A Statement
from the
Faith,
Homophobia and Human Rights Conference
The Faith,
Homophobia, & Human Rights Conference, gathered in London on 17th
February 2007, calls on all people of goodwill, of whatever faith or none, to
affirm and celebrate human equality in all its dimensions and particularly to
work for the elimination of any faith-based homophobia and institutionalised
prejudice towards lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgendered people.
We reject the activities of certain religious
leaders, seeking exemptions from equality legislation, and attempts to base
this on the right to freedom of thought, conscience and religion, such a right
being for all, not just for some. We deplore the internalised homophobia within
religious institutions that fails to confront prejudice and hate. We encourage
and support those faith organisations, which express their commitment to
diversity and equality in practice and policy. We believe that full civil
rights for LGBT individuals are not only consistent with the right to religious
freedom, but are rooted in the best and fundamental teachings of all major
faiths; love, justice, compassion, and mercy, such values being shared by all
who seek the common good.
We call for further progressive public policy that
will deliver comprehensive and effective anti-discrimination legislation,
including positive duties, on the basis of race, gender, disability, age,
sexual orientation, and belief. We call on the newly formed Commission for
Equality and Human Rights to listen to the experience of LGBT faith networks
and those who have suffered homophobia from and within religious organisations.
Today, the alliance of over fifty faith and secular
organisations supporting this conference affirms and celebrates the values of
human equality and social justice, rooted in the best of faith traditions, and
shared by all who are committed to a fully human vision of a transformed
society.
Details of the
Conference Sponsors, Supporting Bodies, Speakers Panellists, and Workshops are
available at www.lgcm.org.uk/fhconference
Conference managed by
LGCM, Oxford House, Derbyshire Street, LONDON, E2 6HG UK
020 7739 1249
Registered Charity 1048842