ISRAEL: Shooter At LGBT Youth Club Driven By “Biblical Edict Against Gays” | Joe. My. God.
Tag: GLBTIQ
הבית הפתוח » Student Rights Law Op Ed | JOH
הבית הפתוח » Student Rights Law Op Ed | JOH.
Student Rights Law Op Ed
The Knesset, Israel’s governing body, has introduced a crucial amendment to the existing Student Rights Law. On Sunday, June 26 2013, a coalition led by Knesset member Dov Khenin proposed to ban discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity in the education system.
The Student Rights Law, originally drafted to ensure the rights of those in the education system, currently stipulates that it is a criminal offense to discriminate against a student on the basis of religion, socio-economic background or political ideology. Dov Khenin’s coalition seeks to add sexual orientation and gender to the list of protected identities, citing figures that show the education system in Israel is rife with instances of heterosexism and transphobia.
The proposed bill addresses an important and difficult problem facing Israel. Queer youth find their identities condemned by a large part of Israeli society. Here, a Knesset Member can openly assert that people are homosexual because they were abused as children. The top rated Israeli reality show “Big Brother” features a violent contestant who recently aimed venomous anti-lesbian comments at another contestant. Currently, the Israeli queer community is mourning the loss of two of its members to a hate crime in Tel Aviv.
The effect of this hatred is immediate and unavoidable. Queer youth are vulnerable to damaging attacks that can lead to anxiety, depression, and suicide, as both Israeli and worldwide research indicates. An Israeli study reveals that half of queer youths are exposed to anti-queer verbal violence, a quarter has been sexually harassed at school, and ten percent has been subjected to physical attacks. Additionally, many youth report that the teachers do not condemn verbal violence and slurs, and a quarter of youths have had homophobic and transphobic remarks hurled at them by teachers themselves.
The proposed amendment is crucial to empowering queer youth. It ensures that schools are legally obligated to disown the warped messages about gender identity and sexual orientation that are imparted to youth via society and the media. It promotes the values of respect, tolerance and human dignity in the realm of education. Significantly, this bill will affect all youth in the education system, including those who are often relegated to the periphery in the queer community.
In recent years, privileged members of the queer community have introduced bills which address their own needs while ignoring and sometimes trampling the interests of disempowered subpopulations within our community.
Powers in the Knesset prevent members from supporting the queer community fully, and members often carefully choose which measures to support. We fear that members of Knesset would be more inclined to vote for heavily promoted bills like same-sex marriage that would mark them as progressive and socially just, while ignoring the more marginal and highly localized bill proposals which would probably not grant them the same kind of glory.
Thus, it is absolutely necessary to support this amendment and to promote it vigorously. This amendment means working towards the safety of queer youth in the education system. It means introducing children to the spirit of respect and human dignity from a younger age. It means progress in the direction of a healthier, more just Israeli society. On Wednesday, July 3rd, 2013, the proposal will be brought for a preliminary vote at the Knesset’s general assembly. We thus call on you to send letters to members of Knesset, asking for their support for this important piece of legislation.
“Two Jewish Lesbians Struck Down DOMA”
Via Joe Jervis: “Today At New York City Pride 2013”
World Union of Progressive Judaism passes resolution in support of Marriage Equality
The following resolution on Marriage Equality passed by overwhelming majority at the International Assembly of the World Union of Progressive Judaism on May 1 2013.
All of the suggested resolutions can be viewed here.
WUPJ International Assembly Meeting
May 1st, 2013 – Jerusalem, Israel
Suggested Resolutions
8. WUPJ Proposed Resolution on Marriage Equality
(Proposed by Resolutions Committee)
Whereas the World Union for Progressive Judaism condemns all forms of bigotry and discrimination in our society as being incompatible with the preservation of human dignity which is destructive of tzelem elohim, and;
Whereas the WUPJ upholds the principle of treating all people equally whether by gender, age, colour or sexual preference, and;
Whereas the WUPJ has long championed full equality of women in our movement and in society generally, and;
Whereas the 2011 International Assembly of the World Union for Progressive Judaism called on all institutions, colleges, congregations and youth groups to give equal opportunity to gay and lesbian bisexual transgender and inter-sex members (GLBTI), especially in terms of leadership and learning and to be aware of gender issues when developing study curriculum, and;
Whereas the 2011 International Assembly of the World Union for Progressive Judaism called on all institutions associated with the WUPJ to treat GLBTI couples in the same manner as married heterosexual couples and families. This call included commitment ceremonies, and family membership fees.
IT IS HEREBY RESOLVED that the 2013 International Assembly of the World Union for Progressive Judaism calls upon all institutions associated with the WUPJ to promote, where possible, marriage equality within our movement, and to join with others to support legislation to help guarantee the legal rights of GLBTI couples to marry civilly and religiously, and to secure their marital legal rights in full equality to heterosexual couples.
Reform Movement Welcomes Ruling in Marriage Equality Cases | RAC
Reform Movement Welcomes Ruling in Marriage Equality Cases | RAC.
Reform Movement Welcomes Ruling in Marriage Equality Cases
Rabbis Jacobs, Fox, Feldman and Saperstein: “There is no more central tenet to our faith than the notion that all human beings are created in the image of the Divine, and, as such, entitled to equal treatment and equal opportunity. Many faith traditions, including Reform Judaism, celebrate and sanctify same-sex marriages. Thanks to the Court’s decision, the federal government will now recognize these marriages as well, while still respecting the rights and views of those faith traditions that choose not to sanctify such marriages.”
Contact: Sean Thibault or Benny Witkovsky
202.387.2800 | news@rac.org
WASHINGTON, D.C., June 26, 2013 — In response to the Supreme Court’s landmark ruling on marriage equality in the cases Windsor v. United States and Hollingsworth v. Perry, Rabbi Rick Jacobs, President of the Union for Reform Judaism, Rabbi Steve Fox, Chief Executive of the Central Conference of American Rabbis, Rabbi Marla Feldman, Executive Director of Women of Reform Judaism, and Rabbi David Saperstein, Director of the Religious Action Center of Reform Judaism, issued the following statement:
“Today’s Supreme Court ruling on marriage equality is a significant victory for the protection of Americans’ civil rights. No longer will lesbian and gay couples remain invisible to the federal government; no longer should there be doubt about the legal legitimacy of these partnerships.
The Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA), which we vigorously opposed when it was first considered, has been an offensive and discriminatory measure since its passage in 1996. Since then millions have been denied fundamental rights because of the impact of this ill-advised law. Though that law still stands, today’s ruling in Windsor v. United States promises to lessen some of its most damaging effects. By striking down Article Three of DOMA – a section of the law that the Obama Administration stopped defending several years ago – the Court has enabled legally married same-sex couples to receive the same federal benefits, rights and responsibilities as married heterosexual couples.
Sadly, too many couples across America are still denied the fundamental right to marry. The Court’s ruling in Hollingsworth v. Perry effectively expands that right to tens of millions more Americans. The Court missed an opportunity to take a stronger stand for marriage equality today, yet it is a step toward greater civil rights for millions of Americans.
There is no more central tenet to our faith than the notion that all human beings are created in the image of the Divine, and, as such, entitled to equal treatment and equal opportunity. Many faith traditions, including Reform Judaism, celebrate and sanctify same-sex marriages. Thanks to the Court’s decision, the federal government will now recognize these marriages as well, while still respecting the rights and views of those faith traditions that choose not to sanctify such marriages.
Inspired by our Movement’s longstanding commitment to civil rights, we joined in amicus briefs to the Court in both the Perry and Windsor cases. We look forward to the day when full civil marriage equality is the law throughout the country, reflecting our nation’s historic commitment to the civil rights of every individual. In the meantime, today’s decisions will inspire us to continue to seek justice for all.”
Anti-Defamation League Welcomes Supreme Court Decision on DOMA
Anti-Defamation League Welcomes Supreme Court Decision on DOMA.
Press Release
ADL Welcomes Supreme Court Decision on DOMA
Will Continue to Work Towards Day When Same Sex-Couples are Treated Equally Across Country
New York, NY, June 26, 2013 … The Anti-Defamation League (ADL) welcomed today’s landmark decision by the Supreme Court in U.S. v. Windsor declaring Section 3 of the 1996 “Defense of Marriage Act” (DOMA) unconstitutional. In its 5-4 decision, the Court found that same-sex couples who are legally married are entitled to equal treatment under federal law. ADL filed amicus briefs in both cases.
The Court’s procedural ruling in Hollingsworth v. Perry, the case arising from the challenge to California’s Proposition 8, should be interpreted to allow same-sex couples to marry in California.
Barry Curtiss-Lusher, ADL National Chair, and Abraham H. Foxman, ADL National Director issued the following statement:
We have long believed that that the principle of equal treatment under federal law means equal treatment for all. The Court’s landmark decision in Windsor affirms the principle that legally married same-sex couples are entitled to all of the federal rights, protections and benefits of civil marriage.
The Court’s second decision in Hollingsworth v. Perry is good news for same-sex couples in California. We welcome that result and will continue to work towards the day when all states in the nation will allow civil marriage for same-sex couples. In this 100th anniversary year, we rededicate ourselves to ensuring, in the words of our founding Charter, “justice and fair treatment for all.”
The League had filed in both cases on behalf of a broad, diverse group of religious organizations – emphasizing that there are many different religious views on marriage and that no one religious understanding should be used to define marriage recognition and rights under civil law. ADL was joined on the briefs by Americans United for Separation of Church and State; Bend the Arc – A Jewish Partnership for Justice; The Central Conference of American Rabbis and the Women of Reform Judaism; Congregation Beit Simchat Torah (CBST); Hadassah – The Women’s Zionist Organization of America, Inc.; The Hindu American Foundation; The Interfaith Alliance Foundation; The Japanese American Citizens League; Jewish Social Policy Action Network (JSPAN); Keshet; Lutherans Concerned/North America; Metropolitan Community Church; The National Council of Jewish Women; Nehirim; People for the American Way Foundation; The Religious Coalition for Reproductive Choice; The Sikh American Legal Defense and Education Fund; Truah: Rabbis for Human Rights-North America; and Women’s League for Conservative Judaism.
The law firm Ropes and Gray LLP prepared the Windsor friend-of-the-court brief on behalf of ADL; the Perry brief was prepared by the law firm of Hogan Lovells US LLP.
The Anti-Defamation League, founded in 1913, is the world’s leading organization fighting anti-Semitism through programs and services that counteract hatred, prejudice and bigotry.
NCJW Celebrates Supreme Court Rulings that Advance Marriage Equality | NCJW
NCJW Celebrates Supreme Court Rulings that Advance Marriage Equality | NCJW.
NCJW Celebrates Supreme Court Rulings that Advance Marriage Equality
June 26, 2013, Washington, DC — The National Council of Jewish Women (NCJW) applauds today’s rulings on marriage equality in United States v. Windsor and Hollingsworth v. Perry by the US Supreme Court. NCJW CEO Nancy K. Kaufman released the following statement:
“Today’s decisions by the US Supreme Court represent a gratifying and historic step towards justice and equality for same sex couples under our nation’s laws. The 5-4 decision in United States v. Windsor is as significant as it is simple: DOMA, the 1996 federal law barring recognition of same-sex couples, was a violation of equal protection for legally married same-sex couples. NCJW is gratified that the Court’s decision in this case grants same-sex couples the respect, rights, and recognition that they deserve and for which they have struggled for many years.
“The ruling in Hollingsworth v. Perry that the sponsors of Proposition 8 did not have standing to challenge California’s marriage equality law, restores justice for same-sex couples in that state who found their marriages cruelly invalidated by a ballot measure. Although the impact of the decision does not extend beyond California, NCJW hopes that this decision serves to highlight the uneven rights of LGBT people around the country and will inspire more states to join the growing number of marriage equality states. NCJW, long an advocate for marriage equality, pledges to redouble its efforts to win this important right nationwide.
“These decisions are a victory not just for the LGBT community but for all who value equality and fairness.”
The National Council of Jewish Women (NCJW) is a grassroots organization of volunteers and advocates who turn progressive ideals into action. NCJW joined amici briefs on the sides of Perry and Windsor, emphasizing our Jewish values for social justice by working towards laws and policies that provide equal rights for all.
Contact: Brianne Nadeau
202-265-3000 Brianne@rabinowitz-dorf.com
