What can we do as a couple?
The good we secure for ourselves is precarious and uncertain
until it is secured for all of us and incorporated into our common life. – Jane Addams
Dear Friends,
What a delight to find people like you who are willing to consider intertwining the joy of your wedding day with the authentic hopes of others. Millions of couples animated by the transforming power of love--couples just like you in their hearts--are struggling to achieve the most basic safeguards of lasting partnership. The Just Matrimony project is quite simple in its aims. It asserts that all people, regardless of their race, color, creed, or sexual orientation, should be eligible to take on the rights and responsibilities associated with civil matrimony. This in no way affects the larger vision of marriage held by particular individuals or institutions. Rather, it further safeguards all married couples. For when one group is threatened, all remain vulnerable.
You can help to right this wrong by taking a few actions:
- Tell your friends and family about Just Matrimony and discuss with them the inequality of marriage rights in America.
- How can you discuss what can be a sensitive topic in a thoughtful and caring way? Speaking personally from the heart always helps: "We want all couples to have the chance we have for a full and wonderful marriage," or "It makes us happy to help others who are in love." Explaining that sexual orientation is largely biological, not a matter of choice, may help some people be more understanding. If you have family or friends who have religious concerns, it's not a good idea to get into a theological brawl (at least not until after the ceremony is over!). And even after long dialogue you may agree to disagree. What’s important is that in America, religious rites and legal rights are not the same. People can strongly differ on spiritual matters while still being bound by a common rule of law, which treats all citizens equally.
- We’ve included a few links to help you in gathering information and in finding compassionate yet effective ways of continuing to push for an ethical world. Let your voice be heard.
- Make a donation to Just Matrimony to help raise consciousness and fight for fairness. Your funds will be used to contact additional clergy and celebrants, to print brochures, for lobbying efforts, and to create opportunities to keep the dialogue going.
- If you choose to make a contribution, you can place the words “This is a Just Matrimony Ceremony” on your invitations or programs, or in some visible place during your wedding. These simple words help to foster dialogue among the people attending your ceremony, many of whom may have fond memories of their own wedding day.
If you would like to make a contribution, please send it to:
Just Matrimony
c/o American Ethical Union
2 West 64th Street
New York, NY 10023
212-873-6500
For more information on marriage equality, click here.