Regarding Massachusetts Constitutional Convention Vote to Prohibit Same Sex Marriage

Statement by the Rev. William G. Sinkford
President, Unitarian Universalist Association

UUA President William Sinkford

(March 30, 2004) I am profoundly disappointed that the Massachusetts Constitutional Convention has voted in favor of an amendment to the Massachusetts constitution that would prohibit marriage equality for same-sex couples. The Supreme Judicial Court's landmark decision last November and its advisory ruling in February clearly articulated the many reasons that civil unions are not an acceptable substitute for marriage, and by proposing civil unions the Constitutional Convention is creating a separate category for the gay and lesbian citizens of the Commonwealth. I applaud the leadership of the many legislators who opposed this amendment and courageously spoke out in favor of marriage equality.

As we know from history, separate is never equal, and I remain convinced that it is wrong to write discrimination into the Massachusetts constitution. Unitarian Universalists will continue to oppose any amendment that relegates our gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender sisters and brothers to the status of second-class citizens.

As much as I deplore this action of the Constitutional Convention, I am optimistic regarding the eventual success of this struggle for marriage equality for same-sex couples. In the past months, we have seen the triumph of love in San Francisco and Portland, in New Mexico and New Paltz. Starting in May, same-sex couples will be united in civil marriage here in Massachusetts. Many polls suggest that younger Americans, our country's future, overwhelmingly support marriage equality for same-sex couples. And there is an increasing body of judicial decisions that treat long-term same-sex relationships as being no different from marriage. Deep in my heart, I believe it is only a matter of time before gay and lesbian citizens enjoy the full rights and responsibilities of marriage, rights and responsibilities they so richly deserve.

I want all who read this to know that Unitarian Universalists will continue to do all we can to work for marriage equality. Standing on the side of love, our ministers will preach for equality, our congregations will mobilize for equality, and our Association will voice support for marriage equality in the public arena. For Unitarian Universalists, this is a matter of justice. And in the long run, I know justice will prevail.

Unitarian Universalist Association
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