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NLCJ applauds Spain's marriage equality decision

MEDIA RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Lisbeth Meléndez Rivera
(301) 588-3099
lisbeth@freedomtomarry.org

The NATIONAL LATINA/O COALITION FOR JUSTICE APPLAUDS SPAIN'S MARRIAGE EQUALITY DECISION

GROUP SAYS UNITED STATES NOW LAGGING IN RECOGNIZING EQUALITY AND JUSTICE FOR ALL

Washington, D.C. — June 30, 2005 — The National Latina/o Coalition for Justice expressed its joy today at Spain's legalization of the right of same-sex couples to marry despite strong opposition from the Roman Catholic Church and conservative elected officials. Spain now becomes the third country to allow same sex couples to marry, joining the Netherlands and Belgium. Canada is expected to be the fourth country to enact such a law.

"A nation's leader has taken a stand and guided his country to better understand the right of same-sex couples to marry and to support it overwhelmingly, instead of using the issue to divide a country for the sake of political gain" said Coalition member Andres Duque of Spain's Prime Minister Jose Luis Rodriguez Zapatero. "The United States now lags in recognizing liberty and justice for all."

The National Latina/o Coalition for Justice agrees emphatically with Prime Minister Jose Luis Rodriguez Zapatero when he is quoted, "We were not the first, but I am sure we will not be the last. After us will come many other countries driven, ladies and gentlemen, by two unstoppable forces: freedom and equality."

"Spain's decision on the side of freedom and equality in legalizing same sex marriage gives us hope here in California as we also fight for marriage equality," stated Mario Guerrero, Coalition member from Bienestar Human Services. "California legislators will have a second chance this legislative cycle to vote on the side of freedom and equality in allowing same sex marriage and symbolize the United States move toward marriage equality."

Spain's embrace of the right to marry for same-sex couples undermines the common held belief that most people from Hispanic nations will not stand on the side of equality. With Buenos Aires becoming the first municipality in Latin America to adopt civil unions last year, it is clear that there is movement throughout the Americas to recognize the right to marry for same sex couples.

About The National Latina/o Coalition for Justice:
The National Latina/o Coalition for Justice fights to end discrimination in marriage. The Coalition aims to achieve its goals by promoting comprehensive public education, organizing and media outreach while working with decision -makers and grassroots activists across the country.

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Freedom to Marry is the gay and non-gay partnership working to win marriage equality nationwide. Launched in 2003, Freedom to Marry is headed by Evan Wolfson, nationally recognized as a central "architect of the marriage equality movement." Freedom to Marry guides and focuses this social justice movement on a nationwide level, serving as a strategy and support center for national, state, and local partners, a catalyst that drives and shapes the national debate on marriage equality, and an alliance-builder fostering support from non-gay allies.