Jewish View of Same Sex Unions and Proposition 8 in California

Jewish

Official Orthodox Union Statement Regarding California Proposition 8

Jewish law is unequivocal in opposing same sex unions. Moreover, marriage and family has long been a prime value for the Jewish people. One of G-d's first acts is to join Adam and Eve in marriage and to command them to build a family.

While Judaism also teaches respect for others and condemns discrimination of any kind, we as Orthodox Jewish rabbis and leaders, resolutely oppose any efforts to change the definition of marriage to include same sex unions. We know the threat to people of faith and houses of worship is real and is already underway. Religious institutions and people face charges of bigotry and could be denied government funding and more if same sex marriage becomes the law of the land. Just as we condemn discrimination against the gay community, we ask that the same tolerance be shown towards those with sincerely held religious beliefs.

Passage of Proposition 8 as an amendment to the state constitution would ensure that this respect and tolerance is demanded and shown towards all.

Sincerely,

Rabbi Tzvi Hersh Weinreb
National Executive VP

Rabbi Alan Kalinsky
Director, OU West Coast

Rabbi Daniel Korobkin
Director, Synagogue Services

All viewpoints expressed are solely the responsibility of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of any organizations represented or discussed.

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