Support full civil equality for gays and lesbians in our national life, and .
Deplore the violence against gays and lesbians in our society, and .
Reiterate that, as are all Jews, gay and lesbians are welcome as members in our congregations, and .
Call upon synagogues and the arms of our movement to increase our awareness, understanding and concern for our fellow Jews who are gay and lesbian. ".
This statement includes the idea that society plays an important role in determining how the Torah is interpreted. The main ideas that they seem to be using as a basis for their interpretation of Judaism are understanding, compassion, non-violence, and acceptance. They seem to be relying on these more current ideals rather than relying on the concreteness of the religious implications in the Torah. .
On the contrary, Novak explains that that according to his beliefs, homosexuality does not have a place in Judaism. He states that it is considered inconsistent with human nature. He says that any society that legitimizes homosexuality is "antisocial" and therefore not in alignment with God. By not being aligned with God, they are not Jewish beliefs. .
He also makes a distinction between societies that recognize homosexuality and ones that include "official sanction" and open recognition of it within their community. An example used is the story of Sodom and Novak's idea that the punishments inflicted upon the people were because of their marriage contracts for homosexuals, not because of their recognition of it. Novak seems to be using the ideas that are outlined in the Torah in a concrete and unwavering way. He holds the historical interpretations of the Torah as being the guidelines for not accepting homosexuality as having a place in his conception of Judaism. .
Is Homosexuality Ethical? .
Another common issue that is present in both arguments addresses whether homosexuality is ethical.