Importance of religious acceptance

By Caitlin Fitzpatrick
The passage of the hate-crime law in October of 2009, proved a victory for the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgendered community. The law makes it a federal crime to assault an individual based on his or her sexual orientation or gender identity, according to CNN.
However, many continue to wonder if the law will really help end crime and discrimination against those who identify as LGBT.
Bishop John Selders, an ordained minister and bishop in the United Church of Christ and a member of the religion council of the Religion & Faith Program of the Human Rights Campaign, says he believes that the new hate-crime law will help to a degree on the federal level but he is not sure that it will work as a deterrent for those who commit the acts.
Discrimination against a gay teenager by his church in Connecticut last year has highlighted the fact that some LGBT youths are not accepted or provided help by their faith groups. The teen was put through a gay “exorcism” by his church elders, which was broadcast on YouTube.
According to ReligionLink.com, youths and young people are the most vulnerable in the LGBT community.
Marina Capote, a young adult in the LGBT community, thinks that the new hate-crime law is definitely a major step in the right direction because crimes against those who identify as LGBT are now recognized as actual crimes and are finally taken seriously.
However, Capote says that she has shut the door on religion because she feels as though she will not be accepted and she is more open-minded than most religions.
“God doesn’t judge,” adds Samantha Wood, also a young member of the LGBT community. Wood also adds the idea of how homosexuality was not recognized at the time when the Bible was written.
“If you have a true understanding of faith, you would know that it’s not wrong,” she says, referring to homosexuality.
Selders says in his experience he has found that most LGBT youths have not been comfortable going to their religious faith for help and guidance because many faith traditions have a history of violence when it comes to homosexuality.
Selders also says that when there has been work done by religious faiths to allow for the emergence of those in the LGBT community it has not been focused specifically on youths.
However, although religious communities have not been doing enough to help LGBT youths they are beginning to, Selders says.
He also says that some segments of religious communities are part of the effort when it comes to accepting the new hate-crime law.
Michael Correa, member of the Greek Ally Project at SUNY Plattsburgh and a former teacher’s assistant for the Center for Diversity, Pluralism and Inclusion at SUNY Plattsburgh, works to educate those on campus in Greek life about such diversity issues as homophobia.
The project provides an outlet for young adults in Greek life who may be confused about their own sexuality or for those who are LGBT in the Greek community who need a place to turn and express themselves.
“The Greek Ally Project’s main goal is to make sure that Greek organizations on campus are educated about diverse issues, including homophobia and homosexuality, so that everyone feels accepted,” Correa says.
Correa says that he believes that it is important for young members of the LGBT community to feel as though they can turn to anyone they trust, especially their religious community, when they need help.
Capote agrees, adding that those in the LGBT community who come from a religious background consider acceptance by their religious faiths important because they do not want to be rejected by those who they look up to and respect.
“Religion teaches acceptance, so it only makes sense that when a member of their faith comes to them for help or guidance they provide it no matter his or her sexual orientation,” Correa says.