FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                Contact: Robin Metalitz, JUFJ
December 16, 2009                                                                202-408-1423; robin@jufj.org

JEWS UNITED FOR JUSTICE LAUDS VOTE FOR MARRIAGE EQUALITY IN DC COUNCIL
"ALL HUMANS ARE CREATED IN THE IMAGE OF GOD AND MUST BE TREATED AS EQUALS"

Wednesday, December 16, 2009, Washington DC:  Today Jews United for Justice (JUFJ) expressed their strong support for the marriage equality bill passed yesterday by the DC City Council.

"We are so pleased that love won out yesterday," said Rabbi Elizabeth Richman, JUFJ's Program Director and Rabbi in Residence.  "Winning marriage equality is an important step toward a more fair and just city, and an affirmation of the fact that we are all equal, both in the eyes of God and under the law.  As Jews, our sacred texts teach that all human beings are created b'tzelem elohim (in the image of God) and must therefore be treated as equals, deserving of dignity. "

Rabbi Elizabeth Richman is part of DC Clergy United for Marriage Equality, a coalition of more than 200 DC area clergy members who advocate equality for people of all sexual orientations as an important part of their faith.

Mayor Adrian Fenty has indicated that he will sign the bill.  The bill will then undergo a 30-day legislative review process by the US Congress. 

"We hope that the US Congress will respect the right of DC residents to govern themselves, and allow marriage equality to be implemented and fully funded in DC," said Rabbi Richman.  "To do otherwise would not only be giving in to hate and fear, but would be profoundly undemocratic."

Jews United for Justice mobilizes DC-area Jews to act on our shared Jewish values by working for justice and equality in our local community.  JUFJ believes that every person deserves to live free from discrimination on the basis of race, gender, national origin, class, ethnicity, religion, disability, gender identity, or sexual orientation.  We therefore support full and equal access to the civil institution of marriage, and the benefits and protections that it affords, for people of all sexual orientations and gender identities.

###