Jewish board denounces homophobia
The NSW Jewish Board of Deputies (JBD), an umbrella group representing Jewish organisations, synagogues and schools in NSW, has adopted an anti-homophobia/ transphobia policy.
It follows the Jewish Community Council of Victoria implementing a similar policy several weeks ago.
The NSW policy was voted in without objection at a JBD meeting on May 25, a decision that JBD member Roy Freeman told Southern Star was a positive step for GLBT people in the Jewish community.
鈥淚t鈥檚 definitely long overdue, but it鈥檚 good that it鈥檚 finally happened. It means that Jewish GLBT people finally have some recognition from within the community,鈥� he said.
鈥淭he implementation of this policy means we can start pushing for more support services to help young GLBT people come to terms with their sexuality, and also to help their families come to terms with it.
鈥淭he next step is to get a group together. I鈥檝e already put the idea out there of having something similar to PFLAG, but specifically for Jewish families, because being Jewish and gay adds a unique twist.
鈥淚n Judaism, your life is somewhat mapped out for you from cradle to grave 鈥� you鈥檙e expected to get married, have children, and your whole life is plotted out for you. Parents go through a grief process when that doesn鈥檛 work out for their child, and we need to support them.鈥�
