MARRIAGE RIGHTS OF SAME-SEX COUPLES

Whereas the SHJ affirms the inherent worth and dignity of every person,

Whereas the SHJ supports the right and responsibility of adults to choose their marriage partners,

Whereas the SHJ philosophy is supportive of equal rights and responsibilities for all in the matters of marriage and divorce, and

Whereas lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgendered people have been denied the social, economic, and political benefits and consequences of marriage and divorce,

Be it resolved that we support the legal recognition of marriage and divorce between adults of the same sex, and that we affirm the value of marriage between any two committed adults with the sense of obligations, responsibilities, and consequences thereof.

2003

ASSOCIATION of HUMANISTIC RABBIS

STATEMENT ON INTERMARRIAGE

Intermarriage is an American Jewish reality - a natural consequence of a liberal society in which individuals have the freedom to marry whomever they wish.

We affirm this freedom and this right.

We believe that intermarriage is neither good not bad, just as we believe that the marriage of two Jews, it itself, is neither good not bad. The moral worth of a marriage always depends on the quality of the human relationship - on the degree of mutual love and respect that prevails.

1974

STATEMENT ON CONVERSION

We recognize the necessity of a new approach to Jewish conversion.

We believe:
1. That Jewish identity is primarily a cultural and ethnic identity.
2. That belief systems are too diverse among Jews to serve as criteria for membership.
3. That joining the Jewish community is a process of cultural identification.
4. That a person who seeks to embrace Jewish identity be encouraged to do so and should be assisted in this endeavor.
5. That the cultural instruction for conversion be left to the discretion of each rabbi, congregation, or community.

We are convinced that Jewish survival requires creative alternatives to traditional procedures.

1980

STATEMENT ON CO-OFFICIATING

We affirm the right of every Jew to marry whomever he/she chooses. We affirm the right of every rabbi to officiate at any marriage ceremony in which this free choice is exercised. We also affirm the right of every rabbi to co-officiate with any civil magistrate or minister of religion is such a ceremony as an act of respect for the dignity and culture of both the Jewish and non-Jewish partners.

1982