The California Supreme Court abolished the state’s same-sex marriage ban in May, sparking public celebration in some places and angry protest in others. Now some critics of same-sex marriage are fighting back with an initiative to reinstate the ban, leaving voters once again divided. Should marriage remain between a man and a woman, or is it time to widen the aisle for same-sex couples? (Editor's Note: On November 4th, California voters passed Proposition 8 to ban same-sex marriage.)
The decision of the Orthodox Union (aka the Union of
Orthodox Jewish Congregations of America) to support Proposition 8 was,
on the one hand, an easy call. Jewish law is remarkably clear on
homosexual behavior. The Bible, in Leviticus, forbids it outright. And
for millennia, the Talmud and codes of law have consistently forbid
homosexual relations.
On the other hand, it is was, and remains, a difficult decision. Jews
have been victims of discrimination over those same millenia and
Orthodox Jews, possibly more than others.
Jews have, on and off since creation, been subject to discrimination
and oppression. We have been denied rights, the ability to own
property, work in a chosen profession and worse. We were denied entry
into universities, social clubs and neighborhoods.
We have no intention of visiting that on others. In fact, the Orthodox
Union has been outspoken in opposing discrimination and in opposing
hate, including efforts at fighting discriminatory practices in the
workplace, at home and elsewhere.
If someone wants to visit a loved one - in this case, if a gay American
wants to visit their partner or child - in a hospital, we aren’t about
to stop them. We’re not going to oppose gay couples having the ability
to transfer property or assets to those they wish, or to be a
beneficiary on someone’s insurance or pension.
Let's be clear: Jews have been denied civil rights; we aren't looking to deny others anything. But this is not about legal rights for gay couples. It is about a threat to religious institutions under the guise of civil rights.
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