The following resolution was passed unanimously at our Board Meeting on February 9, 2009:
On May 15, 2008, the California Supreme Court rendered a decision that civil marriage should be available to same sex couples on the same basis that it is afforded to mixed sex couples, because to limit that right is a form of discrimination and a denial of equal protection under law.
On November 4, 2008 the voters of California passed Proposition 8, which effectively reversed the decision of the Supreme Court and reinstated the limitation of civil marriage to mixed sex couples.
Congregation B’nai Emunah has always prided itself on its inclusivity and diversity and strives to create a welcoming environment in which persons of all sexual orientations are part of our Jewish community. Our values in this regard impel us to support the decision of the Supreme Court and to oppose the objectives of Proposition 8.
As Jews connected to our tradition as well as to the positive aspects of modernity, we must support those movements within society at large that enhance human rights, liberty, and the dignity of the individual. Just as with the epochal movement of our ancestors from slavery in Egypt to freedom in the Promised Land, we look for an implicit message of hope that all of human history moves in an arc toward greater freedom for everyone. As Jews, we cannot stand by silently when legal rights are arbitrarily denied. We believe that the values embodied in the decision of the Supreme Court will prevail and that the right to civil marriage by all couples will be restored.
In the meantime, we, the community of Congregation B’nai Emunah, wish to convey to the GLBT community at large that we support you and share your sadness and dismay over the passage of Proposition 8. We resolve to stand with you against this and any other challenge to human and civil rights.
Inspired by a similar statement from Or Shalom Jewish Community, San Francisco
