Nearly four years after the 2007 statement from the Union of Progressive Judaism where they overturned their ban on same-sex commitment ceremonies, the UPJ have now endorsed full marriage equality under Australian law, as per the following media release from Australian Marriage Equality.
Media Statement
Wednesday May 25th 2011RABBIS GIVE STRONG SUPPORT TO SAME-SEX MARRIAGE
Australia’s Progressive Rabbis have endorsed marriage equality.
Australian Marriage Equality National Convener, Alex Greenwich, and former AMA head, Prof. Kerryn Phelps, have welcomed the statement saying it highlights support for allowing same-sex marriages among people of faith.
“We welcome the Rabbis’ strong statement in support of marriage equality because it highlights that people of faith can and do support full legal equality for all Australians”, Mr Greenwich said.
“To often this issue is wrongly portrayed as ‘God v gays’ when it is really about the equality and dignity of all people.”
“The statement is important, not only because it is made by religious leaders, but because it is based on religious values such as the recognition of human dignity and because it recalls the deep discrimination Jewish people have endured.”
The statement was also welcomed by former AMA head, Prof Kerryn Phelps, who was married in a Jewish ceremony in the US to her wife Jackie Stricker-Phelps.
“I am very pleased leaders of my faith have now formally declared support for my marriage and call on the Australian Government to do the same”, Professor Phelps said.
“Rabbis have been performing same-sex marriage ceremonies for some years now, and it’s important these marriages have the same legal recognition as other marriages.”
“The recognition and respect that my faith provides our relationship gives us great strength .”
The full statement from the Union of Progressive Judaism is attached.
For more information contact Alex Greenwich on 0421 316 335.