Statement from Rev. William G. Sinkford in Support of Equal Marriage in Massachusetts

(September 8, 2005)

Dear State Senators and Representatives of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts,

On September 14th at the Constitutional Convention, you will be faced with a momentous decision: will you vote to uphold the basic civil right to marriage for the gay and lesbian citizens of the Commonwealth, or will you vote to turn back the clock and once again make our gay and lesbian brothers and sisters, our friends and neighbors, second-class citizens? I strongly urge you to vote against the proposed constitutional amendment that would deprive same-sex couples of the right to marry that they have enjoyed since the historic and courageous decision of our Supreme Judicial Court in November, 2003.

As the elected representatives of the citizens of the Commonwealth, you need to know that there are many people of faith in Massachusetts who support marriage equality for same-sex couples. Unitarian Universalists have been on record in support of civil marriage for same-sex couples since 1996. In accord with their religious beliefs, all communities of faith are free to decide which marriages they choose to bless, and nothing in the ruling of the Supreme Judicial Court infringes on any faith group's free exercise of religion. But marriage equality is a civil right that belongs to all citizens regardless of the beliefs of any one faith group.

Since the first same-sex marriages were performed on May 17th, 2004, nothing has changed here in Massachusetts . It is clear to any rational observer that the dire predictions of societal collapse that accompanied these joyful marriages, many between couples who had been together for decades, were nothing more than illusions based either on fear of the unknown or, sadly, on outright hatred of gays and lesbians. Indeed, heterosexual marriage is alive and well in the Commonwealth.

On the other hand, a great deal has changed here in Massachusetts over the past 16 months. Gay and lesbian married couples now enjoy the same legal protection that heterosexual couples enjoy. Families have been strengthened; children are better protected. And we have taken a huge step forward in advancing the American ideal of equal rights for all.

I urge you, before you cast your vote on September 14th, to look around at our cities, our towns, our neighborhoods. Instead of any negative effects from the more than 6000 same-sex marriages legalized since May of 2004, you will see that all is the same for the vast majority of the citizens of our state. And life is much improved for gay and lesbian couples and families. We have much to be proud of here in Massachusetts .

The tragic history of racism in this country taught us "separate but equal" just does not work. Please do not vote for an amendment that would relegate same-sex couples to second-class citizenship. Let Massachusetts continue to be a beacon on the hill for justice and equal rights in America.

Thank you for your service to our state.

Sincerely,

Rev. William G. Sinkford
President, Unitarian Universalist Association of Congregations

Background: Freedom to Marry in Massachusetts

Unitarian Universalist Association
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