Statement from Unitarian Universalist Association President the Rev. William G. Sinkford regarding today’s ruling by the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court

November 18, 2003

We enthusiastically applaud today’s ruling by the Supreme Judicial Court of Massachusetts in favor of same-sex marriage. The Unitarian Universalist Association has a long-standing and deeply held religious commitment to support full equality for bisexual, gay, lesbian, and transgender people, and today’s ruling is a significant step forward in guaranteeing that the rights enjoyed by heterosexual couples in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts are also available to its bisexual, gay, lesbian and transgender citizens. We trust that the Massachusetts Legislature will act promptly and fairly to support same-sex couples and their families.

The citizens of Massachusetts should be proud that this state is at the forefront of the growing movement to extend basic civil rights to gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender people, and it is our fervent hope that Massachusetts can be a model for other states to emulate. In addition to today’s decision by the Supreme Judicial Court, the recent United States Supreme Court decision in the case of Lawrence v. Texas and legal rulings in the Canadian provinces of Ontario and British Columbia, as well as in Belgium and the Netherlands, demonstrate a growing understanding that discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation is wrong. Today’s decision also reinforces the Unitarian Universalist commitment to work to end homophobia. We acknowledge that while progress has been made, we still have work to do to honor every person’s inherent worth and dignity.

While the right to marry is a huge step toward full equality and humanity, we should remind ourselves that it is also a responsibility that should be assumed with great thought and care. True equality and wholeness require nothing less. Our hope for any two people who choose to marry, whether they be heterosexual, gay, lesbian, bisexual or transgender, is that they will enter into this covenantal relationship with great forethought, sound intention, and deep mutual respect for one another.

On a personal note, I would like to congratulate the seven plaintiff couples in the Massachusetts lawsuit. It was the courage and determination of these fourteen people that resulted in Massachusetts today being a more just community. And I am very proud that four of these seven couples have connections to Unitarian Universalist congregations in Massachusetts, congregations that have supported them in their struggle and rejoice with them in their victory.

Unitarian Universalists today celebrate this ruling, and we again dedicate ourselves to work for justice, grounded in faith, which calls us to support everyone’s full humanity, everyone’s ability to love, and everyone’s value in the world.

Related story:
UUA President Issues Statement on Massachusetts Court Decision in Support of Same-Sex Marriage

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