

• Some Muslims accept homosexuality.

  • They argue that homosexuality is not a choice and that only Allah can judge actions on the Day of Judgement.

  • They view Qur’anic teachings condemning homosexuality as contextual to their time, less applicable today.

  • In the UK, where homosexuality is legal, Muslims should have the freedom to make their own choices.

  • They believe the love between homosexual couples can be as valid as that between heterosexual couples, making it acceptable to be both Muslim and gay.

Christian and Muslim Attitudes to Prejudice Based on Disability

• Prejudice and discrimination based on disability involve negative attitudes (prejudice) or unfair treatment (discrimination) toward individuals with physical or mental impairments that significantly affect daily activities.

• Examples of disabilities: include hearing, visual, or speech impairments, or restricted growth or mobility.

• Approximately 16 million people in the UK and 500 million worldwide live with disabilities.

• Lack of understanding can lead some to ignore or discriminate against those with disabilities.

• The UK’s Equality Act 2010 protects the rights of people with disabilities in areas like employment, education, and access.

Christian Attitudes Towards Disability

• Christians oppose discrimination against people with disabilities.

• Such discrimination contradicts Biblical teachings on how to treat others.

• Jesus’ teachings on agape and the commandment to “love your neighbour as yourself” apply to treating those with disabilities as equals.

• The Golden Rule of treating others as you wish to be treated also applies.

• The Parable of the Sheep and Goats emphasizes the need to care for others.

• Christians follow Jesus’ example of caring for and healing the sick.

• Paul’s teaching that “you are all one in Christ Jesus” (Galatians 3:28) prohibits discrimination for any reason.

• Christians support positive discrimination to assist those in need.

Positive discrimination

• Positive discrimination involves giving preferential treatment to those who typically face negative discrimination.

  • Examples include:

    • Dedicated seating at concerts and football matches for people with disabilities.

    • Provision of disabled toilets, lifts, and accessibility features like ramps in public buildings.

Muslim Attitudes Towards Disability

• Muslims are taught to assist those in need.

• They are instructed to care for the elderly and children, including those with disabilities.

• The Qur’an teaches that all are equal in God’s eyes and are Allah’s creation, so everyone should be helped.

• Muslims support positive discrimination to aid those with disabilities.