Rev. William G. Sinkford, President, UUA
The California decision will allow same sex couples the same privileges as other couples.
UUA President Celebrates California Supreme Court Ruling
May 15, 2008
Unitarian Universalist Association (UUA) President William G. Sinkford today applauded the ruling of the California Supreme Court and its historic support of marriage equality. The Court, in issuing its opinion (PDF) said, "in view of the substance and significance of the fundamental constitutional right to form a family relationship, the California Constitution properly must be interpreted to guarantee this basic civil right to all Californians, whether gay or heterosexual, and to same-sex couples as well as to opposite-sex couples."
Sinkford responded: "I rejoice today in the California Supreme Court's decision to end discrimination in the state's marriage laws. On behalf of the Unitarian Universalist Association, I thank the brave justices for honoring the spirit of the California constitution and extending its protections to same-sex couples. Decades ago, California led the nation in affirming the right of inter-racial couples to marry, and it is fitting that the state now joins Massachusetts as a leader in full marriage equality for gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender citizens.
"I want to thank the Unitarian Universalist Legislative Ministry of California (UULM-CA) for their tireless work on behalf of marriage equality. UULM-CA was the driving force behind the Interfaith Amicus Brief in support of marriage equality that was signed by more than 400 clergy and religious organizations. I am proud that so many Unitarian Universalist ministers and congregations were signatories to the brief.
"The California decision makes a profound difference in the lives of thousands of couples and families in California, and it offers hope for same-sex couples across the country. Marriage is a civil right."
Last updated on Tuesday, May 20, 2008.
