North Dakota Mayor becomes 400th Mayor for the Freedom to Marry

Today, Mayor Karyn Hippen of Thompson, North Dakota signed onto Mayors for the Freedom to Marry, becoming the 400th mayor to do so - and the first from North Dakota. 

Mayor Hippen explained her support for marriage today, saying:

I have always been a proponent of equal rights, When my oldest son came out to me, I never dreamed he would have to worry about social laws and obstacles standing in his way of future happiness, simply because society doesn't approve of the person with whom he may fall in love. I pray that all three of my sons get the chance to get married and have a family. I am honored to sign my name to Mayors for the Freedom to Marry.

Mayors for the Freedom to Marry, a project of Freedom to Marry, launched in 2012 and now includes 400 mayors from 38 states across America who are making the case for marriage in their cities, with North Dakota the newest state to be represented. The effort is chaired by Kasim Reed of Atlanta; Julián Castro of San Antonio; Michael Nutter of Philadelphia; Annise Parker of Houston; Greg Stanton of Phoenix; Eric Garcetti of Los Angeles; and Republican Mayor Kevin Faulconer of San Diego.

Freedom to Marry founder and president Evan Wolfson thanked Mayor Hippen for coming aboard Mayors for the Freedom to Marry today. He said:

We welcome with pride our 400th Mayor for the Freedom to Marry nationwide -- and are especially happy that she is from North Dakota, a state that still discriminates against the loving and committed couples living there, unfairly excluding them from marriage. As the conversation about why marriage matters comes to every corner of the country, voices like Mayor Hippen's talking about North Dakota families and values of fairness will help grow support for the freedom to marry in the heartland and create the climate to end the denial of marriage throughout America.

The Mayors for the Freedom to Marry range from geographically diverse cities both large and small, in states with the freedom to marry, states that are considering marriage legislation this year, and states without any relationship recognition for same-sex couples. Marriage supporters can encourage their own mayors to join Mayors for the Freedom to Marry by asking them to sign the official pledge.

Urge your mayor to join Mayors for the Freedom to Marry.