Australian Rabbis OK Same-Sex Marriage
June 5th, 2007
For many years the Progressive Movement within Judaism has been striving to support and bring equality to all Jews regardless of sexual orientation. During that time, a number of resolutions have been passed in our region and internationally advocating for the rights of gay and lesbian Jews to live fulfilled lives within Jewish tradition. At the recent meeting of the Council of Progressive Rabbis of Australia, New Zealand, and Asia, thefollowing resolution was passed unanimously:
In keeping with our deep concern for the abiding Jewish principles of justice (tzedek) and human dignity (kavod ha-b’riot), we affirm the resolution adopted at the 111th Convention of the Central Conference of American Rabbis, March 2000, that states: “The relationship of a Jewish, same gender couple is worthy of affirmation through appropriate Jewish ritual.”
Therefore, the Council of Progressive Rabbis hereby resolves to permit, but not require, its rabbis to officiate at same gender commitment ceremonies between two Jews. We commit ourselves to ongoing discussion of the nature of such ceremonies.
The Council of Progressive Rabbis is the rabbinic body of the Union for Progressive Judaism in Australia, New Zealand, and Asia.
Council of Progressive Rabbis