The protest was arranged by Rev. Liz Edman (https://www.queervirtue.com/about-liz)

US Christians gathered at the Wisconsin State Capitol to protest the “religious condemnation” of the trans community.

On Sunday (28 December), a group of trans-affirming Christians gathered to take part in the event titled “Not In Jesus’ name”. 

The event, which took place from 2pm for two hours, included a march around Capitol Square and a sung prayer service inside the Capitol Rotunda. 

As per 15 WMTV, organisers of the event said the gathering took place in response to the national debate over gender-affirming care and concern about religious condemnation directed at the trans community. 

In June, a US Supreme Court decision to uphold Tennessee’s ban on healthcare for transgender youngsters was described as devastating for trans rights in the US. The ban is among thousands of anti-LGBTQ+ bills US states have tried to pass over the past few years. 

This year’s Trans Day of Remembrance report remembered honoured 58 known trans people who have died since November 2024. Of those deaths, 27 were due to violence, while 21 were linked to suicide.

‘Faith demands courage’

Reverend Liz Edman, an Episcopal priest and co-founder of the Stone Catcher Project, which helped organise the event, said of the anti-trans rhetoric in the US: “Transgender people are under violent assault, both physical and spiritual. For too long, such violence has been justified by appeals to religion. But we aim to follow Jesus, who taught us to catch stones thrown at vulnerable people, not throw them ourselves.”

Edman continued: “So many people in the name of God are pointing at others and saying, you are a problem. You are a problem. Therefore, you are condemned. We’re coming to get you.

“We believe that faith is something that we’re responsible to live well. And anytime you point fingers at somebody else and go after them, you have violated the terms of our covenant with God.”

Edman added that the event intentionally coincided with the annual Feast of the Holy Innocents, which is in remembrance of the massacre of young children by King Herod the Great following the birth of Jesus. 

“The story is a stark reminder to Christians today that faith demands courage, especially when innocent people are being preyed upon for political gain.” 

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