Rabbi Laura Janner-Klausner responds to Chief Rabbi Shlomo Amar’s comments on homosexuality

Rabbi Laura Janner-Klausner, Senior Rabbi to Reform Judaism has responded to statements from Jerusalem Sephardic Chief Rabbi Shlomo Amar calling homosexuality “an abomination” that is “punishable by death”.

Rabbi Janner-Klausner said:

“I am horrified by Chief Rabbi Amar’s words. They are a chillul haShem, a desecration of God’s name and I call for his immediate resignation.

“His words do not represent an authentic Orthodox view and can only incite hatred and violence. Reform Judaism has an unswerving commitment to equality and we know that this is the view of the majority of Jews who will share my revulsion.

“We must challenge homophobia and transphobia wherever we encounter it; words of violence and hatred must never be allowed to become mainstream or acceptable”.