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Big Reform Movements You Should Know

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 Official Stance of Religious Groups on Gay Marriage

In some cases, gay marriage and religion can clash. For example, The Islamic religion is opposed to same sex relationships in any form. In fact, some predominately Islamic countries, punish homosexuality with the death penalty. In contrast, many members of Wicca, the Jewish faith, and Christianity, are supporters of gay marriage rights. However, church leaders, are generally opposed to gay marriage rights and they continue to preach against homosexuality. Within any religion, there will be disagreement on the debate about gay marriage and religion. In fact, many church members disagree with the opinion of church leaders.

The Catholic Church states that marriage is a sacred institution, with the purpose of creating children. The church finds great conflict between gay marriage and religion. In fact, the Catholic church has pushed for an all out legal ban on gay marriage. Many Christian denominations renounce same sex marriage. In fact, churches claim that homosexuality is a sin against God. In addition, clergy has been kicked out of churches for taking part in same sex marriage ceremonies.Surprisingly, however, some predominately Catholic countries have legalized gay marriage.

For example, Mexico is predominately Catholic and now legally recognizes gay marriage rights. In contrast,the Jewish faith has generally been accepting of the LGBT community and gay marriage rights. While Conservative Jewish congregations tend to be against gay marriage rights, others are supporters of a happy union between gay marriage and religion. In fact, Jewish congregations have the right to either accept and perform same sex marriages, or abstain from them.

The Jewish reform movement has made significant progress toward equal rights for the LGBT community. Congregations are granted the freedom to make their own decisions regarding gay marriage rights and can act according to their personal beliefs. Conversely, The Islamic religion strictly forbids any type of homosexual behavior and offers no recognition for same sex relationships. In fact, there are strict rules against same sex relationships. However, many scholars claim that Islamic history is full of same sex relationships. Perhaps, the church has simply decided that it is no longer acceptable.

The ideas of gay marriage and religion, can often conflict. Most religions offer an official stance on same sex marriage. However, congregations have been known to against the wishes of church leaders. In addition, many church members are in disagreement with the church leaders. Many sociologists claim that church memberships will continue to decline until churches become more accepting of all individuals. In fact, many members that chose to leave a church, do so because of teachings on subject like homosexuality and other controversial issues. In fact, liberal churches have seen an increase in membership whereas, conservative memberships have held study or declined.

The Republican Platform On Gay Marriage

In some cases, republicans argue against gay marriage, but that is occurring with less frequency. In general, republicans are conservative and tend to take stances against gay rights and other controversial issues. However,there are republicans that support the legalization of gay marriage. News trends indicate a shift in support of gay marriage among all political parties.

In fact, many republicans are either mute on the subject or have changed their stance in order to avoid alienating voters. Republicans have noticed a large shift in public opinion and are not as vocal in speaking out against gay marriage.

News trends suggest that Republicans in liberal states, must be careful when having a staunch opinion against gay marriage. In fact, politicians have failed to be re-elected based largely on their opinions regarding gay rights and other issues that are generally considered to be liberal issues.

Some republicans offer very vocal support for civil unions and domestic partnerships, even when they are against gay marriage.This accomplishes two things. By supporting other legally recognized same sex relationships, republicans are taking gay rights into consideration. In addition, politicians are less likely to lose votes or alienate voters if they take a stance that appears to be on the middle ground.

Many politicians on both sides, will push for state referendums on big issues like the Defense of Marriage Act , in order to increase voter turn out. In fact, constituents are very likely to turn out for votes on such issues. By increasing voter turn out for their party, politicians also increase votes for other party issues.

For example, Presidents Bushes campaign in 2004, is said to have benefited from inclusion of the Defense of marriage Act on some state ballots, including Ohio. However, in more recent elections, voter support has leaned away from amendments like DOMA. in fact, voters are more likely to support amendments that offer some form of legal recognition for same sex relationships. In fact, Republicans can no longer count on party support for amendments that are against gay marriage.

In recent times, Republicans have learned that they can not count on issues such as the Defense of Marriage Act to increase voter turn out for their party. In fact, some Republicans have found that supporting such amendment actually hinders their campaign.

In addition, republicans have been losing the support of younger voters, who traditional tend to be in favor of gay marriage. News trends suggest that Republicans that are vocally against gay marriage, have been losing voter support at a higher rate than usual. In fact, such Republicans often become the victims of satire on news channels around the country, which in turn, hurts their party. Gay marriage news trends show that the issue has become too controversial for members of any political party to count on voters support.