written by Rev. Sarah TevisTownes
This June, two of our Southwest Conference clergy left their church buildings to bring the Good News of God’s unconditional love to the halls of the Senate.
The Rev. Sue Joiner, Senior Pastor at First Congregational UCC in Albuquerque and the Rev. Sarah TevisTownes, Pastor and Teacher at Church of the Good Shepherd, UCC in Albuquerque, just returned from Washington DC, where they met with legislators to discuss federal protections for the LGBTQ+ community.
Protecting the rights of God’s beloved LGBTQ+ children at the federal level is particularly urgent right now!
When the draft Roe v. Wade opinion was leaked, legal experts quickly noted language in the opinion that signaled the possible rollback of LGBTQ+ rights as well. As Christians who believe that LGBTQ+ people are essential and celebrated members of the Body of Christ, we cannot be silent on this issue!
Our Southwest Conference clergy were joined by a broad coalition of community organizers, LGBTQ+ youth and their families, policy experts, and clergy from all 50 states. The New Mexico delegation also included the Rev. Jeremy Schulz of Hospice NM, Michael Adee of the Global Faith and Justice Project, parent Kim Brooks, and high school student Alex Schlee.
We knew before we arrived that Senators Ben Ray Lujon and Martin Heinrich of New Mexico were already fierce supporters of LGBTQ+ rights. What changed in our meeting was both the sense of urgency for federal protections and the hope that bipartisan legislation may be possible.
It was truly a gift to be accompanied by Marian Edmonds-Allens of Parity NYC and Michael Soto, Jeanne Woodbury, Tanner Menard, and Landon Philips of Equality AZ who followed up our stories with a viable, bipartisan legislative solution. Their package combines aspects of the Democrat-sponsored Equality Act in the Senate with parts of the Republican-sponsored Fairness for All Act in the House.
Both New Mexico Senators’ offices enthusiastically supported the plan and committed to following up with other lawmakers to build support. Beyond the policy piece, it felt good to be heard and affirmed by people who represent us in Washington. The staff made space for us to tell our stories—stories of traveling outside of NM and fearing not being able to be with a sick spouse; stories of pain and bullying, not just by individuals but by state officials and police; stories of being dehumanized and made to feel less-than just for who we are and who we love.
The Rev. Sue Joiner writes: “Traveling to Washington DC with people from all over the United States was a powerful reminder that we stand on holy ground each day. As Sarah TevisTownes and I met with a group of people to share our stories with staff for New Mexico congress members Martin Heinrich and Ben Ray Lujan, I was filled with awe. Activism is sacred work. We were ordinary people showing up, speaking our truth, and asking for legislation to protect LGBTQ folks. The spirit moved in the places we gathered. I heard a call to action in stories of pain and vulnerability and recommitted myself to the work of creating a world where every life is valued. The freedom to be who we are is not something to be taken for granted.”
Our work was shared by delegations from across the United States, and we were encouraged to learn over dinner just how much progress was made. We learned, for example, that a conservative senator from Florida committed to supporting federal protections for LGBTQ+ people after hearing the delegates’ stories. Our organizers explained, “It’s one thing to vote against LGBTQ+ rights in the abstract. It’s another thing to hear the story of a constituent right in front of you and have to tell them face-to-face that you refuse to honor their humanity.”
Delegations from other states will continue to meet with legislators in the coming weeks - the push is to get something passed before the summer recess. Please keep our delegations and our lawmakers in prayer as they work hard to secure bipartisan support.
If you want to participate yourself, know that your story does matter! Whether you identify as LGBTQ+ or have a connection to LGBTQ+ rights as a community leader, family member, or person of faith, your Senators and Representatives do want to hear from you! Personal stories do change the way lawmakers understand issues, so don’t hesitate to email or call their offices! Tell them your story and let them know you care about federal protections for the LGBTQ+ community!