Policies & Responsa

Policies & Responsa

There have been over 40 years worth of documents from the Reform Movement on issues facing lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) Jews. This section provides nearly every statement on LGBT issues from the Union for Reform Judaism (URJ, formerly the UAHC), the Central Conference of American Rabbis (CCAR), the Commission on Social Action (CSA), the North American Federation of Temple Youth (NFTY), Women of Reform Judaism (WRJ), the American Conference of Cantors (ACC), and the National Association of Temple Educators (NATE).

Documents in this section range from official Reform Movement resolutions to reports to responsa along with a few other hard to categorize pieces. The URJ has said that their resolutions "represent the evolutionary changes in its stands on many political, social, economic, and humanitarian issues" and that they seek to "elucidate current problems according to its interpretation of the voice of prophetic Judaism." Reform responsa provide answers to questions

about Reform Judaism and Jewish living. Unlike resolutions, which are adopted by vote at an organization's national convention, responsa provide guidance, not governance. As a body of literature, the responsa published by the Reform Movement reveal a broad consensus as to mainstream Reform Jewish thinking on important issues facing contemporary Judaism. As per the CCAR, individual rabbis and communities retain responsibility, however, to make their own determinations as to the stance they will take on individual issues.

Since one of the central tenets of Reform Judaism is the capacity to adjust and adapt based on new information, one purpose of this section is to show how the Reform Movement has developed over time with regard to LGBT issues. As such, this collection allows people to see almost everything that the Reform Movement has said on LGBT issues over the last 40 years - all in one place.

The following table includes the documents in all categories. To view a short annotation of any document below, click on its title. You may close the annotation box by clicking on the title again. To view the documents in only one category, click on the category name in the left navigation bar.

Title	Type	Organization/Author	Date
Same-Sex Marriage Same-Sex Marriage Rabbi Eric H. Yoffie, President of the URJ, 2004-2005 Regional Biennial speech affirmed that "Reform Jews will fight the battle" and "will not bend " with regard to advocating support for same-sex marriage. Rabbi Yoffie makes the point, "the fact that gay marriage is widely unpopular in some places cannot obscure the fact that it is morally momentous and morally right." He urges those in the Reform movement to "educate our fellow citizens" on the basis "America does not mistreat people because of what they are." He goes on to champion the point-of-view that same-sex marriage is not a "special right," rather, "it is simply a component of equal citizenship." Click here to view full text	Speech	Rabbi Eric H. Yoffie	2004-05
Resolution Concerning Same-Sex Marriages Resolution Concerning Same-Sex Marriages The NFTY General Board approved a resolution affirming support of same-sex marriages. The resolution is specific in calling for legislation at all levels of government which facilitates or grants for the first time, equal and same rights for same-sex couples as received by heterosexual couples. The resolution strongly encourages social action programming and awareness among NFTY youth groups at the local regional and national level. The resolution concludes by stating NFTY's position on same-sex marriages be the same regarding transgender marriage. Click here to view full text	Resolution	NFTY	2003-04
The Boy Scouts of America The Boy Scouts of America In response to the Boy Scouts of America taking a position excluding gay scouts and scout leaders, The resolution "directs NFTY to call upon, and begin discussions with, the Boy Scouts of America to open its membership and leadership to all men, women an Click here to view full text	Resolution	Exec. Board of NFTY	1992-93
Countering the Family Values Monopoly Countering the Family Values Monopoly Rabbi David Ellenson, President of Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion stakes out a position in opposition to religious literalists of all faiths prone to claiming they are "speaking on behalf of religion" regarding issues concering gay and lesbian rights. Rabbi Ellenson discusses both bibical and Tamudic passages and builds the case for advocating "full rights be extended to lesbians and gays." Click here to view full text	Article	Rabbi David Ellenson	6/26/2005
Support of Marriage Ruling; Opposes Efforts to Undermine Equality for Same-Sex Couples Support of Marriage Ruling; Opposes Efforts to Undermine Equality for Same-Sex Couples The Northeast Region of the Central Conference of American Rabbis (NER-CCAR) is a regional organization of over 100 Reform rabbis serving congregations, schools and organizations in New England. On January 14, 2004, NER-CCAR unanimously passed a resolution supporting equal marriage rights for same-sex couples. The resolution "voices support for the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court's ruling in Goodridge v. Department of Public Health that excluding gay and lesbian couples from marriage violates the state Constitution." It goes on to call upon the legislators of all states to affirm civil marriage rights of every person regardless of sexual orientation, and opposes legislative efforts to substitute a separate and lesser legal status, such as civil unions, for the full marriage equality same-sex couples deserve, and unequivocally opposes attempts to amend the constitution of any state or the Constitution of the United States in order to discriminate against same-sex couples and their families. Click here to view full text	Resolution	NER-CCAR	2004
Proposed Federal Marriage Amendment to the United States Constitution Proposed Federal Marriage Amendment to the United States Constitution This resolution is in opposition to the proposed Federal Marriage Amendment to the United States Constitution. The position taken in the resolution sites two long held views of the Union for Reform Judaism (URJ) and the Central Conference of American Rabbis (CCAR) - 1) "the importance of the foundational text" of the US Constitution, and, "warned of the dangers of tampering with it ." 2) The "clear policy supporting full civil marriage equality for gay men and lesbians." The resolution ends by opposing any proposal to amend the United States Constitution to limit these rights. Click here to view full text	Resolution	Ex. Board CSARJ	2004
Proposed Federal Marriage Amendment to the United States Constitution Proposed Federal Marriage Amendment to the United States Constitution The Central Conference of American Rabbis' (CCAR), at its 115th Annual Convention in 2004, adopted a resolution in opposition to amend the United States Constitution with regard to the proposed Federal Marriage Amendment. The basis for the position taken includes four key points: "upholding the integrity of the United States Constitution concerning its guarantee of equal protection for all citizens;" reaffirming the CCAR's commitment to "pursuing full civil marriage rights for same-gender couples; " opposition to any proposal that limits these rights at a federal or state level; and, "encourages CCAR members to play a leadership role on the federal, state and local levels on this issue." Click here to view full text	Resolution	CCAR	2004
Support for Inclusion and Acceptance of the Transgender and Bisexual Communities Support for Inclusion and Acceptance of the Transgender and Bisexual Communities This resolution supports the inclusion and acceptance of the transgender and bisexual communities. The resolution states that "biblical tradition teaches us that all human beings are created b'tselem Elohim - in the Divine image" and references the groundwork for this resolution in several past Reform responsa and resolutions regarding gays and lesbians. It applies all aspects of the policy created by the Union of American Hebrew Congregations in 1977 in its "Human Rights of Homosexuals" resolution to the transgender and bisexual communities; supports legislation that both opposes discrimination based on gender identity and allows individuals to be treated under the law as the gender by which they identify; urges all UAHC congregations to continue or develop inclusive policies toward all Jews regardless of sexual orientation and gender identity; and iInvites the Central Conference of American Rabbis and the American Conference of Cantors to engage in discussion regarding ritual participation of and for transgender Jews within the Reform Movement. Click here to view full text	Resolution	Ex. Board CSARJ	2003
On Same Gender Officiation On Same Gender Officiation Text of resolution adopted at the 111th Convention of the CCAR in March, 2000, stating "that the relationship of a Jewish, same gender couple is worthy of affirmation through appropriate Jewish ritual and supporting each CCAR member's right to decide if he or she would officiate at 'rituals of union' for same gender couples." The resolution contains a summary of related and relevant resolutions and reports accepted by various organizations of the Reform Movement as background to the adoption of this resolution. Click here to view full text	Resolution	CCAR	2000
On Transforming Congregation into Inclusive and Jewish Caring Communities On Transforming Congregation into Inclusive and Jewish Caring Communities Text of resolution adopted by the UAHC at the 65th General Assembly in December, 1999, recognizing the diversity of Reform family units and committing to supporting congregations in being responsive to diversity in programming and governance. Click here to view full text	Resolution	UAHC	1999
CCAR Ad Hoc Committee on Human Sexuality Report CCAR Ad Hoc Committee on Human Sexuality Report Text of report to the CCAR Convention, June, 1998, concluding "that kiddushah may be present in committed, same gender relationships between two Jews" and laying a foundation for the 2000 CCAR Resolution on Same Gender Officiation. The report includes an extensive description of Reform Jewish sexual values as the basis for the committee's conclusion. Click here to view full text	Report	CCAR	1998
On Civil Marriage for Gay and Lesbian Jewish Couples On Civil Marriage for Gay and Lesbian Jewish Couples Text of resolution adopted by the UAHC at the General Assembly in support of legislation providing for "civil marriage equal opportunity for gay men and lesbians." The resolution encourages "congregations to honor monogamous" relationships between same gender couples and supports the Central Conference of American Rabbis (CCAR) in its work regarding appropriate religious celebration of such relationships. Click here to view full text	Resolution	UAHC	1997
On Gay and Lesbian Marriage On Gay and Lesbian Marriage Text of resolution adopted by the 107th Annual Convention of the CCAR in March, 1996, in support of civil marriage for gay and lesbian couples. Click here to view full text	Resolution	CCAR	1996
On Homosexual Marriage (1996) - Central Conference of American Rabbis Responsa On Homosexual Marriage (1996) - Central Conference of American Rabbis Responsa 1996 responsum regarding rabbinic officiation at a same gender wedding or commitment ceremony. The following topics are addressed: 1) Sexual Orientation, Homosexuality, and Jewish Tradition 2) Kiddushin, Reform Judaism, and Homosexuality 3) Gay and Lesbian Unions: Toward a Response Click here to view full text	Responsa	CCAR	1996
On Promoting Equal Employment and Leadership Opportunities for Lesbians and Gays in the Reform Movement On Promoting Equal Employment and Leadership Opportunities for Lesbians and Gays in the Reform Movement Text of resolution adopted by the UAHC General Assembly, calling for non-discrimination in placement, employment and volunteer appointments of gay men and lesbians working for the Reform Movement. Click here to view full text	Resolution	UAHC	1995
On Convening in States Denying Legal Protection of Civil Rights for Gays and Lesbians On Convening in States Denying Legal Protection of Civil Rights for Gays and Lesbians Text of resolution adopted by the 104th Annual Convention of the CCAR in June, 1993. Agrees to not hold national and regional meetings in locations where gay men and lesbians are denied civil rights protection. Resolution came in response to a series of local and state laws which singled out gay men and lesbians for discriminatory restrictions of civil rights. Click here to view full text	Resolution	CCAR	1993
On Recognition for Lesbian and Gay Partnerships On Recognition for Lesbian and Gay Partnerships Text of resolution adopted by the URJ at the 62nd General Assembly in October, 1993, in support of legislation providing for legal recognition of domestic partnerships and in support of spousal benefits for same gender couples. Click here to view full text	Resolution	UAHC	1993
On Responding To Anti-Gay Rights Referenda On Responding To Anti-Gay Rights Referenda Text of resolution adopted by the URJ at the 62nd General Assembly in October, 1993, committing the organization "to actively oppose state and local referenda and statutes restricting the civil rights of gays, lesbians, or bisexuals" through boycotts and other actions. Resolution came in response to series of local and state laws which singled out gay men and lesbians for discriminatory restrictions of civil rights. Click here to view full text	Resolution	UAHC	1993
The Boy Scouts of America The Boy Scouts of America In response to the Boy Scouts of America taking a position excluding gay scouts and scout leaders, the Executive Board of the Central Conference of American Rabbis (CCAR) adopted a resolution in opposition to this position. The resolution directs the CCAR "call upon, and begin discussions with, the Boy Scouts of America to open its membership and leadership to all men and boys without regard to their sexual orientation." The CCAR resolution links its opposition to the Boy Scouts of America's position by affirming the 1990 CCAR resolution expressing "full acceptance of gay and lesbian colleagues" and earlier resolutions passed by the Union of American Hebrew Congregations "promoting civil rights for all regardless of sexual orientation." Click here to view full text	Resolution	Exec. Board CCAR	1992
B'rit Milah and AIDS B'rit Milah and AIDS 1991 responsum regarding precautions that a mohel should take to reduce risk of exposure to HIV and AIDS. Click here to view full text	Responsa	CCAR	1991
Homosexuality Homosexuality This resolution adopted by the National Federation of Temple Youth (NFTY) was in response to the 1990 Ad Hoc Committee on Homosexuality and the Rabbinate of the Central Conference of American Rabbis (CCAR). The resolution commends the CCAR on its stance that allows gay and lesbian rabbis to be ordained. The resolution expresses concern regarding one statement in the report stating homosexuals cannot fulfill their covenantal obligations. On this point, the NFTY resolution urges CCAR to examine possible implications of this phrase and evaluate whether or not a change is warranted. Click here to view full text	Resolution	NFTY	1991
Sexual Orientation Discrimination Sexual Orientation Discrimination Resolution adopted by the National Association of Temple Educators (NATE) goes on record affirming the 1971 UAHC General Assembly call for an end to discrimination against homosexuals and the expanded 1987 UAHC view calling for the full inclusion of gay and lesbian Jews in all aspects of synagogue life. The resolution goes on to affirm NATE's acceptance into its Association all Jewish educators who meet eligibility requirements regardless of sexual orientation. The resolution specifically welcomes openly gay and lesbian educators to serve in the capacity of the Association's leadership; supports equal rights regarding employment without regard for sexual orientation and supports the development of curricular materials to develop more positive attitutdes to all Jews, regardless of sexual orientation. Click here to view full text	Resolution	NATE	1991
The Rights of Gay Men and Lesbian Women The Rights of Gay Men and Lesbian Women This resolution supports full opportunity and civil rights protection on the state and federal levels for gay men and lesbian women. The resolution encourages full inclusion and affiliation, as individuals or families, for gay and lesbian Jews in all areas of synagogue life; and advocates educating WRJ members that commitment to human rights includes gay and lesbian Jews serving as rabbis, cantors and other professionals in synagogues; and urges their religious schools to sensitize youth to the diversity of families and life styles. Click here to view full text	Resolution	WRJ-NFTS	1991
Guide for Advocacy & Action by the Women of Reform Judaism/NFTS on the Resolutions on the Rights of Gay Men and Lesbian Women Guide for Advocacy & Action by the Women of Reform Judaism/NFTS on the Resolutions on the Rights of Gay Men and Lesbian Women This guide by the Women of Reform Judaism National Federation of Temple Sisterhoods provides four action steps to promote the Resolution on the Rights of Gay Men and Lesbian Women that was adopted in 1991 at the NFTS 38th Biennial Assembly. Click here to view full text	Resolution	WRJ-NFTS	1991
Homosexuality in the Cantorate Homosexuality in the Cantorate At their convention in 1991, members of the American Conference of Cantors (ACC) voted and approved a policy statement of acknowledgement that "there are members of the organization who are gay and lesbian, and they be accorded the opportunity to fulfill the sacred vocation which they have chosen." The statement goes on to note ACC is in agreement with the Union of Reform Judaism (URJ) and the Central Conference of American Rabbis (CCAR) "urging cantors, rabbis and congregations to treat with respect and integrate fully all Jews into the life of the community regardless of sexual orientation." Click here to view full text	Statement	ACC	1991
Eliminating Discrimination against Gays and Lesbians in the Military Eliminating Discrimination against Gays and Lesbians in the Military This resolution calls "upon the President of the United States to issue an Executive Order and upon Congress to enact appropriate legislation eliminating discrimination against gays and lesbians in the Armed Forces." The resolution builds its case by pointing out "preceding the Executive Order in 1948 by President Harry Turman, African-Americans were barred from equal participation in military service." The resolution affirms "the same unfounded belief that African-Americans were incompatible with the efficient and harmonious operation of the Armed Forces is equally unfounded justification to support discrimination against gay and lesbian military personnel." Click here to view full text	Resolution	CSA	1991
Report of the CCAR Ad Hoc Committee on Homosexuality and the Rabbinate Report of the CCAR Ad Hoc Committee on Homosexuality and the Rabbinate Text of report, adopted by the CCAR, that summarizes the committee's deliberations, conclusions and recommendations on homosexuality and the rabbinate. The report covers Concern for Gay and Lesbian Colleagues, Gay and Lesbian Civil Rights, Origin and Nature of Sexual Orientation, Sexual Morality and the Rabbi, Our Relationship to Klal Yisrael and the Non-Jewish Community, Congregational Issues, Admissions Policy of the College-Institute, Membership in the CCAR, and Placement. Click here to view full text	Report	CCAR	1990
HIV Testing Prior to Marriage HIV Testing Prior to Marriage 1990 responsum regarding whether Reform rabbis should require proof of HIV testing from couples prior to marriage. Click here to view full text	Responsa	CCAR	1990
Conversion and Marriage after Transsexual Surgery Conversion and Marriage after Transsexual Surgery This CCAR Responsum addresses a complex two part question regarding: 1) "whether or not an applicant for conversion, after already having a sex-change operation, be allowed to have a religious conversion," and, 2) "if the applicant is converted, should the rabbi sanctify the civil marriage through a religious ceremony (kiddushin)? The particular situation is further complicated given that the applicant had a change of heart after sex reassignment surgery. After having his male genitalia removed and a cosmetic vagina constructed, he no longer desired to be a woman, and wanted to live as male. Click here to view full text	Responsa	CCAR	1990
On Gay and Lesbian Jews On Gay and Lesbian Jews Text of resolution adopted by the URJ at the 1989 60th General Assembly reaffirming the body's 1987 call for inclusion of gay and lesbian Jews in synagogue life. Click here to view full text	Resolution	UAHC	1989
AIDS and Free Needles for Drug Addicts AIDS and Free Needles for Drug Addicts 1989 responsum regarding the ethical implications of programs that offer drug addicts free needles to reduce sharing of needles and the spread of HIV. Click here to view full text	Responsa	CCAR	1989
Taharah and AIDS Taharah and AIDS 1988 responsum to questions regarding ritual preparation and burial of AIDS victims Click here to view full text	Responsa	CCAR	1988
On Support for Inclusion of Lesbian and Gay Jews On Support for Inclusion of Lesbian and Gay Jews Text of resolution adopted by the UAHC at the 59th General Assembly in November, 1987, supporting inclusion of lesbian and gay Jews in all aspects of synagogue life. The resolution also called on the CCAR to develop liturgically inclusive language Click here to view full text	Resolution	UAHC	1987
Responsibility of Person with AIDS Responsibility of Person with AIDS 1987 responsum to questions about the responsibilities of an "AIDS carrier"to society and about how Judaism would characterize "careless" behavior that could result in transmission of HIV to another person. Click here to view full text	Responsa	CCAR	1987
Homosexual Marriage Homosexual Marriage 1985 responsum to a question asking if a rabbi may officiate at the "marriage" of two homosexuals. Click here to view full text	Responsa	CCAR	1987
Lesbians and Their Children Lesbians and Their Children 1986 responsum to a question regarding the participation of two lesbians in the service of their child's Bar Mitzvah service. There is a summary in the teshuvah of the traditional texts that address lesbianism. Click here to view full text	Responsa	CCAR	1986
Jewish Reaction to Epidemics (AIDS) Jewish Reaction to Epidemics (AIDS) 1985 responsum to a question about the traditional approach of Judaism to epidemics where there is no known cure for a disease. Both concern for public safety and for the ostracizing of people with AIDS form the context for the question. Click here to view full text	Responsa	CCAR	1985
Homosexual Marriage Homosexual Marriage In 1985, Rabbi L. Poller, of Larchmont, NY authored a Central Conference of American Rabbis (CCAR) Responsum on Homosexual Marriage, raising the question: "May a rabbi officiate at the 'marriage' of two homosexuals?" Poller argues, "a rabbi cannot participate in the 'marriage' of two homosexuals." He supports this view by saying it is his belief, "none of the elements of kuiddushin (sanctification) normally associated with marriage can be invoked for this relationship." Pol Click here to view full text	Responsa	CCAR	1985
Homosexuality Homosexuality This resolution adopted by the National Federation of Temple Youth (NFTY) states that homosexuals are entitled to equal protection under the law and opposes discrimination against homosexuals. It urges NFTY member youth groups to study issue of homosexuality, the Jewish view of homosexuality and design educational programming for adults and youth on the topic of homosexuality. Click here to view full text	Resolution	NFTY	1983
Homosexual Convert Homosexual Convert 1982 responsum to question regarding the acceptablity of a "known and active homosexual" as a convert to Judaism. Cited in the teshuvah is a 1977 CCAR resolution calling for the decriminalization of "homosexual acts between consenting adults" and prohibition of discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation. Click here to view full text	Responsa	CCAR	1982
Homosexuals in Leadership Positions (1981) - Central Conference of American Rabbis Responsa Homosexuals in Leadership Positions (1981) - Central Conference of American Rabbis Responsa 1981 responsum regarding the hiring of "openly" gay men and lesbians for synagogue positions. Click here to view full text	Responsa	CCAR	1981
Marriage After a Sex-Change Operation Marriage After a Sex-Change Operation The 1978 CCAR Responsum on Marriage after a Sex-Change Operation addresses the question: "May a rabbi officiate at a marriage of two Jews, one of whom has undergone a surgical operation which has changed his/her sex?" Click here to view full text	Responsa	CCAR	1978
On Rights of Homosexuals On Rights of Homosexuals Text of resolution, adopted by the CCAR, in support of "legislation which decriminalizes homosexual acts between consenting adults, and prohibits discrimination against them as persons." Click here to view full text	Resolution	CCAR	1977
Resolution on Human Rights of Homosexuals Resolution on Human Rights of Homosexuals Text of resolution adopted by the UAHC at the 45th General Assembly in November, 1977, opposing discrimination against homosexuals and calling on congregations to provide "appropriate educational programming for youth and adults so as to provide a greater understanding of the relation of Jewish values to the range of human sexuality." Click here to view full text	Resolution	UAHC	1977
Judaism and Homosexuality (1973) - Central Conference of American Rabbis Responsa Judaism and Homosexuality (1973) - Central Conference of American Rabbis Responsa 1973 responsum to a question from Rabbi Alexander M. Schindler (at the time president-elect of the Union of American Hebrew Congregations) regarding a "congregation of homosexuals." Teshuvah is from Rabbi Solomon B. Freehof. The congregation that provoked the question is Beth Chayim Chadashim (Los Angeles), founded in 1972 and accepted as a member of the URJ in 1974. Click here to view full text	Responsa	CCAR	1973
Homosexuality Homosexuality The text of the Resolution of the National Federation of Temple Sisterhoods (now Women of Reform Judaism) deplores the harassment of homosexuals by community authorities. The resolution goes on to recommend aligning with the point-of-view held by those religious leaders and legal experts urging decriminalizing homosexuality between consenting adults. According to Rabbi Yoel Kahn in a 1989 article, this resolution was passed but never implemented because the UAHC never passed the resolution on which this was based at its own 1965 Biennial convention. Click here to view full text	Resolution	NFTS (WRJ)	1965