CCAR calls decision affording marriage rights to same-sex couples a significant moral step towards a more equal country
New York, N.Y. – June 26 2015 – The Central Conference of American Rabbis, the official rabbinic leadership organization of the Reform Judaism movement, applauds the Supreme Court’s decision in Obergefell v. Hodges, which determined that the Fourteenth Amendment requires states to license marriages between two individuals of the same sex. CCAR signed an amicus brief in support of marriage equality in the case, alongside many other religious organizations and faith leaders.
“As Jews, we believe we are all formed in God’s image,” said CCAR Chief Executive Steve Fox. “This compels us to extend and recognize the same rights to everyone in our community, including individuals who identify as straight, gay, lesbian, or transgender. For many years, Reform Judaism rabbis have called for equal rights for all members of our communities, and we see today’s Supreme Court decision on marriage equality as a huge moral victory for the United States.”
The CCAR has long advocated for equal civil rights for gay men and lesbians – passing a resolution calling for the decriminalization of homosexuality as early as 1977 – and taken concrete steps within the rabbinical community to advance such equality. Last March, the CCAR marked the 25th anniversary of a 1990 resolution calling for the ordination of openly gay and lesbian rabbis, and installed its first openly gay president, Rabbi Denise Eger.
“This is a day for rejoicing as the highest court in the land has recognized the basic humanity of lesbian and gay couples with this decision,” said Rabbi Eger. “Many rabbis have worked tirelessly for this day—but we won’t rest until there is full equality for the LGBT community in all areas.”