'We think it's time' - church gay marriage moves gather pace

Yanklowitz is one of several rabbis advocating a re-think of Jewish praxis in light of learnings from both science and Biblical scholarship.

"Judaism is more legally and philosophically complicated on this issue, but it is not so complicated that we should abandon our most basic moral compass," Yanklowitz said.

"When anti-Semitism emerges, non-Jews must speak up. When homophobia emerges, heterosexuals must be active. I stand in solidarity with those in struggle since Judaism values struggle and mandates that we support one another in our different struggles."

The rabbi's 'coming out' was welcomed by some, but as with most of Christendom, his remains a minority view. But for how much longer? And who cares?

Legislators in most countries with strong Judeo-Christian traditions are still influenced by religious belief. Religious groups changing position, therefore, are likely to impel secular change.

This seems to be happening in several places. An analyst claimed last week that the once-powerful conservative Australian Christian Lobby in Tasmania has been rendered virtually impotent in that state's current marriage debate.

So no sign of any slackening in the wind.