New Interfaith Alliance Report Uplifts “Same-Gender Marriage and Religious Freedom”

Decade since Obergefell, report calls on faith communities to hold the line in defense of marriage equality, debate its critics 

Interfaith Alliance, a leading national advocate for religious freedom, civil rights, and LGBTQ+ equality, today released a new and updated edition of its landmark report “Same-Gender Marriage and Religious Freedom.” It makes the urgent case that the US can and must respect both civil marriage equality and religious freedom – as far-right groups hope to turn back the clock by taking aim at the Obergefell v. Hodges decision. 

Released on the first day of Pride Month, the new report is the result of years of dialogue with religious leaders, and significantly updates earlier iterations released by Interfaith Alliance in 2009 and 2013. Subtitled “A Call to Quiet Conversations and Public Debates,” it focuses on the post-Obergefell need for intensive efforts by faith-based LGBTQ+ advocates to lift up the positive impacts of marriage equality and to discuss, debate and confront those who pose theological objections or obstacles to marriage equality in religious communities and traditions. 

The report’s author is Dr. Guthrie Graves-Fitzsimmons, Interfaith Alliance’s Vice President of Programs and Strategy, who was named one of 9 LGBTQ Faith Leaders to Watch in 2019 by the Center for American Progress. 

“A decade on from the Obergefell decision, we’ve seen the incredible impact of marriage equality – but the struggle to protect and uplift LGBTQ+ dignity in our laws and faith communities is very far from over,” said Graves-Fitzsimmons. “In this report we stress we need to talk to people who disagree with marriage equality theologically, and to call the key questions: Has civil marriage equality harmed your house of worship’s ability to function? Does your marriage matter less because other people are equal under the law? Interfaith Alliance is committed to carrying the conversation forward.”

Marriage equality remains in the crosshairs of far-right organizations and politicians. In January,  a coalition of 47 anti-LGBTQ organizations launched the discriminatory “Greater Than” campaign, aiming to overturn Obergefell. The campaign is perpetuating hateful misinformation and narratives about LGBTQ+ people and the impacts of marriage equality - making it even more important for diverse faith leaders and communities to vocally and proudly push back. 

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‍‍Interfaith Alliance and Interfaith Alliance Foundation are a network of people of diverse faiths and beliefs from across the country working together to build a resilient democracy and fulfill America’s promise of religious freedom and civil rights not just for some, but for all. We mobilize powerful coalitions to challenge Christian nationalism and religious extremism, while fostering a better understanding of the healthy boundaries between religion and government. We advocate at all levels of government for an equitable and just America where the freedoms of belief and religious practice are protected, and where all persons are treated with dignity and have the opportunity to thrive. For more information, visit interfaithalliance.org.