Scroll To Top
Marriage Equality

New Episcopal Bishop Bans Same-Sex Weddings in Dallas

New Episcopal Bishop Bans Same-Sex Weddings in Dallas

GEORGE SUMNER

The bishop appears to be following Episcopal church policy on marriage equality, which allows for same-sex weddings but also allows them to be banned.

Lifeafterdawn
Support The Advocate
LGBTQ+ stories are more important than ever. Join us in fighting for our future. Support our journalism.

The new bishop in the Episcopal Diocese of Dallas, Texas, is apparently blocking same-sex marriages despite church policy, according to the Dallas Observer.

Activists say Bishop George Sumner is banning weddings of same-sex couples and telling them to get married in Fort Worth, denouncing what they're calling his "I-30 plan." Interstate 30 connects Dallas and Fort Worth.

Sumner has previously endorsed reparative or "ex-gay" therapy, notes the Observer. The diocese did not issue a comment to the paper on the "I-30 plan" or Sumner's views.

Churchgoers and others staged a protest wearing rainbow armbands last month to show support for LGBT members, according to Dallas Episcopalians for Unity. The diocese has reportedly refused to set up a meeting to settle the standoff.

The national Episcopal church voted in July to allow same-sex marriages, but individual clergymembers are allowed to refuse to perform these weddings or ban them outright in their dioceses.

Lifeafterdawn
30 Years of Out100Out / Advocate Magazine - Jonathan Groff & Wayne Brady

From our Sponsors

Most Popular

Latest Stories

Dawn Ennis

The Advocate's news editor Dawn Ennis successfully transitioned from broadcast journalism to online media following another transition that made headlines; in 2013, she became the first trans staffer in any major TV network newsroom. As the first out transgender editor at The Advocate, the native New Yorker continues her 30-year media career, in which she has earned more than a dozen awards, including two Emmys. With the blessing of her three children, Dawn retains the most important job title she's ever held: Dad.
The Advocate's news editor Dawn Ennis successfully transitioned from broadcast journalism to online media following another transition that made headlines; in 2013, she became the first trans staffer in any major TV network newsroom. As the first out transgender editor at The Advocate, the native New Yorker continues her 30-year media career, in which she has earned more than a dozen awards, including two Emmys. With the blessing of her three children, Dawn retains the most important job title she's ever held: Dad.