Sexuality and Religion

‘I hang out with non‐Christians all the time. I just won't date them’: The role of religion in the intimate lives of adults with intellectual disabilities

“…As Lofton (2016) articulates, 'Sexual decision making is often connected to religious ideas or practices; religious life is often regulating sexual life ' (p. 19). Cultural practices in the West demonstrate the influence of religion, especially Catholicism and Christianity, on people's understandings of sexuality (see Burke & Woodell, 2020). Disabled people, like other sexual actors, may draw on religious beliefs and values to make sense of their own sexual identities.…”

“…One area in which people with intellectual disabilities have been afforded few opportunities to share their experiences and perspectives concerns the role of religion in their lives, especially when it comes to sexuality. While religion and sexuality are often seen as antagonists, they are in many ways co‐constitutive (Burke & Woodell, 2020; Page & Shipley, 2020). As Lofton (2016) articulates, ‘Sexual decision making is often connected to religious ideas or practices; religious life is often regulating sexual life’ (p. 19).…”