UUA President Decries WA Supreme Court Ruling on Marriage Equality

The Rev. William G. Sinkford (center) holds a banner with others: Civil Marriage is a Civil Right

Statement from the Rev. William G. Sinkford on Washington Court Ruling on Same-Sex Marriage

(July 26, 2006 - Boston, MA) I am deeply disappointed by today's ruling by the Supreme Court of Washington upholding the constitutionality of that state's discriminatory "Defense of Marriage" statute. Today's ruling further delays the time when the legal protections enjoyed by heterosexual couples in Washington will be made available to all committed couples.

Like so many people of conscience, Unitarian Universalists are saddened by the recent setbacks in the struggle for marriage equality. Today we are even more keenly aware that our society has a long way to go before we fully honor every person's inherent worth and dignity. Our hearts go out to the thousands of same-sex couples in Washington who have been denied an opportunity to secure legal protections for their families.

Although this is a sad day, I want to thank the three dissenting judges for their courageous opinions, and to honor all of the couples and families in Washington State who have witnessed for justice through their living examples. We know from hard experience that the road to justice is long, and despite these recent setbacks to the cause of marriage equality, Unitarian Universalists are committed to continued engagement with this issue until the day when full legal and civic equality is a reality for all loving couples.

Freedom to Marry, for All People

Unitarian Universalist Association
25 Beacon St. | Boston, MA 02108 | 617-742-2100