A Note from Evan Wolfson
Welcome to the final E-Update. Starting April 2, we will be shifting to a new and tighter communication with friends like you – the Monday Marriage Message. You'll be able to start your week with a concise hit of the the latest news, research, and what people are saying about the freedom to marry – what's coming up and what you might have just missed. Short, snappy, and strategic, we will arm you with what you need to keep on top of the advance toward marriage equality.
There are innumerable ways to make our voices heard as we engage in persistent persuasion of those around us. A concerned Indianapolis citizen made a creative connection between my hero, President Lincoln’s, stance on immigrants rights (a concern back then, too!) and the denial of the human right to marry: “In a letter Lincoln wrote…'Understanding the spirit of our institutions to aim at the elevation of men, I am opposed to whatever tends to degrade them.'” The intentions of our Founding Fathers to continue the arc of expanding equality and the foundation of freedom in the United States are always on our side. Find your own angle – and speak out!
Follow developments in the movement for marriage equality on our website, and in future issues of Freedom to Marry's bi-monthly E-Update.
Reports from the Front
ACLU and Public Interest Release “10 Couples” Website
Freedom to Marry was proud to join the ACLU, in partnership with Emmy-award winning production company Public Interest TV, for the release of a new website entitled "10 couples," released on Monday, March 12th. The website, intended to increase visibility of the realities of marriage inequality, highlights 10 couples and their struggles due to marriage discrimination. The diverse couples share their stories in brief video clips on the website, which also includes a 'take action' and 'tell your friends' sections, encouraging people to get involved in the fight for marriage equality. Visit today and tell your friends!
Equal Rights – Wave of the Future
A new analysis of Field Polls from the last 20 years in California was released last week with encouraging findings. Polling shows thirteen-percent more people in California now support marriage equality. Also, the analysis shows education and outreach is paying off as the most recent 2006 Field Poll shows nearly half (45%) of Californians report they have become more accepting of same-sex relations since they were a young adult, while only 9% say they have become less accepting.
Different-Sex Couples Say "I Do" Again For Marriage Equality
The fight for marriage equality is taking place across America — and non-gay people are speaking up. You can join them by signing the "I do" pledge and telling your friends about Lambda Legal's "I do" campaign showcasing different-sex couples taking action against exclusion. See some of the couples involved and submit your own story and photo!
Presidential Candidates Falling Short
Hilary Clinton addressed HRC recently, and gave an encouraging speech about how her door will always be open for human rights. While expressing support for repealing “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” and other advances towards equal rights, Senator Clinton never mentioned marriage equality. In fact, none of the leading candidates for President in either party have stated they will end the exclusion of same-sex committed couples from marriage — something to keep in mind as you follow the candidates and choose who to support. 2008 is a ways away – now's the time to push (and help) them to do better.
The Latest News
For the latest news, opinions, and polls, including these articles, check out our website.
SHOULD STATE LEGISLATURES END MARRIAGE DISCRIMINATION?
March 13, 2007
Author and marriage movement leader Evan Wolfson says "the time is now," prepares for lively debate with conservative David Blankenhorn.
OPINION: 'Equal marriage' is the right thing
Portsmouth Herald (WY)
March 11, 2007
We believe there is, in fact, nothing special about equal marriage rights. It is fundamentally a civil rights issue that reflects the continual struggle of our democracy to widen the boundaries of liberty and tolerance.
Marriage ripe for decision in 3 courts
Stateline.org
March 1, 2007
All eyes now are on the highest courts in California, Connecticut and Maryland, where decisions on the constitutionality of marriage discrimination are likely this year. Maryland's justices already have heard arguments on a lower-court ruling that found a right to marriage for same-sex couples. Awaiting argument in California and Connecticut are appeals that will test whether civil unions or domestic partnerships are legally inadequate substitutes for matrimony.
