Guidelines For Holding Same-Sex Marriage Ceremonies

Myron Levine

The Rabbinical Assembly’s Committee on Jewish Law and Standards, which sets halachic policy for the Conservative movement, has voted unanimously to provide the approximately 1,600 Conservative rabbis with guidelines on performing same-sex marriages.

The move is an official sanction of the ceremonies by the movement. The CJLS approved the documents Thursday by a 13-0 vote with one abstaining ballot. For years, the Conservative movement has debated how to approach same-sex unions. Traditionalists often opposed such relationships while urging respect as progressives -- particularly some rabbinical students -- pushed for full equality.

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Obama: 'Same Sex Marriage Should be Legal

President Obama is endorsing gay marriage, telling ABC News it "should be legal." "I think same sex couples should be able to get married," Obama told ABC's Good Morning America. His statement came within a few days of similar comments by Vice President Biden and Education Secretary Arne Duncan, increasing pressure on Obama from gay rights supporters.

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