Many liberal church members, in all religions, have been outspoken supporters of gay rights. Movements within churches, have been aiming for a wider acceptance of LGBT rights. In fact, some religious leaders have been accused of sparking hatred and violence by arguing against LGBT rights.
Also, church leaders have been accused of causing suicides, murders and great suffering for members of the LGBT community, and other groups because of their very verbal opposition. By preaching against the gay rights movement, church leaders have furthered discrimination and vengeance upon the LGBT community. In addition, by turning away from the LGBT community, churches have added to the alienation felt by same sex couples.
In the Jewish reform movement, synagogue members have begun to see Jewish laws as guidelines rather than the binding word of God. In addition, the Jewish reform movement has been very vocal in their support of the gay rights movement. In fact, the Jewish reform movement has been vocal in support of LGBT rights since the seventies. In fact, they were one of the first to offer both religious and social support for the gay rights movement.
In 1993, The Union of American Hebrew Congregations, also known as the Union for Reform Judaism, passed a resolution which recognized same sex relationships. In fact, they also passed a resolution to afford same sex couples the same rights and responsibilities generally conferred upon marriage. The Jewish reform movement is vocal in its support for LGBT rights, including gay marriage rights.
In 2000, a resolution was passed which allowed Rabbis to officiate over same sex marriages. However, Rabbis are no required to do so, if it goes against their personal beliefs on the issue. In addition, it is up to the Rabbi whether or not to consider a same sex marriage as holy, and therefore afford it the same rights as marriage. Also, the Jewish Reform movement has opposed efforts to pass amendments similar to the Defense of Marriage Act because of the belief that it violates LGBT rights.
In addition to the Jewish reform movement, others have taken on the issue of LGBT rights. In general, reform movements seem to effect a gradual change. In fact, the movement is quite different form others, in that it does not hope to effect change in a rapid way. Reform movements have been effective as they allow society to accept change slowly, rather than all at once. The Jewish reform movement is a great example.
In that case, change was effected slowly so that church members were more comfortable with that change. The gay rights movement in the Jewish reform movement, began with support for the LGBT rights and community as a whole. Later, there was an acceptance of recognition for same sex couples and finally an acceptance of same sex marriage. In essence, reform movements effect slow, yet progressive change without the shock of immediate and drastic change. When society experiences gradual change, individuals are generally more accepting of that change.
The gay marriage issue used to be clearly answered by opposition from religious leaders. In fact, churches were very outspoken in their opposition to gay marriage rights in the past. However, the gay marriage issue is not as cut and dry as it used to be in regards to religious affiliation. While the Catholic Church still holds that marriages are sacred and meant to procreate, many church members believe in legalizing gay marriage, civil unions or domestic partnerships. 
