Unitarian Universalists believe that the First Principle of our faith, respecting "the inherent worth and dignity of every person," applies equally to people of all sexual orientations and gender identities. UU congregations and clergy have long recognized and celebrated same-sex marriages within our faith tradition.  Since 1973, when the Unitarian Universalist Association established the Office of Bisexual, Gay, Lesbian, and Transgender Concerns [http://www.uua.org/directory/staff/multiculturalgrowth/lesbiangay/index.php], the UUA has made an institutional commitment to full equality for bisexual, gay, lesbian, and transgender people.

In the fall of 2010, Marriage Equality was the most active issue for the UULMNJ, as we supported an intensive campaign to legalize same-sex marriage here in New Jersey.  Working with Garden State Equality, we mobilized hundreds of UUs to write letters, call their representatives and show up in Trenton in support of this effort.  We participated in lobby days, phone banks and provided personal testimony of the impact that "separate but unequal" civil unions have had on our families.

UULMNJ visited many UU congregations around the state to speak on this issue.  Unitarian Universalist clergy showed up in unprecedented numbers to advocate for our religious freedom and for the civil rights of our gay and lesbian citizens, and to call upon the state of New Jersey to cease elevating one religious definition of marriage over another. Our presence was much appreciated by our allies and we have gained a reputation for showing up when it counts.

Although the final vote on January 7, 2010 in the Senate did not go our way, this is not the end of this issue.  On June 29, 2011, Garden State Equality  and seven same-sex couples and their children, represented by Lambda Legal, filed a lawsuit seeking marriage equality in New Jersey, Garden State Equality et. al. v. Dow et. al.

Please stay tuned for updates.

Marriage Equality Petition - print out for your congregation, and then return to UULMNJ.

• Allow Equal Access to Marriage by Rev. Carol Haag
  Letter published January 19, 2012 in the Times of Trenton
• New Jersey UUs Bring Faithful Witness to Struggle for Marriage Equality
• UUA and Marriage Equality
• UUA's Standing on the Side of Love initiative

UULMNJ Clergy at Marriage Equality Rally: Getting ready for the day: Rev. Virginia Jarocha-Ernst, Rev. Charlie Ortman, Rev. Charles Stephens,  Rev. Julia Hamilton, Rev. Bob Janis-Dillon.  (photo: Betty Wyka)

UULMNJ at rally for marriage equality: With religious leaders from sixteen different traditions, we sent a message to the press that many churches, synagogues and houses of worship want equal recognition for all couples. (photo: Betty Wyka)