The New South Wales Jewish Board of Deputies vote for “Yes” welcomed

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The Equality Campaign has welcomed a motion of support for marriage equality passed by the NSW Jewish Board of Deputies (JBOD) and a separate letter signed by 200 Jewish Australians.

NSW Jewry’s peak body passed the motion for “equal treatment under Australian law to same-sex couples who choose to marry”, at its monthly plenum.

Significantly, the motion noted the difference between civil marriage and religious marriage, and reaffirmed a commitment to freedom of religious practice and religious education in Australia.

The motion and letter follow statements of support for civil marriage equality from the Rabbinic Council of the Union for Progressive Judaism Moetza, and rabbis and lay leaders of Masorti (Conservative) Council of Australia.

Kerryn Phelps and Jackie Stricker-Phelps, of the Equality Campaign, said the expressions of support had tremendous significance on the eve of Rosh Hashanah (Jewish new year).

“As we mark Jewish new year, we welcome the community’s commitment to fighting for equality and fairness under the law for LGBTI family, friends and colleagues,” Kerryn Phelps said.

“The Jewish community understands perhaps more than any the consequences of discrimination and marginalisation, and we appreciate the support we have received from the Jewish community throughout our relationship.”

Published by Jewish LGBTI advocacy group Aleph Melbourne, the open letter’s signatories included doctors, nurses, lawyers, scientists and business people.

“In a truly progressive and inclusive society, the rights of all people are respected equally,” the statement said.

“As Jews, we know too well the dangers of singling out one group of people, and refusing them the rights that are shared by all … We will not stand by in silence as part of our community is stereotyped, vilified, judged, treated differently.

“We are proud to add our names to the growing list of supporters who recognise the right to love freely, and the right to be treated equally under the law.”

Francis Voon, the Equality Campaign’s faith and multicultural outreach coordinator, said, “It’s so important that people of faith voice their support for civil marriage equality.

“Every day we receive more and more statements of support from religious communities all over Australia, from clergy, lay leaders and community members who are voting YES because they love and support our LGBTI family and friends,” Voon concluded.