Thursday, June 27, 2013

Orthodox Union's Statement ?Against? Yesterday's Court Ruling

“In response to the decisions announced today by the United States Supreme Court with reference to the federal Defense of Marriage Act and California’s Proposition 8, we reiterate the historical position of the Jewish faith, enunciated unequivocally in our Bible, Talmud and Codes, which forbids homosexual relationships and condemns the institutionalization of such relationships as marriages. Our religion is emphatic in defining marriage as a relationship between a man and a woman. Our beliefs in this regard are unalterable. up to here I like At the same time, we note that Judaism teaches respect for others and we condemn discrimination against individuals. I don't remember this gemara
We are grateful that we live in a democratic society, in which all religions are free to express their opinions about social issues and to advocate vigorously for those opinions. The reason we opt to express our viewpoint in a public forum is because we believe that our Divine system of law not only dictates our beliefs and behaviors, but also represents a system of universal morality, and therefore can stake a claim in the national discourse. That morality, expressed in what has broadly been labeled Judeo-Christian ethics, has long had a place in American law and jurisprudence.


We also recognize that no religion has the right to dictate its beliefs to the entire body politic and we do not expect that secular law will always align with our viewpoint. Ultimately, decisions on social policy remain with the democratic process, and today the process has spoken and we accord the process and its result the utmost respect.and if chas veshalom the gays win in their move to ban bris Milah would you also "respect" the results?  Speaking of process, legally this easily ranks as the worst supreme court decision ever.  Over 1000 people voted on the (5th) amendment that was cited in the court decision, Yet not only would not a single person from amongst them (including it's writers) agree with the interpretation of the Supreme Court, not a single one of them would have even agreed with same gender "marriage"!
The Orthodox Union is proud to assert its beliefs and principles in the public forum, and will continue to do so in a manner that is tolerant and respectful of all of our nation’s citizens except Orthodox Jews, but which is also authentically based upon our sacred ancient texts and time-honored traditions.” at least for most of the first paragraph!
(Orthodox Union)

1 comment:

  1. The O-U means well, but one thinks something more like the scathing dissent of Justice Scalia is called for, rather than such a moderate statement, when such dangerous action is taken, trashing the bedrock of civilization.

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