UU Clergy Join Nationwide Call for BGLT Equality
May 2, 2007
UU Clergy Join Nationwide Call for BGLT Equality; House of Representatives to Vote on Hate Crimes Bill
On Tuesday, April 17, seventeen Unitarian Universalist (UU) ministers and Unitarian Universalist Association President William G. Sinkford met in Washington, D.C., to join over 200 religious leaders in lobbying for Bisexual, Gay, Lesbian, and Transgender (BGLT) equality. In an event coordinated by the Human Rights Campaign, religious leaders from across the country and from diverse faith backgrounds gathered on Capitol Hill to lobby their members of Congress to end workplace discrimination against BGLT people by supporting the Employment Non-Discrimination Act and to pass a much-needed hate crimes bill. From an inspiring interfaith worship service to a press conference in front of the Capitol building to personal meetings with members of Congress, the clergy brought inspired presence, strong leadership and prophetic witness to the struggle for BGLT equality.As one of the featured speakers at the press conference, Rev. William G. Sinkford reiterated Unitarian Universalist support for BGLT equality and challenged the harsh and confusing arguments used by opponents of the legislation: "We are people of faith, and we also have a commitment to truth. Much of the rhetoric in opposition to these bills is blatantly and inexcusably false. So let me be clear: These laws would not create quotas or force churches to hire people who do not share their religious values. These laws will not criminalize free speech or impede religious expression in any way. These laws do not undermine a single constitutional right. In fact, the contrary is true. If passed, the Employment Non-Discrimination Act, and the Local Law Enforcement Hate Crimes Prevention Act would strengthen our nation's commitment to freedom and justice for all of 'we the people.'"
The Local Law Enforcement Hate Crimes Prevention Act, called the Matthew Shepard Act in the Senate, adds sexual orientation, gender, gender identity and disability to existing federal law regarding hate crimes. The bill would give authority to the federal government to investigate and prosecute violent crimes against victims targeted for their sexual orientation, gender, gender identity or disability. (Currently, the federal government has this authority in crimes committed because of the victim’s race, color, religion or national origin.) The bill would allow federal authorities to assist local law enforcement when they request assistance or fail to adequately investigate or prosecute these crimes. Under the bill, local law enforcement could also receive grants to help with expenses related to investigating and prosecuting bias-motivated violent crimes.
The Employment Non-Discrimination Act would address discrimination in the workplace by making it illegal to fire, refuse to hire or refuse to promote an employee simply based on the person's sexual orientation or gender identity. It would reinforce the principle that employment decisions should be based on a person's qualifications and job performance.
The House of Representatives will vote on this important legislation this week, and we need your help to ensure that it passes. Please call your representative and ask them to support the Local Law Enforcement Hate Crimes Prevention Act (H.R. 1592).
For more information contact uuawo @ uua.org.
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Last updated on Thursday, June 3, 2010.
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