Recently,
a local Jewish newspaper made a bold move towards inclusion by
printing its first-ever same-sex marriage
announcement. Unfortunately, the paper then
immediately caved to pressure from minority segments of the Jewish
community who claimed the announcement "caused pain and
consternation." The very next week, the paper published a statement saying
it would not "run such announcements in the future."
This flip-flop on
inclusion is especially hurtful in light of the recent atrocities
that have befallen the LGBT community, and which have rightly
garnered national attention.
A "Big Tent
Judaism" approach to community should encourage local Jewish
newspapers to adopt more inclusive policies toward lifecycle
announcements. Therefore we encourage you, the member
organizations of the Big Tent Judaism Coalition, to take the
following actions:
- Review the policies of your local Jewish newspaper regarding
same-sex marriage announcements.
-
- If your paper does not run same-sex marriage announcements,
email them a message like this:
To the Editors,
It has come to my
attention that it is your policy not to print marriage or union
announcements for same-sex couples in the Jewish
community. As a supporter of equality for all those
in our community, I find this policy upsetting. We
should be working to bring our community closer together and
welcome in all who would join us. I urge you to
revisit your policies and take inclusive steps to ensure same-sex
couples enjoy equal treatment within the pages of your
publication.
Or, if your paper
does run same-sex marriage announcements, email them a message like
this:
To
the Editors,
Thank you for your vocal and visible support of same-sex couples in
our community. In light of recent events, your policy
demonstrates a level of compassion that should be embraced and
emulated by Jewish newspapers across North America.
On behalf of all those who believe the Big Tent of the Jewish
community is big enough to welcome all who approach, I would like
to express my gratitude for your inclusive policies.
- Forward this email to everyone in your personal network who
believes as we do that the Jewish community should be a place where
everyone - no matter their background - feels welcome and
included.
Since the paper's
statement saying it wouldn't print same-sex wedding announcements
in the future, there has been an amazing outpouring of support for
a reversal of the policy. Thank you for adding your voice and
taking a stand with us on this important issue.
Sincerely,
Rabbi Kerry M.
Olitzky
Executive Director,
Jewish Outreach Institute
Coordinating
Partner of the Big
Tent Judaism Coalition
