[UUA-L] UUA President Decries WA Supreme Court Ruling on Marriage Equality

[Unitarian Universalist Association]

Statement from the Rev. William G. Sinkford on Washington Court Ruling
on Same-Sex Marriage

(July 26, 2006 -- Boston)  I am deeply disappointed by today's ruling by
the Supreme Court of Washington upholding the constitutionality of that
state's discriminatory "Defense of Marriage" statute.  Today's ruling
further delays the time when the legal protections enjoyed by
heterosexual couples in Washington will be made available to all
committed couples.    

Like so many people of conscience, Unitarian Universalists are saddened
by the recent setbacks in the struggle for marriage equality. Today we
are even more keenly aware that our society has a long way to go before
we fully honor every person's inherent worth and dignity.  Our hearts go
out to the thousands of same-sex couples in Washington who have been
denied an opportunity to secure legal protections for their families. 
 
Although this is a sad day, I want to thank the three dissenting judges
for their courageous opinions, and to honor all of the couples and
families in Washington State who have witnessed for justice through
their living examples. We know from hard experience that the road to
justice is long, and despite these recent setbacks to the cause of
marriage equality, Unitarian Universalists are committed to continued
engagement with this issue until the day when full legal and civic
equality is a reality for all loving couples.