What does the Catholic Church teach about homosexuality?

The Catholic Church distinguishes between homosexual orientation and homosexual acts. The Church teaches that having a homosexual inclination is not itself sinful, as sin requires a deliberate act of the will. However, the Church teaches that homosexual acts are 'intrinsically disordered' (CCC 2357), meaning they are not ordered toward the complementary union and procreative potential that the Church sees as essential to the marital act. Persons with homosexual tendencies 'must be accepted with respect, compassion, and sensitivity. Every sign of unjust discrimination in their regard should be avoided' (CCC 2358). They are called to chastity, just as all unmarried persons are called to chastity. The Church's teaching is rooted in its understanding of natural law and the complementarity of man and woman as designed by God. The Church opposes same-sex marriage while affirming the inherent dignity of every person regardless of sexual orientation.