Gender & Sexuality
Christian lawmakers push battle over church and state after Roe
By Henry Larson and Francesca D'Annunzio/News21 — September 13, 2023
(News21) — A group of Christian lawmakers has been busy reshaping America’s relationship with abortion, LGBTQ issues and religion. But their ultimate goal — bridging the separation between church and state — is far more ambitious.
How September 1993, when Latter-day Saints leaders disciplined six dissidents, continues to trouble the church
By Benjamin Park — September 13, 2023
(The Conversation) — Many faiths face conflicts over dissent and institutional control. In Latter-day Saints history, the episode around the ‘September Six’ is particularly memorable.
Three dozen NC churches have agreed to leave the UMC under approved plan
By Yonat Shimron — September 8, 2023
(RNS) — After a judge dismissed their lawsuit, the 36 churches in the Western North Carolina Conference agreed to leave under the denomination's exit plan. They will formally exit in November.
Drag queen, Christian artist Flamy Grant joins lawsuit over Tennessee’s anti-drag act
By Kathryn Post — August 31, 2023
(RNS) — She joins LGBTQ nonprofit Blount Pride in suing a Tennessee district attorney who threatened to prosecute them over a pride event where Grant is scheduled to headline.
BYU officially restores honor code ban on ‘same-sex romantic behavior’
By Kathryn Post — August 30, 2023
(RNS) — The change, which adds language prohibiting ‘same-sex romantic behavior’ to the honor code, was already an unwritten rule on campus.
Federal judge denies religious parents’ request to opt kids out of LGBTQ+ lessons
By Fiona André — August 25, 2023
(RNS) — The year-long battle between MCPS and the families is not over yet, as the judge still needs to hear the full case before making a final decision.
A retired Wyoming bishop cleared by Vatican of sexual abuse despite local findings has died at 91
By Associated Press — August 25, 2023
CHEYENNE, Wyo. (AP) — In 2021, the Vatican's Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith cleared him of seven accusations of abuse and determined that five others couldn't be proven with certainty.
Baylor University wins exemption from Title IX’s sexual harassment provisions
By Fiona André — August 14, 2023
(RNS) — The private Baptist school argued discrimination complaints made by LGBTQ students were ‘inconsistent’ with the university’s religious values.
Melvin Talbert, first United Methodist bishop to officiate same-sex wedding, dead at 89
By Adelle M. Banks — August 8, 2023
(RNS) — Talbert was recognized for his work on racial justice, LGBTQ advocacy and ecumenical cooperation.
Richard Dawkins has abandoned science to justify his transphobia
By Hemant Mehta — August 1, 2023
(RNS) — It’s jarring to see the world’s most famous atheist use his massive platform to downplay or deny trans identities.
Russian lawmakers move to further restrict transgender rights in new legislation
By Dasha Litvinova — July 14, 2023
TALLINN, Estonia (AP) — There is little doubt that the bill, a crippling blow to Russia's oppressed LGBTQ+ community, will be adopted amid the Kremlin's crusade to protect what it views as the country's “traditional values.”
Rebecca Todd Peters is on a mission to get churches to talk about abortion
By Yonat Shimron — July 13, 2023
(RNS) — A Presbyterian minister and scholar is working to shift the cultural paradigm that abortion is sin.
A business can decline service based on its beliefs, Supreme Court rules – but what will this look like in practice?
By Charles J. Russo — July 12, 2023
(The Conversation) — A designer opposed to same-sex marriage argued that a Colorado anti-discrimination law would effectively force her to speak against her beliefs.
Geneva College soccer coach fired after expressing support for LGBTQ people
By Yonat Shimron — July 11, 2023
(RNS) — In early April, Kelsey Morrison posted two messages to her Instagram page: ‘Queer people offer precious gifts to the church: Don't miss out’ and ‘Jesus is radically inclusive.’
Neland Avenue wasn’t kicked out. Now the church has to decide if it wants to stay.
By Yonat Shimron — July 5, 2023
(RNS) — The Christian Reformed Church didn't show any sign it would relent from its new doctrinal stand that homosexual sex is a sin. That puts the Neland Avenue Church in a tight spot.
