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.

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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

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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.

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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.

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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."

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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."

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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."

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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.

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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

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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.

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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."

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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."

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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.

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