Some Twin City faith leaders are taking to social media to support the LGBTQIA+ community, with many worrying the latest addition to the U.S. Supreme Court could jeopardize the rights of same-sex couples.
LGBTQ advocates and civil rights groups fear the confirmation of Justice Amy Coney Barrett will skew the court more conservative in a challenge to Obergefell v. Hodges, the 2015 decision that granted marriage rights to same-sex couples. Advocates say Justice Barrett's confirmation also could have implications for employment, housing and other rights for LGBTQ individuals.
Among the clergy members offering to facilitate weddings immediately, ahead of a potential legal challenge, is Rabbi Rebecca Dubowe of Moses Montefiore Temple in Bloomington.
Dubowe said she hopes it serves "to reaffirm that every person, however they identify themselves, will be fully embraced within my faith community—as they should be in general, community-wide."
Dubowe said she would be "honored" to meet with any couples in need of an officiant. In a Facebook post, Dubowe offered to host outdoor ceremonies—rain or shine—at a park, hiking trail or even in her own backyard.
She said what makes this a powerful statement is the volume of clergy members from all different denominations across the country and local community speaking out in unison.
The Rev. Jennie Edwards Bertrand of Hope Church in Bloomington said a simple Facebook message bears repeating.
"While I wish we were on the other side of needing to acknowledge that every human is worthy of love, it seems like it's still important to say, 'Yes, even you. You are worthy of love. I love you. We love you,'" Bertrand said.
Bertrand said a large contingent of Hope Church's congregation belongs to the LGBTQ community.
Bertrand said no one's taken her up on the offer yet, but she'll be around—just as she was before the confirmation of Justice Barrett.
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