Within Protestantism, is marriage and sexual expression, including intercourse or self-pleasure, considered permissible for intersex individuals?
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There is a similar question asking for the Catholic viewpoint: https://christianity.stackexchange.com/q/63452/117426 . The accepted [answer](https://christianity.stackexchange.com/a/63458/117426) states the following about marriage specifically:
> # Complete hermaphrodites cannot validly marry.
>
> Dom Augustine wrote on 1917 Can. 1068 (= 1983 Canon
> 1084 ), which deals with sexual impotence, an impediment to the
> valid reception of the sacrament of marriage:
>
> >As to *hermaphrodites*, or such persons as have the sexual characteristics of both sexes, whether it be *androgynia* or
> *gynandria* or *hermaphroditismus neuter*, the testimony of physicians is required [to determine whether they are sexually impotent or not].
> No *hermaphroditus neuter* can possibly be called capable of marrying
> because the sex is not sufficiently determined.
>
> *androgynia* = hermaphroditic with male aspect predominant
> *gynandria* = hermaphroditic with female aspect predominant
> *hermaphroditus neuter* = a complete hermaphrodite (equal male and female aspects) > > > > There are no other canons explicitly forbidding hermaphrodites *qua* > hermaphrodites from receiving the other sacraments (Confirmation, > Eucharist, Penance, Extreme Unction). Do Protestants hold the same position? Are intersex individuals generally advised—or even required—to remain celibate for life? How are alternatives, such as self-pleasure, regarded in this context? What if an intersex individual experiences a strong sex drive? In 1 Corinthians 7, the Apostle Paul encourages marriage as a remedy for those who "burn with passion." But does this counsel apply equally to intersex individuals?
> *gynandria* = hermaphroditic with female aspect predominant
> *hermaphroditus neuter* = a complete hermaphrodite (equal male and female aspects) > > > > There are no other canons explicitly forbidding hermaphrodites *qua* > hermaphrodites from receiving the other sacraments (Confirmation, > Eucharist, Penance, Extreme Unction). Do Protestants hold the same position? Are intersex individuals generally advised—or even required—to remain celibate for life? How are alternatives, such as self-pleasure, regarded in this context? What if an intersex individual experiences a strong sex drive? In 1 Corinthians 7, the Apostle Paul encourages marriage as a remedy for those who "burn with passion." But does this counsel apply equally to intersex individuals?
Asked by user117426
(654 rep)
Sep 6, 2025, 06:20 PM
Last activity: Sep 15, 2025, 02:20 PM
Last activity: Sep 15, 2025, 02:20 PM