FEATURED JOBS
Comments (13)Noting that, “since time immemorial, civilization has recognized the traditional family unit as the fundamental building block of society,” the Rabbinical Council of Greater Baltimore (known as the Vaad Harabbanim
) announced its opposition to the Civil Marriage Protection Act and urged members of the local Orthodox community to vote against Maryland’s Question 6 next month.
The statement, noting that the Torah takes, “an unambiguous stance in opposition to such unions,” was approved overwhelmingly by the Rabbinical Council of Baltimore’s Orthodox Jewish community at their October 16 meeting.
The full statement from the rabbis reads as follows:
We are blessed to live in a country that invites our participation in the political and legislative processes through duly elected representatives. We urge all eligible voters in the Jewish community to exercise their right to cast their ballots for the candidates of their choice in the upcoming election, to be held on Tuesday November 6, 2012.
In addition, to better ensure that Maryland law and policy truly reflect the will and values of the people, certain questions are presented directly to the electorate for consideration. This year, the State of Maryland is including on the ballot “Question 6”, a referendum on what is ironically known as the “Civil Marriage Protection Act.” This law would redefine marriage in Maryland, recognizing same-gender marriage.
Since our state and federal laws are informed by religious values, as they are by other compelling ideals, we wish to make clear the Torah’s unambiguous stance in opposition to such unions. We also note that, since time immemorial, civilization has recognized the traditional family unit as the fundamental building block of society. We, therefore, stand firmly opposed to this law and encourage the members of our community to vote AGAINST Question 6.