Sexual Orientation

There is no question that individuals and societal institutions make distinctions and discriminate on the basis of sexual orientation. Individuals as well as groups are negatively stereotyped based on their sexual orientation, which results in overt and subtle discrimination for no other reason than their sexual orientation.

Special Task Force

NCCJ’s Task Force on Sexual Orientation and Human Relations found that the intensity of discrimination is often increased if the individuals are also women, people of color, or from an ethnic, faith or cultural community that has historically been in denial of sexual orientation issues. Openly acknowledging discrimination based on sexual orientation, and understanding its connection to other forms of discrimination, is an important contribution to building communities of justice. NCCJ determined that in order to make America a better place for all, it was both reasonable and essential to include discrimination based on sexual orientation as a form of bias that keeps people apart and from realizing their fullest human potential.

Click here for the Task Force Report on Sexual Orientation and Human Relations to read the full report, including educational materials, implementation strategies, programs, and a resource guide of faith communities’ official statements and beliefs regarding sexual orientation.