Unitarian Universalist President Commends Court Ruling in NJ Marriage Case

The Rev. William G. Sinkford

Why Equal Marriage Matters in New Jersey by the Rev. Charles Blustein Ortman, Unitarian Church of Montclair October 25, 2006 "The house will be filled to over-brimming as we move forward in creating the kingdom come, the beloved community." Tonight at 7:00 PM a group of five hundred to seven hundred persons from across the state of New Jersey will gather in our church to assess and celebrate today's ruling by the New Jersey Supreme Court regarding equal marriage rights in our state. MORE >>

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

(October 25, 2006) I welcome today's ruling by the New Jersey Supreme Court in which it was decided that "the unequal dispensation of rights and benefits to committed same-sex partners can no longer be tolerated" under that state's constitution. The Unitarian Universalist Association has a long-standing and deeply held religious commitment to support civil equality for bisexual, gay, lesbian, and transgender people, and today's ruling ensures that the legal protections enjoyed by married heterosexual couples in New Jersey will also be available to committed same-sex couples.

The citizens of New Jersey should be proud that their state is a leader in the growing movement to extend basic civil rights to gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender citizens. We encourage them to urge their legislature to act swiftly to end discrimination in the state's marriage laws. We in Massachusetts know that ending legal discrimination against gays and lesbians means that families will be strengthened, children will be better protected, and all of us will have taken a huge step forward in advancing the American ideal of equal rights for all.

Today's decision also reinforces the commitment by Unitarian Universalists to work to end homophobia. While we celebrate more than two years of full marriage equality in Massachusetts, and applaud the first steps that are being taken today in New Jersey, we also acknowledge that our society is still a long way from honoring every person's inherent worth and dignity.

I commend Unitarian Universalists and all those in New Jersey who worked to show both leadership and courage in witnessing the truths that love prevails over hate and that equality for all people should guide our beloved country.

We Unitarian Universalists are heartened by today's ruling, and we again dedicate ourselves to the cause of justice by renewing our commitments to honor every person's full humanity and to affirm every couple's right to publicly pledge their mutual love and support.

For further information on Lewis v. Harris:

• Read the Supreme Court ruling 
• Lambda Legal summary  of Lewis v. Harris
• Amicus Curiae brief signed by religious leaders 

Freedom to Marry, for All People

Unitarian Universalist Association
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