'Religious Freedom Day' - Let Queer Spirituality Ring!

January 16th is 'Religious Freedom Day' one that we should embrace to strengthen the barrier of separation of church and state as well as to truly celebrate religious freedoms, or freedom from religion.

In honor of the day, If you are part of a particular faith, be more vocal about the inclusion of queer clergy, for your congregations to conduct same-sex ceremonies, and to be proactive on issues that effect the community such as hate crimes, discrimination, and HIV/AIDS.

Religious Freedom Day can be a wonderful way to truly embrace what our founders had in mind. The government should not impede on the religious liberty of LGBT affirming groups that do honor and recognize LGBT people.

Be proactive, call, email, write your congregation/denomination and let them know how you feel!

Sign up for action alerts, and help these organizations:

Americans United for Separation of Church & State

Freedom From Religion Foundation

American Civil Liberties Union

People For The American Way

Learn more at Religious Freedom Day!

Open Forum: Is Denying Marriage Equality Breaking First Amendment Rights?

"Religious" opponents of marriage equality often argue that their religious liberties are being infringed upon when the government or courts mandate gay marriage.

When reversing the argument it seems pretty clear that LGBTQ people of faith are having their religious liberties infringed upon by other groups who are trying to impose their own religious definitions and philosophies on a country that prides itself on religious liberties and a separation of church and state.

The first amendment clearly states that:

Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.

The first amendment ensures that no religion can enforce their ideals on the government, but also protects religious groups to practice the way they see fit. If conservatives want to argue that their religious rights are infringed on in the marriage battle, can't we argue on that very same premise?

Many religions are affirming of LGBT people and many include openly queer clergy as well as conduct same-sex marriages. The following religious groups are just a few of the many that are LGBT affirming: Unitarian Universalists, Reform Judaism, Conservative Judaism, Wicca, Metropolitan Community Churches, United Church of Christ, Pagans, Episcopalians, select Native American tribes, Hindu and Buddhist sects.

With the plethora of progressive religious organizations out there who do indeed support and advocate with faith for gay marriage, isn't it a violation of their first amendment right to deny them the right to officiate and legalize these unions?

"For The Bible Tells Me So" (Online Segments of Movie)

"For The Bible Tells Me So" is a thought-provoking and informative movie for people who are struggling with guilt and oppression resulting from conflicts over religion and homosexuality. The film gives an accurate analysis of the passages on homosexuality in the context of the time period, and offers brilliant insight in showing that sexual minorities are not sinners as has been mistaught by religious scholars for centuries.

Discovering Pride provides links to all 10 youtube clips for you to view at your leisure. This is a powerful film and should be seen by all LGBTQ people of faithsand for all those who believe homosexuality is a sin.

Don't Let The Religious Right Drown Out The Voices For Equality!

HRC is urging us to write a letter to Newsweek thanking them for their extensive article by Lisa Miller on marriage equality and the "Religious Case for Gay Marriage." The article discusses why the Bible should not be used as a weapon against marriage equality and instead discusses points in favor of it.

Opponents of same-sex marriage have been flooding Newsweek with thousands of emails criticizing them for their article.

Send a thank you letter to Newsweek Editor Jon Meacham and express your wish to see more LGBT positive articles.