The Conservative Jewish movement’s recent decision to allow same-sex unions and gay/lesbian rabbis is being met with positive feedback from Queer McGill.
Devin Alfaro, Queer McGill’s political action coordinator, told CampusJ the motion is a “very positive step.” Alfaro said it is encouraging to see “that many religious groups that in the past had been ambivalent or even outright hostile toward the rights of queer people are starting to become more open and tolerant to diversity.” He emphasized the fact that now, “queer people will no longer be forced into the position of having to choose between their faith and their sexual identity.” Because he is not Jewish, Alfaro said that he doesn’t feel like he’s “in a position to comment on this specific decision,” as he is unfamiliar with Jewish law. However, Alfaro does see the motion as a step forward:

I do see this as part of progress and a movement toward greater inclusively. As the Jewish Daily Forward Article said, this decision seemed to particularly resonate amongst younger people currently in seminary. I think this shows that for many people of our generation there is a much greater openness to sexual diversity than there was even a few years ago. There is still much to be done, but I predict that within not too much time this will all be a non-issue.

A Jewish gay McGill student who preferred not to be named and is active in Queer McGill shared his thoughts on the decision:

As someone who considers myself a secular Jew, and a little cynical that any religion can ever promote true equality, I see this as a first step in the attainment of gay and lesbian rights in both Jewish society and the broader society as a whole. Being gay is not a disease, letting gays in will not increase the gayness of everyone so there is no reason not to let gays and lesbians into rabbinical school or allow gay and lesbian unions.