We should like to encourage your committee in reconsidering your present policy against allowing same-sex and other non-traditional couples and their families to take advantage of your reduced membership rates for families.
We believe that the YMCA was founded out of the same religious impulse that has long motivated the Society of Friends: the belief that all persons are equally valuable in the sight of God. Although the YMCA originally had a special concern for young men, it is clear that this concern has now been extended to persons of all ages and sexes. This being the case, it is inconsistent to exclude some families from benefits that are extended to others.
Families and couples of all kinds exist in our worshiping community, and we can readily testify that they are not greatly different from each other. One of the outstanding differences, and a source of grief to us, is the disabilities which society places upon same-gender couples. The impact on their children also concerns us greatly. Several couples in Northampton Preparative meeting are being discriminated against by your current policy which denies them family membership.
We strongly urge you to adopt a policy that treats non-traditional, including same-sex, couples who apply for family membership on the same basis as traditionally married couples.
On behalf of, and at the direction of,