Defiant Church Won't Marry Straight Couples

[ruggerson]

Defiant church won't marry straight couples
Associated Press
published Thursday, April 13, 2006

http://www.gay.com/news/article.html?2006/04/13/5

MINNEAPOLIS -- A Minneapolis church has voted to stop performing civil marriages for heterosexuals because civil marriage isn't offered to same-gender couples.

"I will officiate at only religious marriages for same- and opposite-gender couples alike," said the Rev. Don Portwood of the Lyndale United Church of Christ. "I will no longer sign marriage licenses as an agent of the state of Minnesota, until the state of Minnesota recognizes the loving commitment of all couples."

The congregation's April 9 vote makes the church the second in the state to refuse to perform civil marriages. White Bear Unitarian Universalist Church made a similar stand a few years ago.

Lyndale joins a small group of churches across the country that won't perform civil marriages for male-female couples because same-sex couples aren't allowed to marry.

(more)

[slay]

1. Nice

Good to see there are still some churches out there that will stand up for the rights of ALL people. People are people and should ALL have the same rights. Bravo Lyndale United Church of Christ, and White Bear Unitarian Universalist Church! :applause:

Jesus: Whatever you do to the least of my brothers, you do to me.

[IntravenousDemilo]

2. Straight people and organizations like these are kinda the gay equivalent

of "righteous Gentiles", who saved Jews from the Nazis during the War, like Raoul Wallenberg and Otto Schindler. We should do everything possible to show our gratitude and recognize them for their principled stand. Is there an award of some sort for this sort of thing?

[slay]

3. There really should be

Hopefully it will set an example for others to follow. At least it's a start. :)

[Puglover]

4. I've gone to a few services there.

VERY welcoming and I actually paid attention to the sermons!