The Supreme Court of the United States struck down the federal Defense of Marriage Act, ruling it unconstitutional on Wednesday, June 26, because it denied benefits to all legally married couples. In its 5-4 decision the court said that DOMA deprived same-sex couples of the “equal liberty of persons protected by the Fifth Amendment.”
In 2005, The United Church of Christ (UCC) General Synod passed a resolution in support of equal marriage rights for all, which encouraged UCC members and congregations to oppose legislation which denies civil marriage rights to couples based on gender.
In 2012, our own congregation marched 116 miles from Vancouver to our state capital in Olympia in support of marriage equality. Although we now enjoy marriage equality in Washington state, so many others are still struggling to get this freedom. We will celebrate our victories at Vancouver’s Pride event: Saturday in the Park on July 13th 11 AM-5 PM at Esther Short Park where we will host a booth with information and goodies for kids of all ages. Stop by and celebrate with us.
Then, as people of faith in the UCC, we must continue to be out and louder with our extravagant welcome. We must speak out in the public square, our work places, our schools, and our neighborhoods—all year ‘round, not just during Pride Season!