Resolution in Support of the Dignity and Rights of Transgender and Other LGBTQ+ Individuals
Background
Across the United States, proposed legislation seeks to undermine the dignity and deny the fundamental rights of transgender and gender-expansive individuals. This is not a new phenomenon as recent years have demonstrated a continued sharp uptick in the amount of bills filed that seek to discriminate against queer (LGBTQ+) individuals. Since 2021, according to Trans Legislation Tracker, 1,593 bills have been introduced into state legislatures, and 181 bills have passed. Since January 1, 2025, over 320 bills have already been introduced in 40 states. Two have already passed; the others are active (again, see Trans Legislation Tracker).
The Rabbinical Assembly has consistently affirmed the inherent dignity and worth of all individuals, including LGBTQ+ persons, recognizing that efforts to deny this dignity are incompatible with Jewish teachings and principles, including resolutions in 2011, 2014, 2016, and 2020. Notably, it has condemned practices aimed at forcibly altering or erasing an individual’s sexual orientation or gender identity, often referred to as "conversion therapy." Moreover, the Committee on Jewish Law and Standards has clearly and definitively affirmed the dignity and lives of transgender and gender-expansive individuals in Rabbi Leonard Sharzer’s 2017 teshuvah, “Transgender Jews and Halakhah.”
The LGBTQ+ community is currently feeling more concerned about their safety and well-being in the wake of the rhetoric in President Trump's inaugural addresses and the content of some of his first Executive Orders. The tone set has raised apprehensions about the well-being and dignity of the trans- and gender-expansive communities. Indeed, the RA issued a statement expressing deep concern regarding President Trump’s rejection of any “recognition of transgender rights” and his barring transgender people from serving in the military (see Jan 20, 2025 executive order).
Whereas k’vod hab’riyot (human dignity) is a foundational value in Judaism that calls us to treat every individual with respect, compassion, and recognition of their inherent worth; and
Whereas the Rabbinical Assembly (RA), the international organization of Conservative/Masorti Rabbis, affirmed in its 2016 resolution, “Resolution on Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity Change Efforts,” its commitment to the full welcome, acceptance, and inclusion of all gender identities in Jewish life and general society; and
Whereas the RA strongly condemned a previous wave of anti-LGBTQ+ legislation in a 2023 statement; and
Whereas attacks on the lived experience and human rights of transgender individuals–including the right to military and civil service (again, see the Jan 20, 2025 executive order)–continue; and
Whereas proposed legislation across the country, currently about 250 bills, calls for the denial of basic human rights and dignity, including but not limited to:
- access to public restrooms for transgender and gender-expansive individuals (such as Montana HB121 and North Dakota HB1144),
- access to and possession of identity documents that affirm one’s name and gender (such as Oklahoma H1225 and South Carolina SB0162),
- the ability to receive life-saving, gender-affirming healthcare (such as Wyoming HB0115 and Virgina HB8),
- the right to play sports according to their gender (such as Alaska HB40 and Illinois HB1216),
- the right to self-expression in dress and appearance (such as South Carolina H3381 and Alabama HB67),
- presentation of trans and queer identity in education (such as Mississippi HB1060 and Indiana SB0257), and
- the assurance of safety for trans- and gender-diverse people in public spaces (such as Texas HB239 and Oregon HB2439); and
Whereas such measures undermine the values of inclusion, equality, and respect for diversity that are central to Jewish ethics and the values of the broader society we seek to build; and
Whereas the enactment of these bills would constitute an affront to the tzelem Elohim (the Image of God) of all persons directly affected and to their allies,
Therefore, be it resolved that the Rabbinical Assembly reaffirms its commitment to the full dignity, inclusion, and rights of transgender and all queer individuals in all areas of public and private life; and
Be it further resolved that the Rabbinical Assembly strongly condemns legislation, policy change, court case or resolution that seeks to marginalize, harm, or shame transgender and other queer individuals; and
Be it further resolved that the Rabbinical Assembly calls upon all branches of government to publicly reject any such legislation (such as the federally proposed HR 1339) and to affirm the dignity and rights of transgender and other queer individuals to live as their authentic selves, including their access to gender-affirming care across all ages; and
Be it further resolved that the Rabbinical Assembly encourages its members to affirm, welcome, and support transgender and other queer individuals in our institutions, communities, and beyond, and advocate for policies, and take other measures, that uphold the fundamental rights and inviolable dignity of transgender and other queer individuals locally, state-wide, nationally, and beyond.