Poughkeepsie Journal : Letter to the Editor

July 17, 2004

Church group plan supports gay vows

At a corporate meeting of the Unitarian-Universalist Fellowship of Poughkeepsie, members unanimously passed this resolution supporting same-sex civil marriage:

- Because our covenants affirm and support the Unitarian-Universalist Principles, including, ''the inherent worth and dignity of every person'' and ''justice, equity and compassion in human relations,'' and because marriage is held in honor among the blessings of life:

- Our association has long recognized and adopted numerous resolutions supporting equal rights for all individuals regardless of sexual orientation, including ceremonies of union, or marriage, between same-sex couples.

- All marriages are civil unions in that they are licensed by the state whether performed by judge or clergy, and afford the recipients certain civil rights, benefits and privileges under the law.

- Same-sex couples cannot uniformly access such civil rights, benefits and privileges, which include property inheritance, hospital visitation, medical decision making, health insurance, adoption, etc., that are automatically conferred upon married heterosexual couples.

Therefore be it resolved that the Unitarian-Universalist Fellowship of Poughkeepsie supports the right of same-sex couples to legally marry as a civil and human right deserving of full protection under the New York state and United States of America constitutions.

Paula Greenspan,
President, Unitarian-Universalist Fellowship of Poughkeepsie, Poughkeepsie