Protecting Transgender Civil and Human Rights
The United Methodist Church unequivocally supports gender inclusivity, sacred worth and equal protection for transgender and non-binary people.
The United Methodist 2020-2024 Book of Discipline affirms; “Certain basic human rights and civil liberties are due all persons.” The United Methodist Church has committed to uphold these rights regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity.
The Williams Institute at UCLA School of Law studies discrimination and bias against transgender people and other gender minorities and examines how these experiences affect trans health and socioeconomic well-being. According to the Williams Institute, there are 2.8 million people across the United States, ages 13 and older, who identify as transgender.
The Disturbing Truth of Transgender Lives in the U.S.
Abuse, attacks, violence and intimidation against trans youth and adults in the United States is alarming and on the rise. The abuse is devastating, varied and in most cases ignored. Transgender youth often experience a combination of sexual harassment, bullying, school violence and estrangement from family members. They are also disproportionately placed in foster care and welfare programs compared to their peers.
Adult transgender people regularly encounter sexual violence, police violence, public ridicule, misgendering or other forms of violence and harassment in their daily lives.
Recent federal laws that once protected transgender Americans from hate crimes and violence have been rolled back by President Trump’s executive orders, leaving few protections left. Some orders even erase the legal existence of transgender people.
State, local and other governmental bodies in the United States have already enacted anti-transgender legislation. Americans who are transgender face a patchwork of new policies and laws across the U.S. that are discriminatory, harmful and unjust.
The Williams Institute at UCLA School of Law issued a recent press release and report citing Twenty-nine U.S. states with laws or policies that restrict access to gender-affirming care, sports, bathrooms and facilities, or the use of gender-affirming pronouns in schools.
Our United Methodist Response for Transgender Equality
The United Methodist Social Principles clearly recognizes that “gender minorities are disproportionally impacted by social stigmas, discrimination, coercion and violence. We call on churches, governments, businesses, and civic organizations to do all in their power to combat unjust treatment and promote equal rights for all.” (UMC Social Principles, the Political Community, Basic Human Rights and Freedoms, section I., Sexual Orientations and Gender Identities).
God so loved the whole world and in every life is a reflection of divinity, so every act of injustice defaces the image of God.
As United Methodists, we are called to stand with transgender people, rejecting laws that allow politicians to dictate their health care decisions, take away their basic freedoms like access to facilities, and pursue discriminatory practices against transgender and non-binary people in the workplace or places of business.
Transgender Bill of Rights - Hope on the Horizon
Last month, U.S. Representative Pramila Jayapal (WA-07), U.S. Senator Edward J. Markey (D-MA), and Representatives Sara Jacobs (CA-51) and Mark Takano (CA-41) reintroduced the Transgender Bill of Rights amidst ongoing attacks on the trans community.
This resolution encourages the federal government to take concrete measures to advance protections for transgender and nonbinary people, ensuring all Americans can live authentically and with dignity, no matter their gender identity or expression.
Both S.Res.604 and H.Res.1058 recognize that it is the duty of the Federal Government to develop and implement a Transgender Bill of Rights to protect and codify the rights of transgender and nonbinary people under the law and ensure their access to medical care, shelter, safety, and economic security.
Call your federal senator or representative and let them know you support the Transgender Bill of Rights. The main U.S. Capitol Switchboard number to leave a message or ask for a specific congressional office is 202-224-3121.
As we take action, let’s strive to ensure our congregations, annual conferences, jurisdictions and agencies create space for gender-diverse people to be fully known, fully welcomed and fully loved.
Be Encouraged,
Bishop Julius C. Trimble
General Secretary
The General Board of Church and Society
Transgender Advocacy and Support Resources
Church and Society transgender article and resource links
Advocates for Trans Equality: helpful tips for transgender conversations
