Agudath Israel of America says Maine’s repeal Tuesday of a state law allowing same-sex marriage is "heartening."
"What this shows is that the concept of marriage is indeed well understood by the public," said Agudath executive vice president Rabbi David Zweibel. "It means what it has always meant: the consecrated union of man and woman. Legislatures that try to change this classical definition are not only out of line but out of touch."
The Orthodox Union also put out a statement approving of the vote.
"In addition to our religious values, we fear that same-sex marriage poses a grave threat to the fundamental civil right of religious freedom," the organization said in a statement. "Scholars and advocates on both sides of this emotionally charged debate agree that codifying same-sex marriage without providing robust religious accommodations and exemptions will create widespread and unnecessary legal conflict that will ‘reverberate across the legal and religious landscape.’ Already, in states with same-sex civil unions and similar laws, religious institutions, including churches, social service providers and youth groups have been penalized by authorities for their beliefs. Forcing a choice between faith and the law benefits no one.
Agudath’s full statement is after the jump:[[READMORE]]
Reacting to Tuesday’s vote in Maine repealing a state law redefining marriage, Agudath Israel’s executive vice president, Rabbi David Zwiebel, issued the following statement:
"Maine voters’ repeal on Tuesday of a state law that redefined marriage is heartening indeed. It is noteworthy that voters in every state in the union that has put this issue before the electorate have opted to preserve traditional marriage.
"What this shows is that the concept of marriage is indeed well understood by the public. It means what it has always meant: the consecrated union of man and woman.
"Legislatures that try to change this classical definition are not only out of line but out of touch."
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