problem because Reform rabbis and synagogues do not abide by halachic law. Conservative Judaism also differs from the Reform movement on marriage; because a Jewish religious marriage includes kiddushin, an ancient legal action a man does to acquire a wife, the U.S. Conservative movement offers a new form of contract for same-sex couples, the Covenant of Loving Partners. The Reform movement recognizes same-sex marriages as including kiddushin, and typically alters the ritual to be mutual for both heterosexual and homosexual couples. Regarding rights, in 2013, the USCJ found these results in Conservative synagogues: 80% of Conservative synagogues had membership policies allowing same-sex couples to have a family/household membership 60% reported they have members who openly identify as gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, or queer 14% of synagogues had trained staff on LGBTQ inclusion 30% had unisex/non-gendered bathrooms In Israel, many laws are governed by religious authorities, marriage included in this. Because religious law governs marriage, same-sex couples are not recognized as married by religious law. There are some non-profit organizations: Shoval, Bat Kol, and Havruta devoted to educating religious communities on acceptance and tolerance of the LGBT community in Israeli society. Among secular Israeli society, same-sex couples receive most of the same benefits as heterosexual couples. However, among the religious jurisdiction, same-sex couples cannot legally marry in Israel, barring them from being recognized as married by the religious authorities. See also Judaism and sexuality References Further reading Gilad Padva (2011). Gay Martyrs, Jewish Saints and Infatuated Yeshiva Boys: The Emergence of the New Israeli Religious Queer Cinema. Journal of Modern Jewish Studies 10(3): 421-438. External links Rabbi Danny Nevins, Living Law: A Journal of the CJLS Vote on Homosexuality and Halakhah, 16 Kislev 5767 / December 7, 2006 Homosexuality and Judaism: Synthesis or Impasse? by Rabbi Bradley Shavit Artson Homophobia Is Itself an Abomination by Rabbi Shmuley Boteach, The Huffington Post Conservative Judaism Homosexuality (Conservative Judaism) Conservative Judaism Judaism and sexuality