France Moves Forward in Criminalizing Gay Conversion Therapy

On October 5, 2021, France's Parliament voted unanimously in favor of a proposed law that would ban conversion therapies. The proposed law will also penalize practitioners and perpetrators with a jail sentence and a fine.

Transwoman Charged For Breaking Sharia Law by Wearing Women's Clothing

Nur Sajat, a 36-year old cosmetics entrepreneur from Malaysia, is wanted after being charged by the Selangor Islamic Religious Department with violating Sharia law. In 2018, Muhammad Sajjad Kamaruz Zaman, popularly knwon as Nur Sajat, wore a baju kurung, a traditional custom worn by women. She left Malaysia in January 2021. A warrant was issued last February 23 after she failed to show for her hearing.

First Gay Pastor Installed at the First Baptist Church of Madison, WI

On Sunday, September 19, the First Baptist Church of Madison, Wisconsin, announced the welcoming of its first openly gay pastor. Rev. Tim Schaefer expressed great joy during his installation service, calling it an “incredibly moving and incredibly meaningful” service.

Proposed Law: Religious Schools to Lose Right to Fire Based On Sexuality

Religious schools and organizations in the Australian state of Victoria will soon be prohibited from hiring or terminating based on the applicant's gender identity or sexual orientation. On September 16th, the Victorian Labor Party in Australia proposed a law that would end this discrimination.

Pope Francis Reaffirms Catholic Refusal to Allow Same-Sex Marriage

In a media pool interview, the Catholic pontiff once again issued a firm stance against same-sex marriage. Pope Frances said that “Marriage is a sacrament. The church doesn’t have the power to change sacraments.”

Cuba Drafts New Family Code, May Allow Same-Sex Marriage

Cuba’s government published a draft of a possible new family code on Wednesday, September 15th. Many of Cuba’s liberal organizations, including the LGBTQ+ community, have cautiously cheered on the draft, afraid of the possible things that may happen to it before it gets implemented.

Gay Priest Refuses to Marry Straight Couples to Protest Church Policy

Lars Gardfeldt, a 56-year old priest of the Church of Sweden, has found a way to make his point heard, even to the highest officials of his church. He plans to use conscientious objections to justify his refusal to marry opposite-sex couples. It is the same method that other priests use to deny marriage to same-sex couples.

Transgender Professor Fired by Religious Administrator to be Reinstated

Correction:
The years relating to the transition in this article were not presented accurately in this article. Dr. Rachel Tudor did not transition in 2017, she transitioned in 2007.

Berlin Church Holds Leather-Fetish & Kink Inclusive Concert

On September 9, 2021, participants clad in leather outfits attended the Classic Meets Fetish held at the Twelve Apostles Evangelical Church in Berlin's Schoneberg district. Classic Meets Fetish is a for-charity classical music concert with a twist; all attendees and performers wear leather outfits, including leather masks, braces, and vests.

Rainbow Crosswalk in Ontario Vandalized with Bible Verse

Early this September, a rainbow crosswalk was installed in a crossing in Port Colborne in Ontario, Canada. Motorists and pedestrians were excited to cross through the vibrant colors of the crosswalk installed with the City of Port Colborne and the Downtown Business Improvement Area. Other local businesses were also eager to help with the installation, with a local credit union giving $1,000 in a donation.