Episcopal Church resolutions related to sexual orientation, gender identity and expression
Condemn unnecessary censorship and defend access to books at schools and libraries. Advocate for access to material affirming of LGBTQIA+, racial minority, and other marginalized experiences in schools and libraries. (GC 2024-D039)
Expresses its heartfelt concern for the plight of Ugandan LGBTQ+ individuals impacted by the recently enacted law and condemns any supportive stance taken by churches, acknowledging such support as incompatible with the ethos of the way of love. Executive Council calls upon the Office of Global Partnerships to collaborate with The United Nations Human Rights Council, advocating for the human rights of all those affected by this legislation, with a particular focus on the LGBTQ+ community. Additionally, the Executive Council instructs the Office of Government Relations to actively engage with the U.S. Government, urging protection of human rights for individuals impacted by this law, including LGBTQ+ persons. (2023 MB 007)
Advocate for access to gender-affirming care in all forms (social, medical, or any other) and at all ages. Supports public policies at the local, state, and national levels in all our countries to support gender-affirming care. (GC 2022- D066)
Reaffirm opposition to discrimination and violence based on gender identity and urge congregations to ensure that transgender people can fully access their facilities and activities. Advocate for federal legislation that protects transgender and gender-non-conforming people from discrimination. (GC 2018-C022)
Advocate for an end to disparities in health care based on gender and ensure all women and girls can access reproductive health care. (GC 2018-D032)
Support national and state legislation against discrimination based on gender identity or gender expression, and call on local, state, and federal officials to enact such legislation to protect equal access to public accommodation. Oppose all legislation seeking to deny dignity, equality, and civil rights of transgender people. (EC 062016.08)
Work in partnership with African Anglicans who publicly oppose laws that criminalize homosexuality and incite violence against Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Intersex people. (GC 2015-A051)
Support legislation banning practices that try to change people’s sexual orientation or force them to deny their gender identity. (GC 2015-D028)
Endorse efforts against gender violence. (GC 2012-A139)
Urge the repeal of federal laws that discriminate against civilly married same-sex couples and the passage of legislation to allow the federal government to provide benefits to these couples. (GC 2012-D018)
Encourage the U.S. government to strengthen protection for refugees who flee based on sexual orientation and gender identity, and to intensify diplomatic efforts to strengthen protections in all parts of the world and in all aspects of the refugee and asylum process. (EC 022011.06)
Support the passage of employment non-discrimination laws, which will give protected status under federal employment law to the LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender) community. (GC 2009-C048)
Urge fairness in immigration and specifically provide immigration equality for same-sex couples by permitting a citizen or permanent resident alien to sponsor an immigrant partner for permanent residence in the United States. (GC 2009-D076)
Reaffirm the Church’s position that homosexual persons are entitled to equal protection under the law. (EC 032007.07)
Urge the Church’s Joint Standing Committee on Planning and Arrangements not to propose any site for any future General Conventions located in a state that prohibits domestic partnerships or the associated rights. (EC 032007.08)
Condemn the criminalization of homosexuality and advocacy for equal treatment of LGBT persons in many countries around the world, as well as the increased violence against such persons. (EC 032007.11)
Urge the U.S. government to grant asylum to LGBT persons, or those who advocate for these groups, whose lives are threatened in their home countries for these reasons. (EC 032007.11)
Oppose any state or federal constitutional amendment that prohibits same-sex civil marriage or civil unions. (GC 2006-A095)
Urge church members to work to eliminate the stigma of HIV/AIDS. (GC 2006-A132)
Support gay and lesbian persons as children of God. (GC 2006-A167)
Declare efforts to criminalize homosexual behavior to be incompatible with the Gospel of Jesus Christ. (GC 2006- D005)
Oppose any coercive or manipulative religious, spiritual, psychological, or psychiatric treatment which seeks to assist those who are confused about or unhappy with their sexual orientation. (GC 2003-C004)
Establish formal process for congregations to identify themselves as “safe spaces” for gay and lesbian persons. (GC 2000-A009)
Urge dioceses and congregations to provide safe places for youth and young adults to discuss human sexuality. (GC 2000-A046)
Encourage the Church at every level to combat oppression that contributes to spread of HIV/AIDS and hinders prevention, education, treatment, and access to services. (GC 2000-A052)
Encourage the Boy Scouts to allow membership irrespective of sexual orientation. (GC 2000-C031)
Recognize that there are couples in the Church living in marriage and other lifelong relationships and that such relationships will be characterized by fidelity, monogamy, mutual affection, respect, and careful and honest communication. Denounce promiscuity, exploitation, and abusiveness in relationships of Church members. Acknowledge the Church’s teaching on the sanctity of marriage. (GC 2000-D039)
Call upon the U.S. government to extend benefits such as bereavement and family leave policies, health benefits, pension benefits, and real-estate transfer tax benefits to gay and lesbian couples. (GC 1994-D006)
Urge all baptized persons to speak publicly in opposition to discrimination against those who are HIV positive. (GC 1991-A003)
Propose that all provinces of the Anglican Communion and those sharing ecumenical dialogue initiate pan-Anglican/ecumenical dialogue on human sexuality. (GC 1991-B020)
Reaffirm the civil rights of homosexual persons. (GC 1994-C019)
Support the Equal Rights Amendment. (GC 1982-B034) and (GC 1979-B148)
Express the conviction that homosexual persons are entitled to equal protection of the laws with all other citizens and call upon our society to see that such protection is provided in actuality. (GC 1976-A071)
Establish the sense of General Convention that homosexual persons are children of God who have a full and equal claim with all other persons upon the love, acceptance, and pastoral concern and care of the Church. (GC 1976-A069)