Same Sex Civil Marriage
03 October 2017
The members of the Jewish Community Council of Victoria (JCCV) voted overwhelmingly in support of same sex civil marriage at their Plenum last night. The National Council of Jewish Women of Australia (Victoria) moved the motion below, which was seconded by AUJS (the Australasian Union of Jewish Students). The motion was strongly supported with 41 votes in favour and 4 abstentions.
The motion was consistent with the recent resolution of the NSW Jewish Board of Deputies.
JCCV President Jennifer Huppert stated, “The debate at the Plenum was respectful and positive, with a clear message sent in support of equality and inclusion, and against discrimination. Speakers recognised that this was a civil matter and a human rights issue, and not a religious issue. They were careful to reiterate JCCV’s commitment to religious freedom and remained respectful of those with an alternate view.”
The resolution:
“This meeting of the Plenum of the JCCV:
NOTES that the question before Australia at the upcoming postal survey is one relating to civil, not religious, marriage
SUPPORTS same sex marriage under civil law as part of its commitment to equal rights and respect for all people and the elimination of discrimination in all its forms.
URGES all participants in the public debate regarding same sex marriage to engage with respect and tolerance, and without personal rancour.
And resolves
1. To call on the Federal Government to support the elimination of discrimination against same sex couples under Australia’s civil law by extending legal recognition to marriages between same sex couples who choose to marry;
2. To support equal treatment under Australian law to same sex couples who choose to marry; and
3. To call on its members and the wider community to take part in the postal survey and help ensure that the basic right to marriage is afforded to all Australians regardless of their gender or sexuality in order to create a modern, fair and just society.”
Listen to a 1:25 vignette of the 45 minute meeting: