PRESBYTERIAN PROMISE REPORTS
704 Whitney Avenue
New Haven CT 06511
 

May 2004
Crossroads Presbyterian Church
Waterford CT
First Presbyterian Church
Hartford CT
First Presbyterian Church
New Haven CT
Providence Presbyterian Church
Providence RI
Wilton Presbyterian Church
Wilton CT

Marriage Equality

 
The recent Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court ruling allows same sex couples to get married beginning May 17th. This decision, following actions by Canadian courts and the U. S. Supreme court, has created much joy among gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender folk and also an intense backlash, particularly from religious conservatives and the Roman Catholic hierarchy. Here are three ways you can join in the celebration while responding to the backlash:
  1. Join us at the Rally for Marriage Equality. Be part of the largest gathering in Connecticut history in support of GLBT equal rights. Sunday, May 16th, 2-3:30 PM at the State Capitol (rain or shine). Let the Connecticut Legislature know you support equal marriage rights for same sex couples. Tell President Bush and Congress you oppose adding discrimination against same-sex couples to the U. S. Constitution. See the Love Makes A Family website for updates.  http://www.lmfct.org/
  2. Call and write your legislators. There have been massive rallies in Hartford calling on our state legislature to create a so called Defense of Marriage Amendment. Let your electeds know you oppose discriminatory laws. If you need help finding your legislator, call your town hall or try Project Vote Smart at  http://www.vote-smart.org/
  3. Join Love Makes A Family's Petition Effort. They'll be going door to door seeking signatures and stories of support for equality. If you're committed to the cause or just want to get involved in the grass roots of public policy, here's your chance. Contact:  http://www.equalityknocks.com/  or (860) 524-5978
    • April 24--Groton (Greater New London)
    • May 8--Danbury
    • May 15-- New Haven
    • May 15--Norwalk
    • June 19--Manchester (Greater Hartford)
Marriage equality is a matter of civil justice, not religious morality. There are two, separate  issues: 1) what is just and equal treatment of all citizens and 2) what does religion say to individuals about their behavior. Presbyterian Promise primarily advocates about religious understanding, but this report is about civil rights and justice. That is, a person who considers same sex relations wrong might still find justice demands equal treatment. Marriage equality is the most promising opportunity for increasing civil justice today.

The Massachusetts decision is worth reading. It begins:

Marriage is a vital social institution. The exclusive commitment of two individuals to each other nurtures love and mutual support; it brings stability to our society. For those who choose to marry, and for their children, marriage provides an abundance of legal, financial, and social benefits. In return it imposes weighty legal, financial, and social obligations. The question before us is whether, consistent with the Massachusetts Constitution, the Commonwealth may deny the protections, benefits, and obligations conferred by civil marriage to two individuals of the same sex who wish to marry. We conclude that it may not. The Massachusetts Constitution affirms the dignity and equality of all individuals. It forbids the creation of second-class citizens.
http://www.masslaw.com/signup/gtwFulltext.cfm?page=ma/opin/sup/1017603.htm
Insightful, powerful words. This is no time for Connecticut to create second-class citizens.
Ralph Jones