Civil Marriage Equality Campaign Announced for Washington State

This fall, the Jewish Federation of Greater Seattle's Board of Directors passed a resolution in support of civil marriage equality for Washington State. Today, the Federation joined in a coalition of civil rights and faith based organizations, labor unions and other supporters to announce the formation of a statewide grassroots coalition to make civil marriage for all Washingtonians a priority in 2012.

We recognize that marriage is both a religious and civil institution in the United States. Within the Jewish and other religious communities, there are diverse views on same sex marriage. The Jewish Federation has continuously placed great value on the freedom of choice in religious expression, belief and ritual observance. Moreover, we have held a longstanding commitment to civil rights and respect for religious liberty.

Same sex couples in Washington State -- including Jewish couples -- are being denied basic rights because they are not allowed to marry.  Likewise, Rabbis and other clergy are being denied the chance to exercise their own religious freedom. Religious leaders should be allowed to decide what marriages to solemnize based on their own traditions and beliefs.   

It is for these reasons, the Jewish Federation supports the upcoming efforts to obtain civil marriage equality for all citizens of Washington State. Sign up for Action Center Updates to stay up-to-date on news surrounding civil marriage equality.

The Jewish Federation of Greater Seattle was not alone as a supporting member of civil marriage equality in the Seattle Jewish community. Other supporting agencies and individuals include:

Organizations and Synagogues
•    Jewish Family Service
•    Caroline Kline Galland Home
•    Anti-Defamation League
•    Washington State Holocaust Education Resource Center
•    Whidbey Island Jewish Community
•    National Council of Jewish Women
•    Temple Beth Or
•    Temple Beth Am
•    Hillel at University of Washington
•    Jewish Labor Committee
•    The Kavana Cooperative

Clergy
•    Rabbi Yohanna Kinberg
•    Rabbi Seth Goldstein
•    Rabbi Jonathan Singer
•    Rabbi Beth Singer
•    Rabbi Danny Weiner
•    Rabbi Jill Borodin
•    Rabbi Rachel Nussbaum
•    Rabbi Oren Hayon
•    Rabbi Zari Weiss
•    Rabbi Jessica Marshall
•    Rabbi Jim Mirel
•    Cantor David Serkin Poole

With any questions regarding the Jewish Federation of Greater Seattle's response, please contact Zach Carstensen, Director of Government Relations and Public Affairs, at 206-774-2248 or email ZachC [at] JewishInSeattle [dot] org.