Reform Jews approve far-reaching transgender resolution

ORLANDO, Fla. -- The largest movement of Judaism in the U.S. passed the most far-reaching resolution in support of transgender rights of any major religious organization, saying Thursday it's a continuation of a tradition of inclusion in the Reform Jewish movement.

Members of the Union for Reform Judaism attending its biennial meeting in Orlando approved on a voice vote the resolution, which calls for congregations and camps to have gender-neutral bathrooms and encourages gender-neutral language at Reform Jewish institutions.

It also suggests training on gender issues for religious school staff and encourages advocating on behalf of the transgender community.

There was no opposition, although three conference attendees who said they were in favor of the resolution asked whether preschools and religious schools would be affected. Union for Reform Judaism leaders said they would be, but they weren't asking congregations to spend extra money on new facilities.

After the resolution passed, most of the 5,000-attendees in the meeting hall stood up and applauded.

"Your reaction in this room shows what this movement is about. It makes me very proud," said Stephen Sacks, chairman of the Union for Reform Judaism's board.

Other religious bodies, such as the Episcopal Church, the United Church of Christ, the Unitarian Universalist Association and the Reconstructionist Rabbinical Association, previously approved resolutions affirming equality for transgender and non-gender-conforming people.

None, however, goes as far as the one offered by the Reform Jewish movement, which counts 1.5 million members.

The Union for Reform Judaism is offering a pamphlet to help congregations adopt the goals of the resolution. It suggests dividing children by birth month rather than gender in youth programming and avoiding gender titles such as "Mr." or "Mrs." on nametags or email.