Unitarian Universalist Legislative Ministry California

Joined by CA Faith for Equality, the CA Council of Churches and several other interfaith amici, the UULMCA filed a friend of the court brief today in the United States District Court, helping to lift up the religious concerns related to the passage of Prop 8. The brief highlights issues of religious liberty and the impact of powerful religious groups attempting to codify their religious doctrine into California law.

When interfaith couples are denied the religious rites of marriage by a faith community, but the state allows them to marry, the practitioners of the faith which will not sanctify their marriage suffer no harm to their religious liberty. So it is with same-sex couples. Allowing same sex couples access to legal marriage will not impact the religious liberty of those who are members of faith communities who do not marry same sex couples. Our deepest appreciation to our attorney Eric Isaacson for his tireless work on behalf of religious freedom and in support of the inherent worth and dignity of all.

The so-called Prop 8 trial or Perry vs. Schwarzenegger is under way in San Francisco. Several UUs were at the courthouse at the break of the first day to join in Standing on the Side of Love as this historic trial began. While the US Supreme Court has prohibited Judge Vaughn Walker from posting video of the trial, very talented bloggers inside the courtroom are providing up to date information. This is an opportunity to learn more about the history of marriage, homophobia, Proposition 8 and the law. Here are some links where you can read and/or join the conversation each day.

Rev. Ramsden’s Blog: “The Real Threat to Religious Freedom” on the Prop8 Trial
Prop 8 Trial Tracker

Be a fan on our Facebook page and join in the discussion. There’s a topic called “Prop 8.”

Link up with UUs across the country in re-imagining Valentines Day. Click here for more info.

First Unitarian Universalist Church of Los Angeles
February 12-14, 2010
Begin Friday evening at 6pm. Closing celebration at 11am on Sunday morning, followed by lunch at church.

All Young Adults ages 18-35
Cost: $75.00 regular price, or sliding scale between $45 - $74 for those who cannot afford the full cost.

REGISTER TODAY!

Click here for flyer.

“Make principle a guest in your heart, –
by denying the worldly side of your nature,
by fettering passion, conquering pride,
living for something other than luxury,
using money for good,
drilling the will to loyalty, –
and it will become thus an immeasurable gain as
a resource to your soul.

God bends a boundless and sparkling sky over our heads;
but he offers a deeper heaven,
filled with more glorious lights and diviner promise,
to all souls that will welcome a principle,
go out and pitch their tent in the moral universe,
and live here for him.” - Rev. Thomas Starr King

The statue of Thomas Starr King was installed with ceremony and eloquent words. It had been cold in the morning but by the time the ceremonies were ready to begin the sun had warmed the crowd of 150 who came to see Thomas Starr King's statue installed on the Capitol Grounds in Sacramento. His bronze likeness will grace the entrance to the Civil War Memorial Grove. The speakers included the Honorable Darrel Steinberg; Reverend Rebecca Parker, President of Starr King Seminary; and Reverend Lindi Ramsden, Executive Director of UULMCA. Here are photos of the event and some of the UU contingent who attended.