The word translated here as "boys" has, in this context, in the Arabic
original, the implication of paederasty. Shoghi Effendi has interpreted
this reference as a prohibition on all homosexual relations.
The Baha'i teachings on sexual morality centre on marriage and the family
as the bedrock of the whole structure of human society and are designed to
protect and strengthen that divine institution. Baha'i law thus restricts
permissible sexual intercourse to that between a man and the woman to whom
he is married.
In a letter written on behalf of Shoghi Effendi it is stated:
No matter how devoted and fine the love may be between people of
the same sex, to let it find expression in sexual acts is wrong.
To say that it is ideal is no excuse. Immorality of every sort is
really forbidden by Baha'u'llah, and homosexual relationships He
looks upon as such, besides being against nature. To be afflicted
this way is a great burden to a conscientious soul. But through
the advice and help of doctors, through a strong and determined
effort, and through prayer, a soul can overcome this handicap.
Baha'u'llah makes provision for the Universal House of Justice to
determine, according to the degree of the offence, penalties for adultery
and sodomy (Q and A 49).
135. To none is it permitted to mutter sacred verses before the public
gaze as he walketh in the street or marketplace #108
This is an allusion to the practice of certain clerics and religious
leaders of earlier Dispensations who, out of hypocrisy and affectation,
and in order to win the praise of their followers, would ostentatiously
mutter prayers in public places as a demonstration of their piety.
Baha'u'llah forbids such behaviour and stresses the importance of humility
and genuine devotion to God.