HRC Attends 2016 General Conference of the United Methodist Church

Post submitted by Rev. Dr. Denise Donnell, HRC Senior Faith Organizer

Earlier this month, HRC attended the 2016 General Conference of the United Methodist Church. Every four years, the legislative branch of the United Methodist Church—the General Conference—meets to set church policy. It was expected that several issues pertaining to the LGBT community would be discussed, such as ordaining LGBT clergy and allowing clergy to officiate marriages for same-sex couples.

Church doctrine states that “homosexuality is incompatible with Christian teachings” and prohibits “self-avowed practicing homosexuals” from serving as ministers.

Approximately 1,000 delegates (half lay leaders, half clergy) gathered to consider revisions to the Book of Resolutions, which makes pronouncements on social issues, and the Book of Discipline, which details church law. Over 1000 pieces of legislation had been carefully whittled down to 56 in order to make the matter manageable in the two weeks set aside for the assembly.

Amid protest and fears of schism over LGBT issues, the delegates decided to accept a course of action submitted by the Council of Bishops. This new way forward from the Council of Bishop includes the establishment of a special Commission to “develop a complete examination and possible revision of every paragraph in their Book of Discipline regarding human sexuality.” If the Commission reaches a conclusion before the General Conference meets again in 2020, a special session will be called to handle this matter alone.

Matt Berryman, head of Reconciling Ministries Network, a Methodist LGBT advocacy group, said the commission plan “signals hope.”

In the meantime, the full Council of Bishops have agreed to work diligently to avoid further complaints, trials and harm in order that the Church may live in grace one with the other. While this is good news for the LGBT community, several questions remain unanswered. HRC is committed to keeping track of the progress of this Commission in the coming months and years.

The entire statement offered by the Council of Bishops can be found here.

For more information on how to become involved with HRC Arkansas, click here.  

For more information about the United Methodist Church and the LGBTQ community, click here.

People look to their faith as a source of guidance and inspiration – and LGBTQ people and our family and friends are no different. The HRC Religion and Faith Program is working to create a world where nobody is forced to choose between who they are, whom they love and what they believe. Learn more here.

www.hrc.org/blog/hrc-attends-2016-general-conference-of-the-united-methodist-church?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss-feed

PHOTOS: Matthew Ludwinski Slips Into Something Comfy To Work Up A Sweat

Using sports as inspiration for fashion is nothing new, especially in the world of men’s underwear. This style guide focuses on underwear designed to give that athletic appeal, while maintaining the fashion and function you’d expect from a great pair of undies. From varsity inspired piping, to field-ready color-blocking, these pairs are a win-win in our playbook.

For more information, visit The Underwear Expert.

Photo Credit: Jerrad Matthew

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Carjackers Use Grindr to Lure Victims: VIDEO

Police in San Bernardino, California have arrested two carjackers suspected of using Grindr to lure their victims, according to their news release:

Over the last two weeks deputies from the Victor Valley Sheriff Station have conducted two separate carjacking investigations. On both occasions the victim’s had blindly met the suspects using the dating application “Grindr.”

The first carjacking occurred May 15, 2016, near the intersection of Muskrat Avenue and Air Expressway in the City of Adelanto. During this investigation the suspect, identified as Steven Thomas, allegedly used a firearm to steal the victim’s vehicle and wallet. Thomas who had recently been paroled for possession of stolen property, was arrested by the Sheriff’s Specialized Enforcement Division in the City of Desert Hot Springs a few days after the incident.

The second carjacking occurred May 23, 2016, near Yates Rd and Ridgecrest Rd in Victorville.The suspect, identified as Allan Soto, allegedly stole the victim’s vehicle using force. Soto was located a few hours later and arrested with the assistance of the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Departments Aviation Division. Both victims’ vehicles were recovered by deputies and returned to them.

Anyone with information about criminal or suspicious activity is encouraged to contact their local Sheriff Station or WE-TIP at 1-800-78CRIME (www.wetip.com) and can remain anonymous.

RELATED: Anti-Gay Priest Caught Sending Nude Photos on Grindr to Former Student

The Sheriff’s Department said “citizens are encouraged to be diligent and safe when using any type of social media dating applications.”

A Grindr representative had this to say:

“As part of both joining the app, and on our page, we educate users on best practices around safety. It’s important to have fun, but be smart and do it safely.”

It is not known if Thomas and Soto were working together. The vehicles were later returned to the victims.

Watch a report from a CBS affiliate:

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ISIS Stones Syrian Teenage Boy to Death for Homosexuality

Islamic State (ISIS) extremists have stoned to death a teenage boy accused of homosexuality.

Jamal Nassir al-Oujan, 15, was arrested in the Mayadin city of Deir ez-Zor province, Syria on charges of being gay on Saturday. The Sharia Court accused him of sodomy and sentenced him to death by stoning.

An eyewitness told ARA News:

“Al-Oujan was brutally stoned to death by IS militants in Jaradiq square in the Mayadin city on Monday afternoon. Also, some civilians were forced to participate in stoning the victim. The brutal scene has shocked all residents of Mayadin.”

RELATED: REPORT: ISIS Executes 4 Men in Iraq for Being Gay

Ahmed Ramadan, media activist and head of the campaign ‘Deir ez-Zor Is Being Slaughtered Silently’, said Islamic State “has violated all human rights by carrying out brutal atrocities against civilians, punishing people on baseless charges only to show off its power over unarmed, peaceful civilians.”

Rojava and Syria news: Islamic State executes Syrian teenager on charges of homosexuality t.co/ECmJSrO5ku

— Rojava news network (@PlanetRojava) May 23, 2016

In January, a 15-year-old boy was thrown from a roof in Deir ez-Zor after he was discovered engaged in a sexual act with an ISIS leader.

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First Gay Couple Married in Colombia: WATCH

Same-sex marriage has begun in Colombia and Fernando Quimbayo and José Ticora were the first to marry in the country, at a city registrar in Cali. El Pais published a story on the couple, along with a video.

The Washington Blade reports:

The court in 2011 ruled that same-sex couples could register their relationships within two years if Colombian lawmakers did not extend to them the same benefits that heterosexuals receive through marriage.

Legislators subsequently defeated a same-sex marriage bill. A handful of same-sex couples have entered into so-called “solemn unions” since lawmakers since the court’s deadline passed in 2013.

Inspector General Alejandro Ordóñez Maldonado challenged the rulings that allowed them to legally register their relationships as marriages. Same-sex couples who have entered into “solemn unions” since 2013 are now considered married under Colombian law.

Watch:

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#GiveCaptainAmericaABoyfriend Urges Depiction of Same-Sex Couple in Popular Superhero Series

After the hashtag #GiveElsaAGirlfriend lit up social media earlier this month, users now have a new request: #GiveCaptainAmericaABoyfriend.

The hashtag has been used thousands of times, both for and against the idea.

Disney’s Marvel Studios released the most recent movie about the superhero, Captain America: Civil War, starring Chris Evans, earlier this month.

In March, Marvel Studios answered a call to action from HRC President Chad Griffin, who urged Hollywood to abandon future productions in Georgia if Governor Nathan Deal signed an anti-LGBT bill, H.B. 757, into law. Marvel Studios said it would not shoot future movies in Georgia if the governor signed the bill. Days later, Governor Deal announced that he would veto the discriminatory measure.

Coming out stories in the media and popular culture send strong messages of inclusion and acceptance, and emphasize the importance of embracing your true and authentic self. HRC’s report, Growing Up LGBT in America, found that nine in 10 LGBTQ youth (92 percent) say they hear negative messages about being LGBTQ. Forty-two percent of respondents reported hearing those messages on movies, TV and radio. Three-quarters (78 percent) of LGBTQ youth say they hear positive messages about being LGBTQ. Fifty-nine percent of respondents reported hearing those messages on movies, TV and radio.

For LGBTQ youth who struggle to find acceptance, openly-LGBTQ characters in movies and TV shows can serve as role models, providing inspiration and support to those who truly need it.

www.hrc.org/blog/givecaptainamericaaboyfriend-urges-depiction-of-same-sex-couple-in-popular?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss-feed

HRC Issues Roadmap for Schools on US Dept. of Education’s Guidance Ensuring Rights of Trans Students

Today, HRC Foundation and HRC Welcoming Schools released a key resource for school officials to effectively and respectfully follow recent guidance from the U.S. Department of Education on the rights of transgender students.

The guide provides the backdrop for the May 13 federal guidance clarifying that transgender students have the right to be free from discrimination in schools, and answers questions school officials may be asked by parents, guardians and other community members.

Questions ranging from who is allowed in restrooms and lockers rooms, to why transgender students aren’t being required to use private facilities are answered clearly and succinctly. The U.S. Department of Education’s aims are explained in straight-forward language, and common misunderstandings about ensuring transgender students’ rights are debunked.

“Conversations about transgender students are new for many families, and parents and guardians may have questions about what the Department of Education’s guidance means for their school,” said Ellen Kahn, head of the HRC Foundation’s Children, Youth and Families Program. “This guide was created to help administrators and school board members respond to these questions, while also stressing how these kinds of policies, already in place at many schools, have helped transgender students enormously, and without any negative effect on their non-transgender schoolmates.”

The Department of Education released the guidance because schools and districts requested clarification on their obligations under Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 (Title IX), which prohibits discrimination in education programs based on sex, and how they can safeguard transgender students’ rights to privacy and safety. This approach ensures that transgender students’ civil rights will be protected, including guaranteeing them access to facilities consistent with their gender identity.

The new HRC Foundation and HRC Welcoming Schools guide can be found here. For more information on creating respectful and supportive elementary schools, check out the HRC Welcoming Schools guide for Creating Safe and Welcoming Schools for All Children & Families.

www.hrc.org/blog/hrc-issues-roadmap-for-schools-on-us-dept.-of-educations-guidance-ensuring?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss-feed

House Leadership Cancels Vote on VA Bill that Included Anti-LGBT Language

Following U.S. House of Representative’s shameful approval of an anti-LGBT provision in a defense spending bill last week, leadership thought twice and canceled a vote yesterday on a bill scheduled for last night that included more anti-LGBT language.

The Washington Post’s Lisa Rein reported:

“The little-noticed language would have allowed private doctors and other medical providers to sign contracts with VA even if they offered no protections from discrimination to lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender employees. The language would have overridden an executive order President Obama signed in 2014 that prohibits federal contractors from discriminating on the basis of sexual orientation or gender identity.”

Last week, House leadership faced massive fallout after they played procedural games and held a vote open beyond the normally scheduled time in order to torpedo an amendment that would have ensured that funds from an appropriations bill couldn’t be used to discriminate against LGBT workers.

Four of the seven Republicans who caved to Republican leadership face tough reelection races, and their votes will be remembered in November.

The vote came after an anti-LGBT amendment was added to the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). After House Republican Leadership refused to allow a vote on a bipartisan amendment to strike the defense bill language, The White House weighed in against it, saying that the amendment, which could undermine President Obama’s Executive Order protecting LGBT Americans from discrimination, has “nothing to do with our national defense.”

Sean Patrick Maloney (D-NY), who is openly gay, spoke passionately on the House floor while trying to strip the anti-LGBT provision from the NDAA. Watch video of his speech on the floor last week here.

www.hrc.org/blog/house-leadership-cancels-vote-on-va-bill-that-included-anti-lgbt-language?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss-feed

Show Us Your #TransHands

A new meme and hashtag campaign is unveiled by two friends who just happen to be transgender women. 

www.advocate.com/commentary/2016/5/25/show-us-your-transhands