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A Turning Point
Donald C. Cutler is the Co-Chair of the Reform Jewish Voice of New York State (RJV) Steering Committee. He is a former Legislative Assistant.
LGBTQ Rights and Position of the Reform Movement
Position of the Reform Jewish Movement The Reform Movement has been an advocate of the LGBTQ community since 1965, when the Women of Reform Judaism (WRJ) passed a resolution calling for the decriminalization of homosexuality.
To Gov. Bryant: Veto Mississippi's HB 1523
On April 1, 2016, RAC Director Rabbi Jonah Pesner sent the following letter to Governor Bryant of Mississippi, urging him to veto HB 1523, legislation that, in the name of religious freedom, affirms a right to discrminate against many Mississippians, including LGBT people.
To Gov. Deal: Veto Georgia's HB 757
On March 21, 2016, RAC Director Rabbi Jonah Pesner sent the below letter to Governor Deal of Georgia, urging him to veto HB 757. This bill would have created an affirmative right to discriminate against many people, including the LGBT community. On March 28, 2016, Governor Deal vetoed HB 757.
Galilee Diary: Under the Chuppah with a "Ceremony Facilitator"?
Recently, we attended still another wedding not conducted by a rabbi, but by a friend of the couple, or by a freelance “ceremony facilitator.” Although such ceremonies are not recognized by the population registry, and thus have no legal standing, the ways around this obstacle have gotten easier in recent years.
Background on LGBTQ Rights
A new pattern continues to emerge as courts, as well as local, state, and federal legislatures, spurred by cultural and political changes across the country, are applying the principles of equality to sexual orientation and gender identity.
Background on Sexuality Education
Currently, sexuality education programs in the United States can be divided into two distinct types: Abstinence-Only Programs According to the mission statement of the Abstinence Educator's Network, "sexual feelings are normal and real, but sexual behavior is controllable.
Personal is Political
As the first child in Pennsylvania to be adopted by a same-sex
Speaking Out Against North Carolina's H.B. 2
On Wednesday, March 23, North Carolina Governor Pat McCrory signed H.B. 2 into law. This wide-sweeping legislation puts into place broad anti-LGBT provisions.
Positions of the Reform Movement on Israel
The Union for Reform Judaism and the Central Conference of American Rabbis (CCAR) have been outspoken in their support of the peace process.