Conservative Jews
to consider gay unions, ordination

Conservative Jewish leaders will consider making homosexuality acceptable for more than 2 million international followers, The Baltimore Sun reported Monday.

The possible shift would allow rabbis to conduct civil unions and ordination of openly gay rabbis. The Committee on Jewish Laws and Standards of the Rabinnical Assembly represents about 1,600 rabbis and will analyze and discuss the role of same-sex practices under Jewish law, or Halacha.

This will be the second time since 1992 that the topic has been discussed by Jewish leaders, according to The Sun. The earlier debate resulted in the acceptance of gay and lesbian Jews in worship services but did not condone marriage or commitment ceremonies. (The Advocate)