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New York State Clergy Support Gay Marriage
by Beth Shapiro 365Gay.com New York Bureau
Posted: February 14, 2005 5:01 pm. ET
(New York City) Fifty-six clergy from across New York state representing a broad range of denominations took advantage of Valentine's Day Monday to issue an open letter supporting same-sex marriage.
The letter says that gay and lesbian couples should have access to civil marriage and the legal rights and protections that come with it.
Signers of the letter said that marriage for same-sex couples as a religious rite was a decision for denominations to make on their own, but were clear in stating their belief that government should not be withholding the legal rights and protections of marriage from same-sex couples that it provides to other families.
To deny those rights is to engage in discrimination the letter states. Discrimination is immoral.
The fifty-six clergy were from faith communities that include American Baptist, Episcopal, Evangelical Lutheran Church of America, Jewish (Reform), United Methodist Church, Presbyterian, United Church of Christ, Buddhist, Metropolitan Community Church, and Unitarian Universalist.
Geographic representation across New York State was equally broad, ranging from Oneonta to Rochester and from Watertown to Syosset.
"We have witnessed the many ways that communities benefit from diverse and welcoming environments, and we know first-hand that strong families make strong communities," the letter said.
"By denying same-sex couples the rights and benefits that their straight brothers and sisters receive in civil marriage, many New York families lack the tools they need to support and care for one another."
The letter comes ten days after Judge Doris Ling-Cohan ruled in New York City that the state's ban on gay marriage is unconstitutional and that the city clerk may not deny a marriage license solely because a couple is of the same sex. (story) She stayed the ruling for 30 days so the city could file its appeal.
The appeal, by Mayor Bloomberg was filed last week. (story)
The letter by the clergy also notes that some of the signatories are members of denominations that oppose same-sex marriage.
©365Gay.com 2005
by Beth Shapiro 365Gay.com New York Bureau
Posted: February 14, 2005 5:01 pm. ET
(New York City) Fifty-six clergy from across New York state representing a broad range of denominations took advantage of Valentine's Day Monday to issue an open letter supporting same-sex marriage.
The letter says that gay and lesbian couples should have access to civil marriage and the legal rights and protections that come with it.
Signers of the letter said that marriage for same-sex couples as a religious rite was a decision for denominations to make on their own, but were clear in stating their belief that government should not be withholding the legal rights and protections of marriage from same-sex couples that it provides to other families.
To deny those rights is to engage in discrimination the letter states. Discrimination is immoral.
The fifty-six clergy were from faith communities that include American Baptist, Episcopal, Evangelical Lutheran Church of America, Jewish (Reform), United Methodist Church, Presbyterian, United Church of Christ, Buddhist, Metropolitan Community Church, and Unitarian Universalist.
Geographic representation across New York State was equally broad, ranging from Oneonta to Rochester and from Watertown to Syosset.
"We have witnessed the many ways that communities benefit from diverse and welcoming environments, and we know first-hand that strong families make strong communities," the letter said.
"By denying same-sex couples the rights and benefits that their straight brothers and sisters receive in civil marriage, many New York families lack the tools they need to support and care for one another."
The letter comes ten days after Judge Doris Ling-Cohan ruled in New York City that the state's ban on gay marriage is unconstitutional and that the city clerk may not deny a marriage license solely because a couple is of the same sex. (story) She stayed the ruling for 30 days so the city could file its appeal.
The appeal, by Mayor Bloomberg was filed last week. (story)
The letter by the clergy also notes that some of the signatories are members of denominations that oppose same-sex marriage.
"Every day we act as faithful leaders for communities that look to us for spiritual and ethical guidance. We are now coming to you with the hope that New York will choose a message of equality and justice for all families, not just some."
©365Gay.com 2005
