Sexual Orientation And Human Rights In American Religious Discourse

Sexual orientation is a topic of intense debate within America's religious traditions. These discussions have had a significant impact on the formation of public policy, as speakers who locate themselves squarely within religious traditions have articulated positions on both sides in recent arguments concerning gays in the military, civil rights protections for gays and lesbians, gay marriage, parenting and foster parenting, and benefits for partners of gay and lesbian employees of major corporations and institutions. This volume, which stems from a 1995 conference at Brown University, aims to promote both academic and public understanding of the different positions that exist on sexual orientation and its public policy dimensions within four major American religious traditions. Writers from within the Jewish community, the Roman Catholic church, Mainline Protestant churches, and African-American churches explore the history and tradition of their communities on same-sex orientation, discuss the moral stance they advocate, and consider the legal and public policy implications of that stance. For each of these traditions, two opposing views are represented, and a respondent frames the issue in a larger context. The book concludes with essays by Michael McConnell and Andrew Koppelman exploring how our society might find a modus vivendi in a state position of neutrality on the moral status of homosexuality. This book will appeal to a broad range of readers interested in these crucial issues, and in the role the religious communities play in these debates, while helping to foster the climate for a more reasoned and civil dialogue.

This volume is intended to promote both academic and public understanding of the different positions that exist on sexual orientation within four major American religious traditions: Jewish, Roman Catholic, mainline Protestant, and African-American churches. Opposing views are presented from each of these traditions.

A collection of articles that looks at the interconnected relationships involving religion, morality and public policy, from a variety of opinions and voices.

Rethinking Sexual Identity in Education responds to the wide-spread abuse of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and questioning persons (LGBTQs) in diverse educational environments by utilizing published narratives of LGBTQs' educational experiences. Conceptualizing a praxis for LGBTQ allies to use in teaching and learning about sexual identity in ways that can transform educational practices and policies, this work bridges gaps between theory and practice, liberal and postmodern thought, invention and intervention. Visit our website for sample chapters!

The dynamics of identity politics frequently have been studied from the perspective of 'outsider' groups, those outside the bounds of the imagined community. But how does this dynamic play out in the construction of the 'national imaginary'? This book helps reformulate how we use rights - to what end and through what means.

The new edition of this widely acclaimed book reveals how the popular media contributes to widespread myths and misunderstanding about cultural diversity. Along with updated media examples, expanded theories and analysis, this edition explores even more deeply the coverage of race in two chapters, discusses more broadly how men and boys are depicted in the media and socialized, and how class issues have become even more visible during the Great Recession of the 21st century and the Occupy movements.

Globalized Religion and Sexual Identity reflects on the ways religion, gender and sexual identity are framed and regulated in multiple spheres across the globe. Controversies in the public arena regarding religion and sexual identity often construct these categories as inherently oppositional or already in conflict. As state policies regarding sexuality and sexual diversity develop, promoting inclusivity and non-discrimination, it is imperative to develop a more nuanced discussion regarding the relationship of religion/ideology to sexual diversity and sexuality. The goal of this volume is to explore religion and sexual identity from a range of countries across the globe, focusing on the theme of religious/ideological voices in state policies, such as same-sex marriage, identification, and education. Contributors include: Heather Shipley, Rebecca Barrett-Fox, Chiu Man-chung, Kate Power, Amélie Barras, Dia Dabby, Janet R. Jakobsen, Ann Pellegrini, Ana Cristina Leal Moreira Lima, Vera Helena Ferraz de Siqueira, Marcia Bastos de Sá, Riva Lieflander, Shun Hing Chan, Ping Huang, Stephen Hunt, Nina Rosas, Cristina Maria de Castro, Anna Strhan, Nesochi Chinwuba, Pamela Dickey Young, Yvette Taylor, and Ria Snowdon.