So maybe it doesn't look like a big deal to affirm the worth and dignity of every person, something we Unitarian Universalists do as part of our religious practice.  But if we go beyond saying it to actually following up on it, it's not ordinary at all, and it can be a big deal.  Many of us are opposed to war, because killing people is clearly a dis-affirmation of their worth.  But we can't just turn around and hate the people who make war, because they, too, are precious. 

This is the affirmation that has led us as a movement to struggle alongside ***, gay, bisexual and transgender adults and youth for their freedom to be themselves. We have been giving religious blessing to same-gender unions since the early 1970's and have continued to advocate for legal recognition of marriages for same-gender couples.  New Hampshire has taken a big step toward equal marriage rights in establishing Civil Unions, a law that goes into effect on January 1, 2008.  This is something to celebrate! 

I plan to participate in celebrating this change in New Hampshire law.  When Rep. Gail Morrison, who really started the ball rolling in the last legislative session, asked me to officiate for Civil Unions on the steps of the State House at one minute after midnight on January 1, of course I said "yes".  The paperwork is available at town halls now, and some other officiants have offered to help.  Our intention is to start the year off by sealing the civil unions of as many couples as show up with their papers in order and their intentions clear.

This is an important step toward full marriage equality, and an important step toward affirming the worth and dignity of some couples who have been living in the shadows for too long.