Comments on: Florida synagogue to offer 'covenant of love' ceremonies to gay couples

By: Noah Kitty

Noah Kitty — Fri, 28 Aug 2009 19:21:51 +0000

Simon has a point. The Conservative synagogue is refusing to issue a certificate of Jewish marriage, called a ketuba. There is no legal standing to this document in civil courts, regardless of whether it is issued to a straight or same-sex couple. Let it be known that no Jewish couple needs either a rabbi or a synagogue to have the wedding ceremony, that they can find many beautiful examples of ketubot online (just google "ketuba"), and that all are welcome at my synagogue, Etz Chaim, in Wilton Manors. Simon, please know that the Reconstructionist and Reform movements of Judaism insist on full inclusion and recognition of GLBT members. For many of us, religion provides support, comfort, and fellowship.

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By: Brian Burton

Brian Burton — Tue, 23 Jun 2009 21:08:53 +0000

Simon Murphy,
The Synagogue is showing the Human side of it's function. Humaity is somthing you lack and is your down-fall.

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By: Simon Murphy

Simon Murphy — Tue, 23 Jun 2009 11:37:01 +0000

As I already said – a jewish or christian marriage license (even among a straight couple) has absolutely no legal standing unless they sign the state register. If I get married in any church or mosque or synagogue I have to sign the state register after the religious ceremony to be legally married in the eyes of the law.
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So why is this synagogue going to all the bother to create some bullshit 'covenant of love' ceremony for gay couples rather than simply call it marriage. The fact that the gay couple is not legally recognised as being married by the state is irrelevant as a straight couple is not recognised as being married unless they sign the state register also. This synagogue wants to be seen to be nice but in fact they are just engaging in typical religious double standards – they issue a non-legally binding jewish marriage license to straight couples and a non-legally binding 'covenant of love' cert to a gay couple. Why go to all the bother. Because they want to pander to the more bigoted in their church of course.

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By: Brian Burton

Brian Burton — Tue, 23 Jun 2009 06:20:16 +0000

I agree with you whole-heartedly 'T' Good luck for the future.

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By: Christina Engela

Christina Engela — Mon, 22 Jun 2009 18:03:08 +0000

I agree, if a church or synagogue found same gender marriage in any way offensive they would not even consider offering such a service.

And if you are religious, you believe you are married before God anyway, with or without a piece of paper to prove it.

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By: Brian Burton

Brian Burton — Mon, 22 Jun 2009 16:34:25 +0000

Simon Murphy,

It's the State of Florida who do not recognise Gay marrige. So, why the 'cheap swipe' at a religion in Florida, who have offered recognition of Gay couples? You are not very comprehensible at times.

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By: Simon Murphy

Simon Murphy — Mon, 22 Jun 2009 14:19:17 +0000

"While couples who have a 'Covenant of Love' ceremony will not receive a Jewish marriage licence"

Why not? A jewish narriage license is the same as a christian marriage license. It has no legal status unless you also sign the state register. So if this is not a legally binding license then why bother denying it to gay couples?

Looks like yet another typically nasty attempt by a religious group to deny gay people equality. Can't say I'm surprised. Religion really has nothing to recommend it.

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