LGBTQ+ Rights and Concerns 2021 USA

Christian and American Values

One of the social issues that divide Christians is support for LGBTQ+ rights. A year ago, Rev. Franklin Graham included LGBTQ concerns as part of his "2020: A Nation on the Brink" article. He asked readers: "Will the ungodly sexual agenda of the LGBTQ lobby be forced down the throats of our schools and our children?” (See January 7 2020)

As of January 2021, lawmakers in 14 US states had introduced bills limiting LGBTQ+ rights according to CNN. The subject of the bills vary but several focus on the rights of Transpersons. A few issues to watch are attitudes about participation in sports, use of public restrooms, and gender-affirming healthcare. Because most Americans identify as Christian, these issues are Christian issues too. NBC is also covering the new bills.

According to governing .com, half of the people in the US live in states that do not have protections for LBGTQ+ persons. During 2020, the Human Rights Campaign reported there were 379 bills supporting equality for LGBTQ and 185 bills considered anti-LGBTQ. Concerns include access to housing, employment, public places and credit according to the article.

Conversion therapy is also on legislative agendas as can be seen in this search for "conversion therapy bill 2021."

The Equality Act

People who identify as LGBTQ+ are seeking protection in the Equality Act. A point of concern for religious conservatives is an exemption from regulations that interfere with the practice of their beliefs. It appears that some changes will become law this year but it is not evident what those changes will be. (Status update, March 16, 2021 WP).

Transgender Youth

Several states are considering limitations on healthcare for transgender youth. A May 23 episode of CBS 60 minutes addressed some of the concerns. The story included gender dysphoria and detransitioning.

Churches, Christian Schools, and Organizations

Christian leaders would do well to inform their congregants/employees/ students about the needs and concerns of people who identify as LGBTQ+ --especially transpersons. At a minimum, it would be helpful to encourage Christians to show love and respect toward people who identify as LGBTQ+ even as individual Christians wrestle with their moral stance. Too often, people can oppose an entire set of rights without considering the impact on the people of a specific right. Even worse are personal attacks on LGBTQ+ individuals who suffer real abuse when people vehemently disagree about laws and policies.

I would also hope that more and more Christians will learn about sex and gender and that Christian universities and seminaries include required sex education courses for all students.

Learn more about sex, morality, and Christian Cultures in A House Divided-- a text recommended by conservative Evangelicals. Publisher Link

Different views on Abortion, LGBTQ+ issues, and women are among the topics in A House Divided.