On Monday the first of three 10’ X 30’ billboards was placed at 2nd and Stevens streets in favor of same-sex marriage. The billboard states in bold rainbow colored letters that, “People of Faith Support Freedom to Marry,” and contains a group photograph of 15 Spokane area ministers, clergy, and other faith leaders encouraging those who see it to “Vote Yes” on Referendum 74. If passed this November, Referendum 74 will give same-sex couples the legal right to marry in Washington State.

Two additional billboards were placed on Tuesday; one at Market and Glass on the North End, and one in Spokane Valley at Sprague and Gillis. The billboard features faith leaders from a variety of traditions, including Rev. “Andy” CastroLang, of the Westminister Congregational United Church of Christ, Rev. Happy Watkins, pastor of New Hope Baptist Church, Rev. Tracy Springberry, minister at the North Idaho Unitarian Universalist Church in Coeur d’Alene, Rabbi Tamar Malino, of the Congregation Emanu-El, among representatives from several other area religious communities and faith traditions. 

The billboard campaign is sponsored by the Unitarian Universalist Church of Spokane, and the Westside Unitarian Universalist Congregation (Seattle, WA).

The campaign shows in no uncertain terms that many religious people support the freedom to marry for same sex couples. We’re not all in agreement on this issue and it’s not fair to lump us all onto the side of hate and fear, especially those of us who think faith is at is best when it expresses compassion and promotes justice.