Why, as a person of faith, should I care about marriage equality?

Because only marriage fully protects couples — gay or straight — and their children. Only marriage is universally recognized as the significant commitment between committed, loving couples. We also know that the commitment that comes through marriage strengthens neighborhoods and communities. Finally, to deny anyone the freedom to marry the person he or she loves is oppressive.

What if my religion opposes same-sex relationships?

Marriage equality grants same-sex couples the same access to civil marriage as enjoyed by heterosexual couples, including all the protections and responsibilities determined by the state. Civil marriage is regulated by the state as opposed to a religious ceremony of marriage, which is regulated by individual religious traditions. Supporting marriage equality and urging people to reject Question 1 does not change anything. Religious denominations maintain the right to determine who they will and will not marry.

Is marriage a religious or civil institution?

There is a difference between marriage as a civil matter and marriage as a religious ceremony or sacrament. A marriage license is issued by and filed with the government. The content of the ceremony itself is of no consequence to the government.

Marriage equality acknowledges the secular civil right to enter into a state-sanctioned marriage (or legal contract) even as churches wrestle with and may disagree about the sacramental status of some marriages. A religious community is free to set its own procedures and guidelines for marriages, such as whether a person needs to be a member of the church, any requirements regarding counseling, the content and ritual of the marriage ceremony itself, and even the clergy’s decision about the suitability of the marriage. We can agree to guarantee civil rights even as denominations deliberate with the issue of marriage equality as an element of church law/rites/blessings.

Equal protection under the law, tolerance and respect for diversity, and defining one’s own views while permitting other views, are consistent with authentic religious commitments.

Under the new law, will all religious leaders be required to perform marriage for same-sex couples?

Absolutely not. Maine’s new marriage law actually provides a religious freedom that churches and synagogues and other religious communities currently do not have.

For faith communities that don’t want to recognize gay and lesbian marriages, NOTHING WILL CHANGE.
No minister has ever been required to perform any marriage that s/he disapproves of, and that will not change.
Religious communities and institutions are not bound by anti-discrimination laws in employment or housing now, and that will not change.
People will be free to follow the teachings of their faith, just as they are now. This principle is so important to the people of Maine that it is written into the marriage law just passed by our legislature and signed by Governor Baldacci.

It’s important to note that many faith communities WANT the freedom to perform marriages for gay and lesbian couples, and that many have long celebrated those loving commitments within their faith.

Why can’t they just have a civil union?

Civil union is a different and unique category, signifying separate and unequal status for gays and lesbians. And, in fact, no civil union conveys all the protections of full marriage equality. Marriage is universally understood, as it speaks to love, faithful commitment and societal recognition in a way that “civil union” does not.

Why are faith leaders speaking out for marriage equality?

Two hundred faith leaders from around the state, representing more than 18 faith traditions are standing up for marriage equality because it confers dignity and respect to loving and committed same-sex couples. As people of faith, we view the role of religion to nurture and support families, not to cast some aside. To deny gay and lesbian couples their basic rights because of the religious beliefs of some threatens not only those families but our collective commitment to each other.

Which religions/denominations recognize marriage?

At least a dozen Jewish movements and Christian denominations allow for clergy to perform marriage or union ceremonies for same-sex couples, including the American Baptist Churches of the U.S., Central Conference of American Rabbis, Disciples of Christ, Episcopal Church USA, Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, Presbyterian Church U.S.A., Rabbinical Assembly, Reconstructionist Rabbinical Association, Unitarian Universalist Association, United Church of Christ, Universal Fellowship of Metropolitan Community Churches, and several Quaker groups.

What can I do for marriage equality?

Organize a house party and invite people who you think might want more information about this issue. Invite your faith leader to talk about why they support the issue and invite someone from the campaign to talk about what the field team is doing to protect the law.
Volunteer at the local No on 1campaign office. FMI go to: www.protectmaineequality.org

Invite pro-equality speakers to talk with your congregation at coffee hour.
Write a pro-equality letter to the editor or opinion-editorial to your newspaper.
Talk with your friends and neighbors about marriage equality and why you support it as a person of faith.