A GAY couple will wed in a synagogue in an Australian first which could split the Jewish community.
Traditional Judaism regards homosexuality as "abhorrent", but three progressive rabbis have agreed to conduct the Sydney ceremony for bookshop owner Scott Whitmont, 47, and nurse Christopher Whitmont-Stein, 38.
The couple, together for nine years, said they were excited that their relationship would be recognised by their faith, despite same-sex marriage being illegal in NSW.
"When you`re planning a wedding, you don`t think about the political side of it. Maybe it will start something," Mr Whitmont-Stein said. "Same sex unions should be recognised ... because we don`t have the same legal rights as heterosexual couples."
Mr Whitmont-Stein, who added his partner`s name a few years ago, joked that he had assumed the role of bride because he had time off work and was co-ordinating the ceremony and reception for 75 guests.
The couple will wed under the traditional Jewish canopy or chuppah, exchange rings, say blessings over cups of wine and break a glass - another Jewish tradition.
Emanuel Synagogue Rabbi Jeffrey Kamins, said contemporary ethics were at odds with received tradition about homosexuality.
"Contemporary knowledge from biology, psychology and other fields has led to a far deeper understanding of human sexuality," he wrote to congregants.
"Gay or lesbian relationships are not `deviant`, but part of human behaviour."
Orthodox sections of the Jewish community do not condone homosexuality.
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