The Dalai Lama endorsed the founding of the Dalai Lama Foundation in order to promote peace and ethics worldwide. He has also stated his belief that modern science takes precedence over ancient religions.

He is reported to have said regarding homosexuality, "If the two people have taken no vows [of chastity], and neither is harmed, why should it not be acceptable?" He has repeatedly affirmed his belief that gays and lesbians should be fully accepted by society, although he has also stated that for Buddhists homosexual behavior is considered sexual misconduct, meaning that homosexual sex is acceptable for society in general but not in Buddhism or for Buddhists.

The Dalai Lama is generally opposed to abortion , although he has taken a nuanced position, as he explained to the New York Times:

Of course, abortion, from a Buddhist viewpoint, is an act of killing and is negative, generally speaking. But it depends on the circumstances. If the unborn child will be retarded or if the birth will create serious problems for the parent, these are cases where there can be an exception. I think abortion should be approved or disapproved according to each circumstance.

— The Dalai Lama, New York Times, 28 November 1993