LGBT
LGBT workers may feel impact of Hobby Lobby ruling
By Cathy Lynn Grossman — July 1, 2014
(RNS) The next religious liberties faceoff may be between LGBT workers and private business owners who, the Supreme Court says, have religious rights.
Boy Scouts’ gay leader ban preserves worst stereotypes, Holder says
By Kevin Johnson — June 12, 2014
WASHINGTON (RNS) Taking aim at the Boy Scouts of America's continuing ban on gay adult leaders, Attorney General Eric Holder called the prohibition "a relic of an age of prejudice and insufficient understanding."
Conservative United Methodists say divide over sexuality is ‘irreconcilable’
By Sarah Pulliam Bailey — May 23, 2014
(RNS) Ten years after rejecting an “amicable separation” as premature, conservatives within the United Methodist Church now say a divorce is inevitable.
More Americans willing to vote for an atheist president
By Cathy Lynn Grossman — May 20, 2014
WASHINGTON (RNS) Although most Americans still say they wouldn't vote for a godless candidate, the tide is shifting.
New book exhorts atheists to ‘come out’ of the closet
By Kimberly Winston — April 17, 2014
(RNS) A new book exhorts atheists to "come out of the closet," another sign that the nonbelief community is taking a page from the LGBT community in gaining acceptance.
Survey: Americans turn sharply favorable on gay issues
By Cathy Lynn Grossman — February 26, 2014
WASHINGTON (RNS) A new survey finds the rapid shift toward favoring LGBT rights in the past decade has a wide impact on American religious and political life.
Five religious-themed apps banned from iTunes
By Brian Pellot — January 10, 2014
(RNS) From "Me So Holy" to "iSlam Muhammad," Apple has banned at least five iPhone apps with religious themes deemed too controversial for download.
Southern Baptists say no to gay weddings for military chaplains
By Sarah Pulliam Bailey — September 5, 2013
NEW YORK (RNS) Southern Baptists have nearly 1,500 endorsed chaplains serving in the U.S. military, more than any other denomination or faith group.
NALT alliance says Not All (Christians are) Like That on homosexuality
By Sarah Pulliam Bailey — September 5, 2013
NEW YORK (RNS) Inspired by Dan Savage’s "It Gets Better" campaign for gay teens, the NALT (Not All Like That) project aims to be a platform for Christians who believe "there is nothing anti-biblical or at all inherently sinful" about being gay.
Study says gays find most U.S. faiths unfriendly
By Adelle M. Banks — June 14, 2013
(RNS) Almost 50 percent of gay, lesbian bisexual and transgender adults say they have no religious affiliation, compared to 20 percent of the general population.
Bill Clinton urges Supreme Court to overturn gay marriage law he signed
By David Jackson — March 8, 2013
WASHINGTON (RNS) Former President Bill Clinton says the U.S. Supreme Court should strike down the Defense of Marriage Act, which he signed in 1996 during a "very different time."
Gay, transgender band breaks barriers in Christian music
By Amanda Greene — February 15, 2013
(RNS) The bios of the musicians who make up Micah's Rule read like many country/inspirational Christian artists. But what they don't mention is that the musicians are an openly gay man, transgender woman and a lesbian.
Fewer Americans view homosexuality as a sin
By David Gibson — January 10, 2013
(RNS) Americans' acceptance of gays and lesbians is continuing to grow, with a new poll showing that just over a third of Americans view homosexuality as a sin, down from 44 percent a year earlier. By David Gibson.
The seven most provocative religious videos of 2012
By Daniel Burke — December 27, 2012
2012 might be dubbed the Year of YouTube - and that's especially true on the religion beat. Religious videos sparked international riots, stirred up the U.S. presidential campaign and called young believers to the front lines in battles over homosexuality and church culture. Here are seven religious videos that made news in 2012.
In gay marriage fight, some companies take a stand
By Laura Petrecca — July 30, 2012
(RNS) In an unconventional move, a number of high-profile business executives have come out on the issue of gay marriage. By Laura Petrecca.
