A small majority of California voters have voted to pass a constitutional amendment removing the right of same-sex couples to marry in the state. This will affect the recent 18,000 same-gender marriages. The UCC placed ads in several California newspapers standing in solidarity with the LGBT community. The ad reads: “Once again, through California’s Proposition 8, the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community has endured an onslaught of lies and deceit. This hurtful ballot initiative has demeaned the lives, relationships and families of our LGBT sisters and brothers. Many members, clergy and congregations of the 1.2 million-member United Church of Christ- in California and across the United States – participated in the unprecedented effort to affirm marriage equality for all.
People of faith, including many in the UCC, offered significant leadership, dollars, and time. Now is the time to attend to each other with love and compassion, and may the solidarity we share strengthen us for the challenging journey that lies ahead.” The Rev. John H. Thomas, General Minister and President ofthe UCC stated, “We stood with you in saying no to Proposition 8 and we will continue to stand with you, both in disappointment and resolve, until marriage equality is realized.” In 2005, the UCC’s General Synod approved a resolution that affirmed its support for same-gender marriage equality. Here in our own state, we have a Domestic Partnership law, but separate is not equal, so we will continue to work toward marriage equality in our own state as the new legislative session begins next year. It is never right for the majority to legislate away the civil rights of a minority.