6 December 2006
Conservative Judaism Lifts Ban on Gay and Lesbian Ordination
Cultural Activism
The Conservative movement's Committee on Jewish Law and Standards adopted a responsum lifting most classical prohibitions on homosexual conduct and permitting ordination of openly gay, lesbian, and bisexual clergy. Rachel Isaacs became the first openly gay rabbi ordained by the Conservative movement's Jewish Theological Seminary in May 2011.
Impact & Significance
As the second-largest Jewish denomination, Conservative Judaism's decision significantly expanded LGBTQ+ inclusion in mainstream religious institutions.
Reference Record
- Date
- 6 December 2006
- Era
- 2000-2009
- Sources
- 1
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Questions This Event Helps Answer
Q When was same-sex marriage legalised in the UK? Same-sex marriage was legalised across the UK in stages, with England and Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland reaching implementation at different times. Q Which LGBTQ+ public figures changed visibility? They changed visibility in politics, science, activism and literature by showing that queer lives could be public, influential and historic. Q How did LGBTQ+ faith inclusion develop? It developed through LGBTQ+-affirming religious organisations, openly LGBTQ+ clergy, denominational policy changes and contested pastoral shifts.
