RAC orgs position on gay rights

[ladyinred]

http://rac.org/advocacy/issues/issuegl/index.cfm?#adopt
http://rac.org/advocacy/issues/issue...ex.cfm?#values RAC stands for religious action center for reform judaism

Statement of Rabbi Marc Israel, Director of Congregational Relations, Religious Action Center of Reform Judaism in Response to the Religious Right's Anti-Gay Media Campaign
Washington, DC
July 15, 1998

Press Conference in Response to the Religious Right's Anti-Gay Media Campaign Washington, DC July 15, 1998
I stand here today on behalf of the Reform Jewish movement to affirm our belief that all people-gays, lesbians, bisexuals, straight men and women-are created b'tselem elohim, in the image of God and that all people-gays, lesbians, bisexuals, straight men and women-are equal recipients of God's love. We condemn any and all campaigns by those who, in the name of God and under the cloak of religion, preach intolerance, hatred, and bigotry.

In recent days, we have seen a resurgence of anti-gay propaganda in the form of newspaper advertisements, celebrity statements, and, most sadly, homophobic comments from our elected officials. We stand today with other religious partners, and in solidarity with the gay, lesbian, and bisexual community, to maintain that God loves and accepts love from all people, regardless of sexual orientation. If you want to see faith in action, just walk steps from here on any Friday evening to Congregation Beit Mishpacha and observe hundreds of gays, lesbians, bisexuals, transgendered people, and straight people, joined together in worship, celebrating the Jewish Sabbath.

Rather than standing idly by while others try in vain, and in the name of God, to "cure" gay people, or to become "cured" themselves, we must join together to proclaim that there is nothing immoral, abhorrent, or deviant about homosexuality. We must continue to strengthen our efforts to extend to the gay, lesbian, and bisexual community the basic human rights enjoyed without thought by the rest of America.

In this vein, we applaud President Clinton in his continuing efforts to protect the civil rights of gay, lesbian, and bisexual Americans through the amendment of Executive Order 11478, and to denounce the vitriolic measures, such as the "Hefley amendment," to undermine the effort to extend basic rights to all Americans. The addition of "sexual orientation" to the list of protected classes in the federal non-discrimination policy through Executive Order 13087 is an attempt to bring a measure of uniformity to the various policies held by different branches of the government. It creates no new laws, extends no special rights or privileges, and provides no legal recourse for victims of discrimination based on sexual orientation. It is a simple clarification of policy, but it is sends also a loud and clear message that such discrimination will not be tolerated. It is a step towards equality, a step towards justice.

We are taught: "You must not oppress your neighbor" (Leviticus 19:13), yet, in forty states, it is legal for private employers to discriminate on the basis of sexual orientation.

We are taught: "You must judge your neighbor justly" (Leviticus 19:15), yet, only ten states and the District of Columbia have taken steps to ensure that workers are hired and fired based on ability and job performance, rather than on their sexual orientation.

We are taught: "You shall love your neighbor as yourself" (Leviticus 19:18), yet gays, lesbians, and bisexuals continue to be attacked in the media, in the government, and in the streets.

We must not allow the Religious Right to be the only religious voice speaking out on this issue. We have a responsibility to combat their efforts to define homosexuality in opposition to true faith and love from God. We must stand up and proclaim that there is room in every heart for God, regardless of sexual orientation. That is what it means to "stand for truth."

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The Religious Action Center of Reform Judaism is the Washington office of the Union of American Hebrew Congregations and the Central Conference of American Rabbis, representing 1.5 million Reform Jews and 1,800 Reform rabbis in 875 congregations throughout North America.

Organization's past actions:
Press Releases
October 30, 2007
Reform Jewish Leader Calls on House to Pass Transgender Inclusive Non-Discrimination Act
June 21, 2007
Reform Jewish Movement Commends NYS Assembly Vote to Legalize Same-Sex Marriage
June 5, 2007
Reform Jewish Movement Joins in Launch of ‘Clergy Against Hate’
May 4, 2007
Reform Jewish Movement Praises House Passage of Local Law Enforcement Hate Crimes Prevention Act
October 25, 2006
Reform Jewish Leader Hails New Jersey Supreme Court Case Requiring Equal Rights for Same Sex Couples
October 4, 2006
Reform Jewish Leader Blasts Family Research Council’s Statement on Homosexuality and Child Molestation
July 18, 2006
Reform Jewish Leader Praises House Defeat of Federal Marriage Amendment
July 6, 2006
Reform Jewish Leader Responds to New York Court of Appeals Ruling on Same Sex Marriage
June 7, 2006
Reform Jewish Movement Applauds Senate Defeat of Discriminatory Marriage Amendment
June 6, 2006
Reform Jewish Leader Reacts to President’s Endorsement of the Federal Marriage Amendment; Calls on Senate to “Overwhelmingly Reject” Amendment
May 19, 2006
Reform Jewish Movement Urges Senate to Oppose Federal Marriage Amendment
November 14, 2005
The Commission on Social Action of Reform Judaism Applauds the Leadership of Texas Reform Movement in the Fight Against the Legalization of Bigotry
November 9, 2005
Reform Jewish Movement Responds to Yesterday’s Gay Rights Ballot Questions in Texas and Maine
September 7, 2005
Reform Jewish Movement Applauds California Assembly Ruling on Same Sex Marriage
June 21, 2005
Reform Jewish Leader Applauds Introduction of Legislation Extending Equal Immigration Rights To Same-Sex Couples
June 9, 2005
Reform Jewish Movement Voices Disappointment at the Confirmation of Janice Rogers Brown and William Pryor
May 26, 2005
Reform Jewish Leader Applauds Re-Introduction of Hate Crimes Measure, Urges Swift Passage
February 4, 2005
Reform Jewish Leader Applauds New York Ruling That Declares Gay Marriage Ban Unconstitutional
December 3, 2004
Reform Jewish Movement Condemns CBS and NBC for their Refusal to Air the United Church of Christ’s Commercial
September 28, 2004
Reform Jewish Movement Urges Members of Congress to Vote Against the Federal Marriage Amendment
September 23, 2004
Reform Jewish Leader Condemns Reverend Jimmy Swaggart’s Comments Concerning Gay Americans
July 14, 2004
Reform Jewish Movement Applauds Senate Defeat of Discriminatory Marriage Amendment
July 13, 2004
More Than 1,000 Clergy Will Send Letter to Senators Urging ‘No’ Vote on Marriage Amendment
March 15, 2004
Reform Jewish Leader Blasts New York Officials for Arresting Clergy for Performing a Religious Act
March 3, 2004
Statement of Rabbi Michael Namath, Program Director, Religious Action Center of Reform Judaism, at a Press Conference Concerning the Federal Marriage Amendment
February 14, 2001
Statement of Mark Pelavin, Associate Director, Religious Action Center of Reform Judaism, on the Reintroduction of the Permanent Partner Immigration Act
June 28, 2000
Nation's Largest Jewish Organization Disappointed by Supreme Court Sanction of Boy Scout's Discrimination
May 1, 2000
Saperstein Speaks Out Against Hate Crimes at the Millennium March on Washington for Equality
December 21, 1999
Reform Jewish Movement Commends Vermont Supreme Court Decision on Same-Sex Couples, Calls on Vermont Governor and Legislature to Extend Full Civil Rights to Gays and Lesbians
August 5, 1999
Nation's Largest Jewish Organization Lauds New Jersey Court Decision Banning Discrimination by Boy Scouts of America
June 24, 1999
Statement of Rabbi David Saperstein Director, Religious Action Center of Reform Judaism on the Introduction of the Employment Non-Discrimination Act
February 12, 1999
Reform Jewish Leader Urges Prompt Consideration of Hormel Nomination
October 15, 1998
Reform Movement Condemns Anti-Gay Rhetoric
August 12, 1998
Statement of Rabbi Marc Israel, Director of Congregational Relations, Religious Action Center of Reform Judaism, Calling for Tolerance and Respect for Gays and Lesbians Within the Jewish Community
July 15, 1998
Statement of Rabbi Marc Israel, Director of Congregational Relations, Religious Action Center of Reform Judaism in Response to the Religious Right's Anti-Gay Media Campaign
December 3, 1996
Statement Of Mark Pelavin Associate Director, Religious Action Center Of Reform Judaism On The Decision Of The Circuit Court Of Hawaii To Recognize Same-Sex Marriages
May 20, 1996
Reform Jewish Movement Lauds Supreme Court Decision Striking Down Colorado Anti-Gay Legislation
May 15, 1996
Reform Rabbi Calls Anti-Gay Initiative Unconstitutional And Immoral


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For More Information
To learn more, contact RAC Legislative Assistant Kate Bigam or visit the following websites:

RAC Hate Crimes Issue Page
RAC Civil Rights Issue Page
RAC HIV/AIDS Issue Page
Human Rights Campaign
National Gay and Lesbian Task Force
Lambda Legal Defense Fund
American Civil Liberties Union



Now I have alot of respect for this organization because of their integrity and lack of fear mongering and truthfulness in reporting on issues like the ENDA without distorting the facts. They are apparently more "Christian" than our so-called friends of the religious right.
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