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Montreal Orthodox Rabbis latest Signatories for Gay & Lesbian Acceptance

Posted by: Lez Get Real on August 16, 2010.

Melanie Nathan August 15, 2010

Three Montreal rabbis became the latest signatories yesterday of a statement already signed by Orthodox Rabbis in the US calling for the acceptance of Jewish gay men and lesbians into synagogues.

The document is the result of a debate between Orthodox rabbis, educators, mental health professionals and gay Jews worldwide. The full title is “Statement of Principles on the Place of Jews with a Homosexual Orientation in Our Community”.

Signed by 150 Orthodox rabbis worldwide before reaching Canada, speaking to CBC News, Adam Scheier, Rabbi of the Shaar Hashomayim Congregation and president of the Montreal Board of Rabbis said: “We have wonderful members of our community in our congregation who are gay, and come to us anticipating and expecting to be welcomed into our community.”

According to the Montreal Gazette, the statement begins: “All human beings are created in the image of God and deserve to be treated with dignity and respect (kevod haberiyot).”

It continues, “Embarrassing, harassing or demeaning someone with a homosexual orientation or same-sex attraction is a violation of Torah prohibitions that embody the deepest values of Judaism.”

The document also states that the issue of whether or not sexual orientation is genetic or environmentally generated is irrelevant when it comes to how LGBT people should be treated.

Though the document is generally agreed to be progressive, dissenting voices have complained that it does not include discussion of gay marriage. This omission may seem short of dealing with the hottest issue however that is not what the tone of the document requires- rather that it is incumbent upon Jews to treat each other with acceptance and to be welcoming, impacting dignity and respect.

The first statement tacitly applies to relationships, albeit no mention of the physical acts of sex, which seems irrelevant for the purpose of the acceptance. relationships are also to be respected. I believe in time orthodox Rabbis will marry same sex couples to fully welcome them as equal Jews.