Utah Unites for Marriage aims to move marriage forward for all UT families

Today, marriage supporters from across the state of Utah came together to launch Utah Unites for Marriage, a robust campaign to move marriage forward and make the case that the state is ready for the freedom to marry.

Freedom to Marry is proud to serve as a founding and leading member of the public education campaign, which launched today in Salt Lake City, UT on the steps of the Salt Lake County building - the building where hundreds of same-sex couples tied the knot on December 20, 2013.

We stand alongside a broad coalition of local and national partners, supporters from across the state, and a trio of prominent Utahns, all with the aim of broadening the conversation about marriage for same-sex couples across the state, showcasing the diversity of Utahns who support the freedom to marry, and sending the message that now is the time to allow everyone in the Beehive State to marry the person they love.

Utah Unites For Marriage was founded in the wake of the state’s announcement that it would appeal the marriage victory in Kitchen v. Herbert, a federal court decision that led to nearly 1,300 same-sex weddings in just over two weeks — legal unions that are now in limbo and the subject of a separate case, Evans v. Utah. Oral arguments will be heard in Kitchen v. Herbert at the United States 10th Circuit Court of Appeals on April 10.

Several of the Utah Unites for Marriage co-chairs spoke today at the launch of the campaign, including former U.S. Attorney for Utah Brett Tolman, a Republican and strong supporter of the freedom to marry. He said, "I support the freedom to marry for Utahns like my sister because all Utahns deserve equal protection under the law," he said. "Marriage is more than just a contract. It’s about love, commitment, and devotion. Just as it is for me and my wife."

Read more about the Utah Unites for Marriage launch event HERE, and check out the entire Utah Unites for Marriage website

Join the campaign to move marriage forward in Utah HERE.