Conversion for Homosexual

Question

Dear Rabbi,

Is it possible for "practicing" homosexuals to convert with the Conservative/Masorti movement or is it considered a rejection of a specific mitzvah, thereby disqualifying the candidate?

Answer

Not all Conservative rabbis have the same view of homosexuality, yet so far the official position of the Movement is that homosexuality is not recognized as a normative way of life. It does not sanction homosexual weddings or allow for the ordination of rabbis who are known to be homosexual.
On the other hand, I do not believe that any Conservative Beit Din (Rabbinic Court of Law) would ask direct questions regarding sexual preferences. While studying for conversion one would learn that normative sexuality is heterosexual, within a marriage framework, just as one learns about a lot of other Jewish laws.
The rabbis' expectation is for converts to follow Jewish law. Entering into the covenant with the idea of transgressing a certain law, would not invalidate the conversion. However' like any Jewish person who does not follow a particular halakhic (legal) proscription as articulated by the Conservative/Masorti movement, that person would have sinned.
I am not sure this answer is satisfactory enough, but it is the only one I can give you at this moment.

Sincerely,

Rabbi Diana Villa
August 3, 2004