Union for Progressive Judaism supports gay couples marrying in Australia

http://www.pinknews.co.uk/2012/03/28/union-for-progressive-judaism-supports-gay-marriage/

The Australian body Union for Progressive Judaism has made a submission to the Senate Legal and Constitutional Affairs Committee Inquiry into the Marriage Equality Amendment Bill.

The UPJ represents 26 congregations and communal organisations across Australia, New Zealand and Asia and has more than 7,000 members. Public support for gay marriage in Australia is strong, and the UPJ said they wished to reflect the views of the general populace, stating that they supported the movement “in accordance with the interests and feelings of the majority of Australian citizens.”

In a statement, the body said: “The UPJ fully acknowledges the rights of Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender (GLBT) people in our own community and throughout the world. In accordance with the values of equality and egalitarianism, we believe that the GLBT community should be afforded full rights, equal to all other persons. Accordingly we acknowledge that all people are made B’Tselem Elohim, in the image of God and that each person should be treated with dignity and respect regardless of race, gender or sexual orientation.”

Executive director of the UPJ Steve Denenberg told J-Wire, the Australasian online Jewish news service: “Quite simply we believe that is time for Australian legislation to recognise and reflect the fact that same gender couples should have exactly the same rights as heterosexual couples, including the right to marry.