Austin City Council unanimously supports the freedom to marry

Today, the Austin City Council unanimously approved a resolution supporting the freedom to marry. The council is now the first city in Texasto officially declare support for ending the exclusion of same-sex couples from marriage.

The resolution was sponsored by Austin's Mayor Pro Tem Sheryl Cole, who spoke at the press conference where the news was announced. Cole said:

It is a great day for Austin to recognize diversity and respect for civil rights and show in public action our support for marriage equality. At a time when our national institutions have not yet fully embraced this basic civil right, it is important that we support non-discrimination actions at every opportunity.

The resolution was co-sponsored by Austin's Mayor, Lee Leffingwell, who is a part of Freedom to Marry's coalition of Mayors for the Freedom to Marry. Mayor Leffingwell said:

We have a robust and diverse LGBT community in Austin and I am proud to stand with them and defend their right to equal marriage. The tide is changing in America and I hope that by joining this loud chorus, our city can play a significant role in helping set us on a path to full marriage equality in our country in my lifetime. 

Mayor Leffingwell is one of 285 mayors across the country - from rural communities to urban centers - who has signed onto our Mayors for the Freedom to Marry pledge. Read more about the coalition of mayors HERE.  

Freedom to Marry applauds the Austin City Council on their resolution and thanks Mayor Leffingwell and Mayor Pro Tem Cole for their leadership on this issue in the state of Texas.