Union for Progressive Judaism endorses ALP’s support for Marriage Equality

Following on from their May 2011 call for full marriage equality, the Union for Progressive Judaism issued a statement this week endorsing the decision by the Australian Labor Party to support marriage equality under Australian Law.

מוֹעצת הרבנים המתקדמים
Rabbinic Council of Progressive Rabbis

The Union for Progressive Judaism (UPJ) together with the members of the Moetzah, the Rabbinic Council of Progressive Rabbis of Australia, Asia and New Zealand, support marriage equality under Australian law and welcome the decision of the Australian Labor Party to do the same.

Judaism teaches that all human beings are created betzelem Elohim (“in the image of God”) (Genesis 1:27) and are therefore entitled to full dignity and equality. The Jewish people are all too familiar with discrimination and worse, and we reject it however rationalised.

We believe that Australian law should guarantee equality in marriage and giving equality in religion and in terms of civil status. There is no reason for Australian law to limit or discriminate against the civil or legal rights of any individual or group.

We hope that the message “It’s time” will be embraced by the Australian Parliament and legislation granting full marriage equality will soon be enacted.

Steve Denenberg
Executive Director