the application of laws of social conduct largely up to the individual, and Baháʼís do not advocate for or discriminate against homosexual people. While in authoritative teachings homosexuality is described as a condition that an individual should control and overcome, Baháʼís are left to apply the teachings at their own discretion, and are discouraged from singling out homosexual practice over other transgressions, such as the consumption of alcohol, or heterosexual promiscuity. Membership in the Baháʼí community is therefore open to lesbian and gay adherents. The Baháʼí Faith has been described as a religion "ambiguous or contested on the issue of LGBT inclusion". The religion has a strong emphasis on traditional values found in Abrahamic religions, which discourage liberal sexuality. Baháʼí teachings state that Baháʼís should not treat homosexual people as condemned outcasts, nor expect people who are not Baháʼí to follow Baháʼí laws. The Baháʼí writings teach adherents to treat everyone with respect and dignity, and to eschew an attitude of discrimination and social intolerance toward homosexuals. The opportunity for civil same-sex marriage was mentioned in a 2010 letter by the Universal House of Justice as being a public issue that is not in keeping with the Baháʼí teachings, but one that Baháʼís "would neither promote nor necessarily oppose." See also Homosexuality and religion Baháʼí teachings Notes References Baháʼí primary sources . Cited in . Cited in . Cited in . Cited in . Cited in . Cited in . Cited in Other Further reading LGBTQ-Related documents on Baháʼí Library Online The Baha’i Teachings and Homosexuality - a statement and FAQ from the official website of the Baháʼís of the United States. Bahá'í belief and doctrine Baha'i Homosexuality