Hillary and Julie Goodridge were legally married in UUA headquarters by then-UUA President Rev. William Sinkford in May 2004. The Goodridges were lead plaintiffs in the landmark case that legalized same-sex marriage in Massachusetts, Goodridge v. Massachusetts Department of Public Health.
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What is LGBTQ Equality?
LGBTQ equality refers to advocacy work to secure fully equal civil and human rights for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) people. Learn more about these efforts.
Why do Unitarian Universalists Work to Achieve LGBTQ Equality?
Unitarian Universalists have a long history of working for justice in our communities and in the world. Guided by our Seven Principles, the Unitarian Universalist Association (UUA) affirms that love between consenting adults creates caring relationships and families and provides nurturing environments for couples and their children.
Since 1970, when the UUA adopted a General Resolution opposing discrimination against homosexuals and bisexuals, we have supported the equal rights of all people, regardless of their sexual orientation and gender identity. Read all of our social justice statements on LGBTQ equality, 1961-2014.
The UUA supported the work of member congregations inadvocating for marriage equality at the state level and speaking out for marriage equality at the federal level. The UUA also lent its support to other groups working to achieve LGBTQ equality throughsign-ons and amicus curiae briefs.We were proud to be featured in a “friend of the court” brief submitted to the Supreme Court in the case ofObergefell v. Hodges, and celebrated the decision on June 26, 2015 that established federal recognition of same-sex marriage nationwide. UUs also celebrated this victory around the country with wedding ceremonies performed by UU clergy.
What is the UUA Currently Doing to Achieve LGBTQ Equality?
Following the historic victory for marriage equality, the UUA continues to support congregations' intentional outreach to LGBTQ people through the Welcoming Congregation and Beyond Categorical Thinking programs. The LGBTQ Ministries office of the UUA provides consultation and resources to help congregations promote acceptance, inclusion, understanding, and equity for LGBTQ persons within our denomination and in society at large.
The UUA sponsors the Standing on the Side of Love campaign, a faith-based public advocacy campaign that seeks to harness love's power to stop identity-based oppression, including sexual orientation and gender identity.
Contact
If you are a member of the press and would like to speak with a UUA staff person about our work in this area, please contact:
Jill Goddard, Public Relations Director
(617) 948-4386
pr@uua.org