Conservative Judaism Takes A Strong Stand For Transgender Rights


Conservative Judaism just got a whole lot more inclusive thanks to a resolution by the Conservative Rabbinical Assembly.

Conservative Judaism is not as strict as the Orthodox movement but is more conservative than the Reform movement. So this stance on behalf of transgenders is a big deal.

The rabbis’ resolution is unequivocal and wide-ranging:

“Be it further resolved that the Rabbinical Assembly encourage all programs affiliated with the Conservative Movement, including seminaries, schools, synagogues, camps, and communal and professional organizations to educate themselves and their employees about the needs of transgender and gender non-conforming people, so as to create fully inclusive settings;”

It’s also something of a direct rebuke to North Carolina’s so-called “bathroom law.”

“Be it further resolved that the Rabbinical Assembly urge all levels of government to review their policies and practices so as to insure the full equality of transgender people under the law.”

The Washington Post reports that the Conservative movement is the second-largest denomination in the U.S. Two others, the larger, more liberal Reform movement and the small Reconstructionist movement have been similarly supportive. So have three Christian denominations.

The Post also found praise for the resolution on Twitter:

It’s the 21st century and it’s great to see these rabbis get with the times. If the right-wing Christian clergy can’t go there, they could at least learn tolerance.

In case you missed it last year, watch John Oliver’s hilarious but poignant explanation of the challenges transgender people face.

Featured image via screen grab.

Ellen Brodsky is a long time blogger for NewsHounds.us and a contributor to Crooks and Liars. She has also worked as a researcher for Brave New Films' landmark documentary, "Outfoxed: Rupert Murdoch's War on Journalism" and "Iraq for Sale."