NY: Jewish Groups Split Over Gay Marriage Vote

Orthodox leaders commended and Reform leaders condemned the New York State Senate's vote to defeat a measure legalizing same-sex marriage. Agudath Israel of America and the Orthodox Union lauded Wednesday's 38-24 vote against the bill. "While we must always respect all individuals as created b'tzelem Elokim, in the image of G-d, Jewish teaching clearly opposes homosexual conduct and the legal recognition of such relationships as being akin to traditional marriage," the Orthodox Union said in a statement. The OU also said it must "respectfully repudiate those who misquote or misappropriate Jewish law or thought in support of this legislation." Agudah noted the work its members did in advocating against the measure. "When our community comes together to respond to challenges, good things happen," said Rabbi Chaim Dovid Zweibel, the group's executive vice president. New York Reform leaders were disheartened by the vote. Full Story from JTA.org: http://jta.org/news/article/2009/12/03/1009517/orthodox-laud-reform-disappointed-by-ny-gay-marriage-vote

Click here for gay marriage resources in New York.

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