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Across the world, in many different social and cultural contexts, homophobic and transphobic violence is being propagated by people who use religious arguments to justify their positions. These hateful voices target those people who wish to live sexual or sentimental relationships with persons of the same sex, and people whose gender identity does not correspond to their sex at birth. Although they are not the expression of the vast majority of believers within the denominations, these positions are being raised out in the open with growing confidence, and examples of attitudes inviting or condoning homophobic and transphobic violence are unfortunately only too easy to find amongst religions or belief systems. But other voices do exist everywhere also within these same religions to object to the use of religions to justify hatred and rejection and sometimes even violence, crimes and bloodshed. Faced with this increasing homophobia and transphobia in the religious discourse, we, the undersigned, express our conviction that : Religious denominations should be deeply concerned by violations of human rights and fundamental freedoms based on sexual orientation or gender identity, especially when these violations are committed on the ground of religious arguments. Religious hierarchies should express their condemnation of the fact that violence, exclusion, stigmatization and prejudice are directed against persons in all countries in the world because of sexual orientation or gender identity, and their belief that these practices undermine the integrity and dignity of those subjected to these abuses. Religious leaders should call upon all, especially their followers, to commit to promote and protect the human rights and inherent unconditional dignity of all persons, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity. Religions should commit to the principle that sexual orientation or gender identity may under no circumstances be the basis for criminal penalties, in particular executions, arrests or detention. Religions should object to an oppressive vision of religion and advocate for religions to be instruments of liberation and peacemaking among all people. They should be faithful to their own root-beliefs and not create special categories of human beings towards whom violence can be justified. All religions should provide a place of safety and respect for all human beings.

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International Day Against Homophobia -

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