Regarding the debate over same-sex marriage featured in the August 2013 Chronicle, Jews face two issues: Jewish practice and our stance in U.S. politics.
On Jewish practice, no appeals to justice or to other Jewish values will alter the position of halachah (Jewish law). As with any of the proscribed relationships in Leviticus 18, halachah denies Jewish legal status to same-sex marriages.
On the other hand, it is equally true that appeals to Leviticus will not deter liberal Jewish movements from establishing marriage ceremonies that recognize same-sex unions. So here we need a truce.
More to the point, I think, is our political stance. It may be emotionally difficult for many Orthodox Jews to support openly the right of same-sex couples to civil (non-religious) marriage.
But I do not see that halachah logically forces us to side with those who oppose this right, as long as religious institutions are not compelled to change their own practices.
In fact, there are good reasons for Orthodox Jews not to align with this opposition. The prohibition is costly to gays and lesbians both emotionally and financially, without any corresponding benefit.
Nor is there any evidence of its preserving or strengthening the institution of marriage in the U.S. or on protecting children. I would even argue to the contrary, that ending the prohibition may actually help.
Same-sex marriage may be a challenging idea, but I don’t see that it poses any threat to Jewish practices or beliefs.
Jay Beder
Shorewood
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