He portrayed homosexuality as a counter-rational force undermining morality, religion, and society itself, and in need of strong suppression lest it spread even and especially among clergy. Peter Damian, wrote the Liber Gomorrhianus, an extended attack on both homosexuality and masturbation. In the 11th century, the Doctor of the Church, St. The Old Testament (Leviticus 18:22, 20:13, Deuteronomy 22:5) condemned females who wore male attire, males who wore female attire, and males that engaged in homosexual intercourse. Main article: History of Christianity and homosexualityĪlthough homosexuality was not considered a major offense during the early Roman Empire, homosexual encounters and homosexual behavior came to be viewed as unacceptable as Christianity developed. These allegations were highly politicized and without any real substance. Accusations of Sodomy and unnatural acts were levelled against the Order of the Knights Templar in 1307 as part of Philip IV of France's attempt to suppress the order. The emergence of heretical groups, such as the Cathars and Waldensians, witnesses a rise in allegations of unnatural sexual conduct against such heretics as part of the war against heresy in Christendom. Medieval records reflect this growing concern. By the 11th century Sodomy was increasingly viewed as a serious moral crime and punishable by mutilation or death. In medieval Europe, attitudes toward homosexuality varied from region to region, determined by religious culture the Catholic Church, which dominated the religious landscape, considered, and still considers, sodomy as a mortal sin and a "crime against nature".
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