Young Conservatives for the Freedom to Marry leadership committee expands

Today, 20 new conservative voices joined the leadership committee for Young Conservatives for the Freedom to Marry, which works to amplify stories of conservatives who support marriage for same-sex couples. The new members include Abby, Liddy, and Mary Anne Huntsman, seasoned veterans of Republican presidential and Senate campaigns, television commentators, communications strategists, and authors. 

Tyler Deaton, who has served on the Young Conservatives for the Freedom to Marry leadership committee since the campaign's start in July 2012, is now the new Campaign Manager for the group. Deaton, who works as a lobbyist and political consultant in Manchester, NH and works as a managing director for b-fresh consulting llc, was an integral leader in the successful legislative effort to protect the freedom to marry in New Hampshire one year ago. The victory marked the first time a majority of Republicans voted in favor of marriage for same-sex couples.

Some notable new names on the leadership committee, which already includes voices like Margaret Hoover and Meghan McCain, include:

  • Abby, Liddy and Mary Anne Huntsman, daughters of former Utah Governor and U.S. Ambassador Jon Huntsman, who recently announced his support for the freedom to marry. 
  • S.E. Cupp, MSNBC host, conservative author, and columnist at The New York Daily News
  • Liz Mair, founder and president of Mair Strategies LLC and online communications director for the 2008 Republican National Committee
  • Eduardo J. Lopez-Reyes, national vice chairman of the Republican Liberty Caucus
  • Will Cain, media entrepreneur, small business owner and television ommentator
  • Nathan Parsons, Director of Operations for Allegiance Strategies
  • Shannon Kiely-Heider, a government relations director for Cummins, Inc.
  • James Owens, president of Oregon Log Cabin Republicans
 
Abby Huntsman explained her excitement for joining the Young Conservatives for the Freedom to Marry leadership committee. She said, "I am thrilled to be part of such a diverse, talented group of conservatives who believe in doing the right thing. Freedom means freedom for everyone, and this includes the freedom to marry the person you love. Marriage for same-sex couples strengthens families and strengthens America, and it's time for conservatives to help make it a reality."
 
Deaton welcomed the new leadership committee members today in a statement. He said:
 
The rapid growth of Young Conservatives for the Freedom to Marry reflects the increasing number of Republicans, libertarians, and right-of-center Americans who are completing their own journeys on marriage for same-sex couples. When conservatives learn why marriage matters to gay people, they realize that they share the same values as anyone else: committing themselves to each other, making a lifetime vow of love, and protecting their families. The freedom to marry is not a Democratic or Republican value; it's an American value that we all can and should support.