Advertisement
On June 26, the U.S. Supreme Court issued its 5 to 4 ruling in the case of Obergefell v. Hodges, establishing federal recognition of same-sex marriage. Unitarian Universalists have a long history of supporting marriage equality. In 1996, the UUA was the first religious denomination to pass a resolution supporting the right to marry for same-sex couples, and it has signed on to amicus briefs in all the major court cases regarding the freedom to marry, including Obergefell v. Hodges.
In celebration of this historic victory for equal rights, UU ministers and congregations offered free weddings for same-sex couples nationwide on July 11 and 12, in an event called #justmarriage.
Useful resources
Use these resources to help your congregation express its commitment to LGBTQ rights.
Welcoming Congregations
The UUA launched its Welcoming Congregation Program in 1989 to help UUs learn how to undo homophobia—and later, transphobia—in their minds, congregations, and communities. Today, many UU congregations are recognized as Welcoming Congregations. Learn more about the program, get ongoing support, and find out how your congregation can be recognized as Welcoming.
‘Our Whole Lives’ for adults
Using values, communication skills, and spirituality as starting points, this program explores sexuality issues for adults of all ages, building understanding of healthy sexual relationships, affirming diversity, and helping participants accept and affirm their own sexuality throughout their lives. Our Whole Lives, Adults is $60, available from the UUA Bookstore.
Standing on the Side of Love
Standing on the Side of Love is a public advocacy campaign that seeks to harness love’s power to challenge exclusion, oppression, and violence based on sexual orientation, gender identity, immigration status, race, religion, or other identity. It is sponsored by the UUA, but people of all faiths are welcome to join.