The fight for LGBTQIA+ rights is not only about civil, sexual and human autonomy but is also a state/church issue. Without separation of state and church, theocratic policies and laws will be imposed on the most vulnerable of our population. This includes not only religious minorities but also LGBTQIA+ communities, women from all walks of life, and anyone whose lifestyle does not strictly conform to traditional gender norms. Whenever religious people and beliefs are privileged above others, nonconforming individuals or minorities suffer the brunt of discrimination. The core American principle of the separation between religion and government continues to be threatened by the courts and state legislative bodies in the form of increasing attacks on LGBTQIA+ rights. These laws are rooted in rigid sexual and gender norms from a predominantly Christian nationalist point of view.
If you care about the separation of church and state, freedom of expression, and bodily autonomy, then you also must care about equality for LGBTQIA+ communities.
A continuous attack on personal and bodily autonomy
in the name of religion
Over the past few decades, we have seen a tremendous expansion of rights for LGBTQIA+ communities, ranging from the striking down of anti-sodomy laws, to the recognition of the right to same-sex marriage, to increasing anti-discrimination protections and beyond. These rights, however, have been continually opposed and restricted by religious organizations claiming that the right shared by all citizens to be treated equally under the law infringes upon their religious practices. Not only that, but religious politicians are increasingly forcing their religious beliefs surrounding sexuality and gender identity onto the entire country in the form of “Don’t Say Gay” bills, transgender sports bans, bans on gender affirming care, and more. In 2022, a record number of anti-LGBTQIA+ laws were introduced nationwide, and 2023 has outpaced that number. Religious organizations forcing their dogma on others not only end up being above the law, but becoming the law themselves.
