Policy Areas - Sex and Gender

Powerful lobbies

Symon Hill — Wed, 25 Nov 2009 11:15:07 +0000

I had an inspiring evening yesterday while representing Ekklesia at the launch of Cutting Edge, a coalition of faith groups, human rights campaigns, trades unions and others aimed at promoting equalit

Religious and secular groups unite to launch anti-discrimination coalition

staff writers — Wed, 25 Nov 2009 10:14:27 +0000

A range of faith groups, human rights campaigns, trades unions and other organisations have launched the Cutting Edge consortium to oppose calls for "religous opt-outs" from the Equality Bill currently going through Parliament.

Lesbian bishop welcomed in Sweden, but not in Africa

Ecumenical News International — Wed, 25 Nov 2009 09:43:35 +0000

Church of Sweden Archbishop Anders Wejry has denied that there is anything hugely controversial about the appointment of a partnered lesbian as a bishop, in spite of complaints from other parts of the world.

Straight couple are refused civil partnership - and plan legal action

staff writers — Tue, 24 Nov 2009 16:59:04 +0000

A heterosexual couple are planning legal action after their application for a civil partnership was rejected this morning. They say that both civil marriage and civil partnership should be options for any couple, whether same-sex or mixed-sex.

Opposition to Uganda anti-gay bill is chance to build unity in churches

Press Office — Tue, 24 Nov 2009 11:56:36 +0000

The religion and society thinktank Ekklesia is observing that opposition against the 'anti- homosexuality' Bill currently being proposed in Uganda is a prime opportunity for the churches to create some unity around issues of sexuality which so often divide them.

Women at the UN say theology can be good for gender equality

Ecumenical News International — Tue, 24 Nov 2009 11:06:55 +0000

In the continuing quest for gender equality in the world, a group of young women have been working at the United Nations to expand the message that theology which emphasises equality is essential to real progress.

Lesbian fleeing US army applies for asylum in Canada

staff writers — Tue, 24 Nov 2009 10:47:53 +0000

A former soldier who fled the US army following homophobic persecution is appealing for asylum in Canada. Bethany Smith says she received death threats and was repeatedly assaulted after other soldiers discovered her sexuality.

Investigation exposes influence of Religious Right on homophobia in Africa

staff writers — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 19:39:26 +0000

Sexual minorities in Africa have become 'collateral damage' in church conflicts as US conservative evangelicals and those opposing gay priests, ministers and bishops within mainline Protestant denominations woo Africans.

Williams under pressure as Christians condemn Ugandan anti-gay bill

staff writers — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 09:48:55 +0000

Opposition is growing to the “Anti-Homosexuality Bill” recently proposed in Uganda. An increasing number of Christians are condemning the Bill but the Archbishop of Canterbury is facing criticism for not speaking out on the issue.

Ugandan Anglicans continue to dither on anti-gay bill

staff writers — Sun, 15 Nov 2009 13:06:34 +0000

The Ugandan Anglican Church says that it has no "official position" on the Anti-Homosexuality Bill proposed in the country's Parliament. However, the Church's secretary has said that the death penalty clause should be removed.

Straight couple to attempt to register for civil partnership

staff writers — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 16:15:38 +0000

In the latest challenge to what many see as unfair marriage laws, a straight couple are attempting to register for a civil partnership. They say that a choice of marriage or civil partnership should be open to all couples, regardless of sexuality.

Christian leaders urged to condemn Ugandan anti-gay bill

staff writers — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 15:15:27 +0000

Christian leaders around the world, particularly in the Anglican Communion, are being urged to condemn proposed legislation in Uganda which would introduce the death penalty for certain consensual homosexual acts.

US bishop 'grieves' over defeat of same-sex marriage law

agency reporter — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 10:00:17 +0000

US Episcopal Bishop Stephen T. Lane of the Diocese of Maine has said he joins the "many Episcopalians [who] are deeply grieved" by Maine voters' rejection of that state's same-gender marriage law last week.

Faith groups welcome lifting of US entry restrictions on people with HIV

Stephen Brown — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 01:54:06 +0000

Campaigners on HIV and AIDS have welcomed a decision by President Barack Obama to remove US entry restrictions based on HIV status and want others to follow his example.

Anglicanism's Ugandan moment of truth

Colin Coward — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 09:58:57 +0000

The Anglican Communion must oppose legislation which dehumanises, fails to protect, and makes pastoral care impossible for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people, says Colin Coward. This is a moment of truth.