The following is a press release from UU Spartanburg reprinted in it's entirety

The congregation of the Unitarian Universalist Church of Spartanburg has voted to take a public stand against the proposed South Carolina constitutional amendment (XVII) on marriage. We as Unitarian-Universalists affirm the inherent worth and dignity of all people. We affirm justice, equity, and compassion in all human relations. In accordance with these principles, we oppose any public efforts to limit or diminish civil rights, justice, and equity for South Carolinians.

The By-Laws of the church were changed last year to allow the church to take a public stand on an issue. The By-Law change requires a quorum of church members with 95% of those present voting “yes” for any resolution to be adopted. This is the first time that the UU Church of Spartanburg has taken a public stand on an issue affecting our community and state.

The approved congregational resolution opposes the proposed SC Constitutional amendment concerning marriage, civil unions and marital benefits because it expands discrimination against our fellow citizens and will adversely impact on the health, finances and welfare of individuals, children, and families in South Carolina.

The full church resolution can be seen on the church website: www.uucs.org.

The Unitarian Universalist Association (UUA) was among the first religious organizations in the United States to adopt an affirmative position on the recognition of the rights and responsibilities of members who are lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender. The UUA has officially opposed discrimination against gay, lesbian and bisexual and transgender people since 1970, and the organization has called for full, legal marriage equality for same-sex couples since 1996.

filed under South Carolina and under Faith Watch