Tag: Same-sex marriage

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

Mixed reaction to marriage policy | AJN

9 Dec 2011
The Australian Jewish News Sydney edition
GARETH NARUNSKY

Mixed reaction to marriage policy

AUSTRALIAN Labor’s adoption of same-sex marriage as party policy at its conference last weekend has elicited a mix of reactions from the Jewish community.

Scott Whitmont and Christopher Whitmont-stein
Scott Whitmont (left) and Christopher Whitmont-stein were part of Australia’s first faith-sanctioned same-sex commitment ceremony.

The resolution passed with the caveat that Labor MPS would be allowed a conscience vote on the issue, which may make it difficult for the legislation to pass when it is brought before the House.

Scott Whitmont, who with partner Christopher Whitmont-stein was part of the first Australian faithsanctioned same-sex commitment ceremony at Emanuel Synagogue in September 2008, said the resolution was still a positive one.

“I think that any step that moves us towards recognition of the basic human right of allowing same-sex couples to have the same legal recognition as heterosexual couples, is a good thing,” he said.

J4ME (Jews for Marriage Equality) founder and Dayenu president Roy Freeman attended an equal marriage rally on Saturday, timed to coincide with the debate.

“There was an amazing atmosphere at the rally, with the largest turn-out of any marriage rally so far,” he said. “There was a real sense of achievement, but also of frustration with the conscience vote decision. The Labor Party have given with one hand, but taken away with the other.”

Union for Progressive Judaism executive director Steve Denenberg said there was no reason for Australian law to limit or discriminate against the civil or legal rights of any individual or group.

“The 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,” he said.

The Organisation of Rabbis of Australasia (ORA) continues to oppose any change in legislation.

In a statement, the ORA said it intended no discrimination towards the gay community, but wished to uphold the sanctity of marriage.

“The institution of marriage and family life, as defined and practised for thousands of years as between a man and a woman, a father and a mother, respectively, is far too important and essential to the bedrock of society and civilisation as we know it to be undermined by those who presume to redefine its essence,” ORA said.

Orthodox Rabbis Confuse Themselves with Evangelical Christians | Galus Australis

Orthodox Rabbis Confuse Themselves with Evangelical Christians | Galus Australis.

Redefinition will damage marriage | The Australian

Redefinition will damage marriage

THE Organisation of Rabbis of Australasia opposes any legislation to legitimise same-sex marriage. This is not intended to show any discrimination against the gay community, but simply to uphold the sanctity and purpose of marriage, which is the union of man and woman not only to express their love for one another but also to bring future generations into the world.

The institution of marriage and family life, as defined and practised for thousands of years as between a man and a woman, a father and a mother, respectively, is far too important and essential to the bedrock of society and civilisation as we know it to be undermined by those who presume to redefine its essence. Moreover, we are deeply concerned that, should any such redefinition occur, members of traditional communities like ours will incur moral opprobrium and may risk legal sanction if they refuse to transgress their beliefs.

That prospect is unacceptable to all people of good will on both sides of this debate. We call upon Australians to stand opposed to any attempt, whether judicial, legislative or religious in nature, to bestow the sanctity of marriage upon same-sex couples.

Rabbi Dovid Freilich is president of the Organisation of Rabbis of Australasia.