Minn. Rabbinical Group Opposes Ban On Same-Sex Marriages

(JTA) -- Members of the Minnesota Rabbinical Association have signed a statement opposing a state ballot initiative that would ban same-sex marriages.

The group represents rabbis from 15 congregations in the state from the Conservative, Reform and Reconstructionist movements. No Orthodox rabbis signed the statement, which was adopted last month.

The statement said the rabbis were unanimous in opposing the amendment on the Nov. 6 ballot recognizing marriage only as a union between a man and a woman.

In their statement, the rabbis said the amendment "seeks to continue the practice of leaving individual families within the LGBT community vulnerable and unprotected by the law. To honor an individual is to fight against discrimination in society for any reason, including race, religion, natural origin, gender, age or sexual orientation.

"Throughout history the Jewish community has faced discrimination, and therefore we will not stand by while others are targeted," the rabbis said. "The MRA cannot condone using the constitution to deny civil rights. As rabbis, we embrace the diversity of God’s creation."

The association "urges all Minnesotans of conscience and faith" to vote against the initiative, the statement said.

Some 42,000 Jews live in Minnesota, according to the Star-Tribune.