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May 2005 The Executive Committee of Affirmation has issued a statement of interest as part of an amici curiae brief to be filed with the Supreme Court of the State of New York. With statements from many gay-friendly organizations, the brief supports the right of all committed couples to marry, including same-sex couples. Statement of Interest Affirmation Gay & Lesbian Mormons New York Equal Marriage Rights Amicus Brief May 6, 2005 Affirmation Gay and Lesbian Mormons ("Affirmation") is composed of current and former members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints ("Mormons"), their family and friends. Our mission is to work for the understanding and acceptance of gays and lesbians as full and equal members of this Church and society at large. Affirmation has members in the State of New York who would be directly affected by the outcome of this case. Affirmation supports and encourages committed relationships however they occur, whether between man and woman or between two persons of the same gender. We believe immeasurable good comes to both participants and to their community through marriage. We believe our society needs more, not less, commitments made in love and dedication. Same-sex couples will strengthen society by strengthening the time tested institution of marriage. As Mormons, we are told that marriage is "for time and all eternity." We have enormous respect for the practice of marriage, and feel that the exclusion of same-sex couples from this institution harms society. Further, it is our belief that marriage in the United States is a civil contract. Therefore, denying any citizens the right to marry must be based on protecting society from serious harm, rather than upholding the traditions of particular religious groups. Marriage is in the best interest of the state, and thus limiting it is not. See also:  New York Gay Marriage Court Loss Sets the Stage for Profound Change |
www.affirmation.org