This video is of Rev. Leslie Jackson of United Church of Christ in Houston. Rev. Jackson was one of the featured speakers at Faith Advocacy Day, a gathering at the Texas Capitol of people of faith and faith leaders who support full equality for LGBT Texans. A transcript of his remarks can be found below.
We are here today to assert that our faith does not undermine LGBT Equality in the state of Texas, it supports it. LGBT Equality is not a distant cousin to faith, it is its progeny. Our advocacy and relentless pursuit of equality in this state, is a call that joins in the tradition of civil rights leaders and all those who have sought to create a better society for all citizens. We join our voices with all those throughout history who have cried: “We demand equality!”
Equality is righteous, it is justice, and it is God in action. We oppose the use of power to discriminate against our neighbors, friends, and family. We will not stand for it, we won’t sit for it, we won’t roll over and play dead, nor will we be complicit in such sinfulness. Instead, we will work to extinguish the sinful flame of discrimination. Together…
We demand equality!
Today, we stand, on the precipice of a new and holy moment in this nation – a moment where the fundamental civil right to marry whom you love will be extended to all citizens. Many of us here today have taught, preached and affirmed the righteousness of marriage equality for many years. And we are prepared to continue this refrain until love wins the day and marriage equality is the law of the land in this state and every state. Together…
We demand equality!
But it’s not just marriage that brings us to the Capitol steps. We also say no one should be turned away from a job or denied a place to live just because of who they are. Surely all of our diverse faith traditions and differing beliefs can come together around this simple value: having a roof over your head and keeping a job should not be based on what you look like or who you love. Together…
We demand equality!
As religious leaders, we strongly affirm that religious freedom for all is a fundamental American value, a heritage that has been a great gift to both the church and state in this country. But let us be clear: treating our LGBT brothers and sisters differently based on who they are is not religious freedom – it is discrimination. Together…
We demand equality!
This day, we gather, as faith leaders, and we raise our voices so those entrusted with the power to make laws will know that Methodists, Jews, Baptists, Sikhs, Presbyterians, Buddhists, Lutherans, Unitarians, Episcopalians and leaders of religious communities across Texas demand that each and every person in this state be treated fairly, equally and with respect. Together…
We demand equality!
And though we speak out of our personal religious convictions, we welcome all people of goodwill to join us in this commitment to create the beloved community in which everyone flourishes. We invite you to join us in this call to acknowledge the worth and dignity of all families under the law and to stand against discrimination based on an individual’s sexual orientation or gender identity or expression.
If this is your vision of the beloved community, join with us now as we all say:We demand equality!
Again
We demand equality!
Now, let it resound loud as the rolling thunder, again…
We demand equality!
And so it is! Amen!
