Resolves of the Executive Council

Resolved, The Executive Council of The Episcopal Church, meeting in Portland, Oregon, March 2-4, 2007, note with concern that homosexuality and the advocacy of equal treatment for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgendered persons are being criminalized in various countries around the world and that in addition to formal criminalization there is increasing violence against lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgendered persons who are denied the protection of governments; and be it further

Resolved, That in light of such criminalization and lack of police protection that the government of the United States be encouraged to grant asylum to such persons who enter the United States who are themselves lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgendered or whose advocacy for equal rights for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgendered persons is illegal in their home countries or whose lives are threatened for either of these reasons; and be it further

Resolved, That The Episcopal Church aid in the resettlement of such individuals; and be it further

Resolved, That The Episcopal Church commend groups that aid persons seeking asylum in the United States because of serious intolerance because of sexual orientation and gender identity issues.