HRC Responds to Sen. Hatch’s Offensive Remarks on Gays and Religion

WASHINGTON – The Human Rights Campaign – the nation’s largest lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) civil rights organization – today responded to Sen. Orrin Hatch, R-Utah, who at a public event on Tuesday said that “gays and lesbians don't pay tithing, their religion is politics.” He further commented that Republicans need to organize like gay rights activists, reports the Salt Lake Tribune. HRC Religion & Faith Program Director Harry Knox released the following statement:

“Senator Hatch’s statement that gay people’s religion is politics is insulting and demeaning to the millions of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender Americans who are people of faith. In fact, the great irony is that they are often more committed to their faiths and religious denominations than those faiths are dedicated to protecting them and ensuring their equality.

“Senator Hatch is certainly right that many of his fellow Republicans could learn a lot from LGBT people’s dedication to equality. But there is no denying that there are millions of LGBT Americans who everyday give their time, talent and money to local churches, synagogues and temples all over the country. LGBT religious leaders are often the very ones revitalizing moribund churches and institutions. These committed religious leaders are working to provide a loving alternative to the hopeless hatred people like Sen. Hatch call sound doctrine.”

The Human Rights Campaign is America’s largest civil rights organization working to achieve lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender equality. By inspiring and engaging all Americans, HRC strives to end discrimination against LGBT citizens and realize a nation that achieves fundamental fairness and equality for all.