VIDEOS: Why marriage matters in Maine, Minnesota, and Washington

By Adam Polaski
Sep 21, 2012 at 04:30 pm

People across Maine, Maryland, Minnesota, and Washington state are having conversations about why marriage matters, inspired by the courageous personal stories featured in a groundbreaking set of new educational broadcast ads. The broadcast ads have been running over the past few weeks, working to educate voters about marriage-related ballot measures that will be put to a vote on November 6, 2012. 

"Freedom," featuring Washington State Senator Cheryl Pflug, a Republican, debuted during the Olympics. Her message was followed by "Journey" in which Reverend Gib Rossing and his wife, Beth Rossing, share their family's story.

Television viewers in Maine have met the Lawsons talking about their gay son; WWII Vet Harlan Gardner gathering with four generations of his family; and Paul and Jeanette Rediker reflecting on their 42 year marriage and their lesbian daughter.

In Minnesota, Grandparents Yvonne and Fred from Duluth described why they support the freedom to marry for same-sex couples.

With these three states running public education and advocacy ads about why marriage matters, millions of people across the country are learning more about loving and committed same-sex couples and taking the time to consider why they need to be treated fairly and equally. 

Learn more about each of the ballot campaigns and the freedom to marry in Washington, Maine, and Minnesota HERE.