RCA Joins with Other Organizations in Reaffirming its Opposition to Same Sex Marriage

On the issue of legalizing same-sex marriage, the Orthodox Jewish world
speaks with one voice, loud and clear:

We oppose the redefinition of the bedrock relationship of the human family.

The Torah, which forbids homosexual activity, sanctions only the union of a
man and a woman in matrimony. While we do not seek to impose our religious
principles on others, we believe the institution of marriage is central to
the formation of a healthy society and the raising of children. It is our
sincere conviction that discarding the historical definition of marriage
would be detrimental to society.

Moreover, we are deeply concerned that, should any such redefinition occur,
members of traditional communities like ours will incur moral opprobrium and
may risk legal sanction if they refuse to transgress their beliefs. That
prospect is chilling, and should be unacceptable to all people of good will
on both sides of this debate.

The integrity of marriage in its traditional form must be preserved.

AGUDATH ISRAEL OF AMERICA
CENTRAL RABBINICAL CONGRESS OF THE U.S.A. AND CANADA
NATIONAL COUNCIL OF YOUNG ISRAEL
RABBINICAL ALLIANCE OF AMERICA
RABBINICAL COUNCIL OF AMERICA
UNION OF ORTHODOX JEWISH CONGREGATIONS OF AMERICA