Why Jews Should Support Gay Marriage
by Originally a blog on myspace/facebook. This expresses some of my thoughts about the gay marriage issue. I feel strongly about gay rights because of the way my gay and bisexual friends have suffered. Check out the first chapter of Shades of Gay (also published through Triond) for a preview of my contribution to the cause.
Did you know that in 19th century Germany, Jewish marriages were not recognized by the state?
I don’t know whether my great-great-great grandparents were in love or not; I’d like to imagine that they were, but as anyone who has seen Fiddler on the Roof knows, arranged marriages were common in centuries past. I do know this, however: my family name, Silberstein, belonged to my great-great-great grandmother. Because Jewish marriages were not legal, German authorities refused to give the father’s name, Obstler, to the “illegitimate” children of the marriage.
If this disgusts you, then consider what you’re saying when you claim that gay marriage should not be legal.
Incidentally, Jews weren’t the only people persecuted and killed in Nazi Germany. Hitler targeted homosexuals as well. His campaign began with making homosexual “clubs” illegal, then progressed to the gas chambers. The homosexual symbol, a pink triangle, was the badge homosexual prisoners were forced to wear in the death camps, just as the yellow Star of David was forced upon the Jews.
Those of you who believe that the Bible is literal truth, and therefore all homosexuals are condemned to hell, think about it.
Many, many non-heterosexual people have been there. And so have Jews.
Enough said.
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Post Commentvfrost
On November 8, 2008 at 10:27 pm
I like this, I had no idea Jews were not allowed to marry. Interesting correlation.
Stephanie Silberstein
On November 12, 2008 at 5:49 pm
Thank you for your comment. It’s sad but true… one of the ways to marginalize and dehumanize people is to deny them the right to marry.
clafleur
On May 29, 2009 at 1:53 am
I enjoyed your article, but I disagree with you on quite a few points you made. I know we cannot tackle homosexuality in one comment but, being gay I think is a choice, being jewish is your blessing. You cannot compare the opression of some one who chooses a life style, and is discriminated against, to a group of people who were born a particular race as the creator intended. The Jews dont have a choice, they cannot change their religous or ethnic affiliation. Homosexuals could change and they could eliminate this problem. I respect your right to your opinion, but I disagree.
Stephanie Silberstein
On October 9, 2010 at 6:06 pm
@clafleur: I realize you made this comment a long time ago, but I just saw it now so I am responding anyway.
I disagree with you on the grounds that being gay is not a choice. I wonder what evidence you based it on. If your answer is simply that the Bible condemns homosexuality, then my only answer to you is that I don’t consider the Bible to be an appropriate source for scientific or political discussions.