Jodo Shinshu Hongwanji-ha Hongwanji International Department

Sharing the Dharma: Supporting the Rights of Same-Gender Couples (Article from Hawaii)

Hawaii- The Honpa Hongwanji Mission of Hawaii took a significant step forward by passing a resolution supporting the rights of same-gender couples during our 98th Annual Legislative Assembly held on February 12-13, 2010. The resolution affirms our belief that same-gender couples should have access to equal rights and quality of life as conferred by legally recognized marriage.

The Mission of the Honpa Hongwanji Mission of Hawaii is to share the living teachings of Jodo Shinshu Buddhism so that all beings may enjoy lives of harmony, peace and gratitude. This resolution shares our perspective on the rights of same-gender couples in light of the Dharma. We believe that our society should be inclusive of all sentient beings and be free from all forms of discrimination.

It is important for us to share our values of universal compassion, equality and interdependence with the larger community. This resolution is an effort to share the living Dharma with others. We believe the issue of same-gender unions to be a matter of civil rights. As the largest Buddhist denomination in Hawaii, we affirm the dignity and worth of all people and that everyone deserves to be treated equally within our society. This resolution is a means of compassionate action to help promote a more peaceful and humane world.