Faith Positions

Produced by the HRC Foundation

Religion has been a source of both solace and suffering for many lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer Americans. For while most LGBTQ+ Americans have been raised in an organized religion — and many continue to cherish their faith community — too many have been forced to leave those communities behind because of condemnation of lesbian, gay and bisexual people.

And yet in recent years, a growing number of organized religious groups in the United States have issued statements officially welcoming LGBTQ+ people as members. Many religious organizations also have taken supportive stands on the issues that affect LGBTQ+ people in America, such as the fight for freedom from discrimination, the solemnizing of same-sex marriage and the ordination of openly LGBTQ+ clergy.

Click on a faith tradition below for an overview of their position on LGBTQ+ people and the issues that affect them.

Please note that this list is not comprehensive. There are LGBTQ+ people of faith in a number of religions not listed here including Sikhism, Native American religions and others. There also are many LGBTQ+ people who practice forms of spirituality found outside organized religion. We are working to expand this section to represent as many religious and spiritual experiences as possible. Please send any suggestions you have.

Buddhism

Hinduism

Humanism


The Human Rights Campaign reports on news, events and resources of the Human Rights Campaign Foundation that are of interest to the general public and further our common mission to support the LGBTQ+ community.