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ORTHODOX UNION STATEMENT ON MAINE SAME-SEX MARRIAGE BALLOT RESULTS
November 04, 2009

ORTHODOX UNION STATEMENT ON MAINE SAME-SEX MARRIAGE BALLOT RESULTS
OU Supports Reversal of Legislature's Enactment

November 4, 2009
For Immediate Release

The Union of Orthodox Jewish Congregations of America (the "Orthodox Union"), the nation's largest Orthodox Jewish umbrella organization, today issued the following statement in reaction to the repeal of same sex marriage by voters in Maine. The Maine Legislature and Governor enacted same sex marriage this past year but voters then took it to a referendum - Question 1 - yesterday and repealed it.

The Orthodox Union opposes in principle the recognition of same sex marriage, and we reiterate our opposition to those who would impose this radical change to a timeless institution today.

In addition to our religious values, we fear that same-sex marriage poses a grave threat to the fundamental civil right of religious freedom. Scholars and advocates on both sides of this emotionally charged debate agree that codifying same-sex marriage without providing robust religious accommodations and exemptions will create widespread and unnecessary legal conflict that will "reverberate across the legal and religious landscape." Already, in states with same-sex civil unions and similar laws, religious institutions, including churches, social service providers and youth groups have been penalized by authorities for their beliefs. Forcing a choice between faith and the law benefits no one.

We commend the people of Maine for their democratic action in support of traditional marriage and religious freedom.

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