As state legislatures in New Jersey, Maryland, and Washington are moving closer to approving marriage equality legislation, religious voices are speaking out in support of equality.
The anti-LGBT “Torah Declaration on Homosexuality” endorsed by ultra-Orthodox Rabbi Shmuel Kamenetsky is just one of many voices in the Orthodox Jewish community speaking out about LGBT people. Although Rabbi Kamenetsky claims to have about 130 signatures from other rabbis and health professionals on his document, his view is far from the only one held among his community.
A primary tenet of Judaism is kavod habriyot, often translated into English as human dignity. Human Rights Campaign is currently in the process of assessing how closely Jewish organizations adhere to this principle when it comes to LGBT equality.
In recognition of the important work they do, Trinity Place Shelter is one of seven recipients of this year’s Union Square Awards in the social justice category.
