Since 2003, leaders of the 2.5 million-member African Methodist Episcopal Church have made several public statements declaring the denomination’s opposition to the ordination of openly gay clergy members and marriage rights for same-sex couples. It has, to date, remained silent on transgender members.
The Church of God in Christ, a largely African-American denomination with 5.5 million members, has traditionally established no formal policy about the issues that affect gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender people. But, as in other Pentecostal denominations, it has long been clear that the church condemns homosexuality.
Based on the teachings of Siddhartha Gautama, Buddhism is considered a way of life for more than 700 million individuals across the globe. The fourth largest religion in the world, Buddhism is largely built on concepts that foster individual enlightenment and encourage personal responsibility. It is sometimes described more as a philosophy or psychology than a religion.
No laws prohibit a private employer from offering partner benefits, but federal and state laws do affect how those benefits are taxed.