San Francisco, CA: Marriage Equality USA (MEUSA), Equality California (EQCA) and other allied organizations are hosting rallies in over a dozen cities throughout the state to show the Governor that the will of the people supports equality and to urge him to be a hero, not do a veto sequel but rather sign Assembly Bill (AB) 43 (SF: Leno) – the Religious Freedom and Civil Marriage Protection Act – (sponsored by Equality California.)
“We are gathering together around the state to urge the Governor to look into our faces, to think of our children who have to explain why their families aren‟t good enough to marry to the schoolyard bullies, or to consider the seniors who struggle with explaining to uninformed cremation businesses that as domestic partners they actually do have the right to make such decisions for their deceased partners, at least in California,” said Molly McKay, MEUSA Media Director. “Like hundreds of thousands of same-sex couples, I can‟t wait to marry my life-partner, Davina. We only want for our families what the Governor wants for his own wife and children, the same dignity, security and peace of mind of knowing that their Government will see and treat them as a family. Domestic partnerships are unequal and unfair. We simply seek the freedom to marry and live our own happily ever afters.”
“With a stroke of a pen, the Governor will determine this week what role he will play in this civil rights struggle of our generation. We plan to rally across the state to urge Governor Schwarzenegger to be the courageous hero who does the right thing and ensures true equality for hundreds of thousands of his LGBT Constituents,” said Pamela Brown, MEUSA Policy Director. “He can no longer hide behind the Prop 22 Ballot measure from 2000. The entire landscape around LGBT equality has moved light years forward from that dark time in California‟s history. After the Marriage Equality bill passed the California Legislature in 2005, not one legislator who voted for the bill lost their seat, in fact those who voted for the bill, were elected over those who abstained in the following election. Then in the 2006 elections, even more pro-marriage equality candidates were elected and this year and the California Legislature again passed the Marriage Equality bill with even more votes than before. Opponents of marriage equality claim that „judicial activism‟ is responsible for the extension of civil rights to same-sex couples. With the California Supreme Court set to hear this issue early next year, this may be the last chance for the Governor to fulfill California‟s destiny to become the first state in the nation to secure marriage equality through the Legislature. The time is now and we hope that the Governor leaves a legacy of standing on the side of ensuring all Californians are treated equally under the law.”
Rallies will be held in Bakersfield, Fresno, Humboldt, Lakeport, Los Angeles, Marin, Modesto, Sacramento, San Diego, San Francisco Bay Area, San Luis Obispo, Santa Rosa, Silicon Valley, Stockton, Ukiah, and Yolo.
Rallies will be held on Tuesday, September 18th across the state.
>> This is an official press release from the National Press Center of Marriage Equality USA, a national organization whose mission is to secure legally recognized civil marriage equality for all, at the federal and state level, without regard to gender identity or sexual orientation.
Tuesday, September 18, 2007
Thursday, August 30, 2007
Marriage Equality USA Praises the Iowa Court Decision to Support the Opportunity for Same-Sex Couples to Marry
Media Contacts:
Molly McKay, Media Director, (510)332-0872
Phyllis Stevens, Iowa Chapter Leader, (515) 309-2860
Des Moines, Iowa: "Today is a truly profound day in America's heartland as we celebrate Polk County Iowa District Court 's ruling that loving, committed same-sex couples, many of whom have been together for decades, should indeed have the freedom to marry their beloved ,” said Marriage Equality USA Iowa Chapter Leader, Phyllis Stevens.
In their decision, the Iowa Court ruled “Couples, such as Plaintiffs, who are otherwise qualified to marry one another may not be denied licenses to marry or certificates of marriage or in any other way be prevented from entering into a civil marriage pursuant to Iowa Code Chapter 595 by reason of the fact that both persons compromising such a couple are of the same sex.”
“We applaud Lambda Legal's efforts and the courageous plaintiff couples who stepped forward and offered the truth of their lives as loving families to secure the freedom to marry for all same-sex couples in their state,” said Molly McKay, Media Director, Marriage Equality USA. “ We also celebrate the educational outreach efforts of our Marriage Equality USA Iowa Chapter working in coalition with other local advocates to sustain this momentum.”
“The court applied the traditional Midwest value of fairness and inclusion. Iowa is home to thousands of same-sex couples who live in every county of this state. Providing these families equal protection is not only neighborly , but the right thing to do,” said Stevens. “This decision and the courage and perseverance of these families that share their stories on how the exclusion from marriage harms their families will help ensure that no family in the future is treated as second class and will help move this nation forward in the movement for same-sex couples to gain the over 1,000 federal rights and the hundreds of state rights that come with marriage and marriage alone.”
“We are pleased to see so many advances made in support of marriage equality this year, from coast to coast and now expanding to include middle America. Marriage Equailty USA will not rest until marriage equality is the law of the land from sea to shining sea ,” said McKay. “It is our honor and our responsibility to help correct this outstanding injustice.”
Molly McKay, Media Director, (510)332-0872
Phyllis Stevens, Iowa Chapter Leader, (515) 309-2860
Des Moines, Iowa: "Today is a truly profound day in America's heartland as we celebrate Polk County Iowa District Court 's ruling that loving, committed same-sex couples, many of whom have been together for decades, should indeed have the freedom to marry their beloved ,” said Marriage Equality USA Iowa Chapter Leader, Phyllis Stevens.
In their decision, the Iowa Court ruled “Couples, such as Plaintiffs, who are otherwise qualified to marry one another may not be denied licenses to marry or certificates of marriage or in any other way be prevented from entering into a civil marriage pursuant to Iowa Code Chapter 595 by reason of the fact that both persons compromising such a couple are of the same sex.”
“We applaud Lambda Legal's efforts and the courageous plaintiff couples who stepped forward and offered the truth of their lives as loving families to secure the freedom to marry for all same-sex couples in their state,” said Molly McKay, Media Director, Marriage Equality USA. “ We also celebrate the educational outreach efforts of our Marriage Equality USA Iowa Chapter working in coalition with other local advocates to sustain this momentum.”
“The court applied the traditional Midwest value of fairness and inclusion. Iowa is home to thousands of same-sex couples who live in every county of this state. Providing these families equal protection is not only neighborly , but the right thing to do,” said Stevens. “This decision and the courage and perseverance of these families that share their stories on how the exclusion from marriage harms their families will help ensure that no family in the future is treated as second class and will help move this nation forward in the movement for same-sex couples to gain the over 1,000 federal rights and the hundreds of state rights that come with marriage and marriage alone.”
“We are pleased to see so many advances made in support of marriage equality this year, from coast to coast and now expanding to include middle America. Marriage Equailty USA will not rest until marriage equality is the law of the land from sea to shining sea ,” said McKay. “It is our honor and our responsibility to help correct this outstanding injustice.”
Thursday, August 23, 2007
Marriage Equality USA & Pride at Work Applaud Union’s Action in Extending Domestic Partner Pension Benefits; Retroactive to Include Marvin Burrows
San Francisco, CA: Bill Swenor worked the graveyard shift for 38 years as a warehouseman and proud member of the International Longshore and Warehouse Union (ILWU). Although Bill Swenor was with Marvin Burrows for 51 years, married him in San Francisco during the “Winter of Love” and registered as California Domestic Partners, when Bill died in March 2005, Marvin was denied further health insurance coverage and Bill’s union pension, as well as Bill’s federal social security survivor benefits because they were a same-sex couple. Marvin was financially forced to move from their home of 35 years.
“Civil right victories are won by the courage of individuals. Marvin Burrows lost the love of his life, and was denied relationship protections which created a devastating financial crisis for him, an all too common reality for our LGBT senior community,” said Molly McKay, MEUSA Media Director. “But Marvin took the uncommon step of bravely sharing his story as the Marriage Equality USA Senior Outreach Director, devoting his life to educating fair-minded Americans about the harms of being excluded from marriage and relationship protections in the hopes that through sharing his story, he would help ensure that no one else would have to go through what he did in the future.”
The National Center for Lesbian Rights (NCLR), sent a request to Bill’s union, on Marvin’s behalf, to reconsider their denial, but the pension fund’s denial was believed final. Then, two years later, on August 13th, NCLR contacted Marvin to convey a message they had received from Bill’s union pension administrator “During recent negotiations between Industrial Employers and Distributors Association (IEDA) and Warehouse Union Local 6 and 17, the Pension Agreement was changed to provide Domestic Partners the same rights to benefits as a spouse. This change was made retroactive to March 1, 2005 and will now allow Mr. Burrows to receive a benefit on behalf of Mr. Swenor.”
“It took two years for this change to come, but we are so pleased that not only did the union do the right thing and extend pension benefits to domestic partners, but they also reached back to specifically include Marvin, the one who moved them to take this important step,” said McKay. “We applaud this decision, as an interim measure which will extend some of the rights that would have been automatic had Marvin and Bill been allowed to marry. Marvin is still denied federal social security survivor benefits and the dignity of being recognized in all aspects as the widower. Marvin’s story serves as yet another example on how domestic partnerships don’t provide the same security or benefits of marriage.”
“Though many unions provide spousal benefits to same-sex couples, there are still many that do not,” said T Santora, co-President of Pride @ Work. “We are hopeful that this action will influence other unions to follow suit and ensure that their LGBT members and their families are afforded the protections that other members enjoy and ensure that Marvin’s experience becomes a part of history, not a continuing reality for others. By taking this action, the ILWU demonstrated its commitment to the union principle that an injury to one is an injury to all.”
“When I heard the news that Bill’s union had changed their policy and even made it retroactive to include me, I was stunned,” said Marvin. “Maybe it was me sharing my story with so many people, but I think it is also because they thought it was the right thing to do. I hope this shows our community the power of speaking up and that this encourages more gay Americans to come out and tell their stories. Bill was always proud of how his union provided for its members and I know Bill is smiling down at me and that alone gives me a wonderful reflection.”
>> This is an official press release from the National Press Center of Marriage Equality USA, a national organization whose mission is to secure legally recognized civil marriage equality for all, at the federal and state level, without regard to gender identity or sexual orientation.
“Civil right victories are won by the courage of individuals. Marvin Burrows lost the love of his life, and was denied relationship protections which created a devastating financial crisis for him, an all too common reality for our LGBT senior community,” said Molly McKay, MEUSA Media Director. “But Marvin took the uncommon step of bravely sharing his story as the Marriage Equality USA Senior Outreach Director, devoting his life to educating fair-minded Americans about the harms of being excluded from marriage and relationship protections in the hopes that through sharing his story, he would help ensure that no one else would have to go through what he did in the future.”
The National Center for Lesbian Rights (NCLR), sent a request to Bill’s union, on Marvin’s behalf, to reconsider their denial, but the pension fund’s denial was believed final. Then, two years later, on August 13th, NCLR contacted Marvin to convey a message they had received from Bill’s union pension administrator “During recent negotiations between Industrial Employers and Distributors Association (IEDA) and Warehouse Union Local 6 and 17, the Pension Agreement was changed to provide Domestic Partners the same rights to benefits as a spouse. This change was made retroactive to March 1, 2005 and will now allow Mr. Burrows to receive a benefit on behalf of Mr. Swenor.”
“It took two years for this change to come, but we are so pleased that not only did the union do the right thing and extend pension benefits to domestic partners, but they also reached back to specifically include Marvin, the one who moved them to take this important step,” said McKay. “We applaud this decision, as an interim measure which will extend some of the rights that would have been automatic had Marvin and Bill been allowed to marry. Marvin is still denied federal social security survivor benefits and the dignity of being recognized in all aspects as the widower. Marvin’s story serves as yet another example on how domestic partnerships don’t provide the same security or benefits of marriage.”
“Though many unions provide spousal benefits to same-sex couples, there are still many that do not,” said T Santora, co-President of Pride @ Work. “We are hopeful that this action will influence other unions to follow suit and ensure that their LGBT members and their families are afforded the protections that other members enjoy and ensure that Marvin’s experience becomes a part of history, not a continuing reality for others. By taking this action, the ILWU demonstrated its commitment to the union principle that an injury to one is an injury to all.”
“When I heard the news that Bill’s union had changed their policy and even made it retroactive to include me, I was stunned,” said Marvin. “Maybe it was me sharing my story with so many people, but I think it is also because they thought it was the right thing to do. I hope this shows our community the power of speaking up and that this encourages more gay Americans to come out and tell their stories. Bill was always proud of how his union provided for its members and I know Bill is smiling down at me and that alone gives me a wonderful reflection.”
>> This is an official press release from the National Press Center of Marriage Equality USA, a national organization whose mission is to secure legally recognized civil marriage equality for all, at the federal and state level, without regard to gender identity or sexual orientation.
Friday, June 1, 2007
Organizations Celebrate 40th Anniversary of Loving Decision that Ended Ban on Interracial Marriage and Recognize Need to End Similar Ban
Hayward, CA: “Forty years ago, you couldn’t marry someone of a different race, and today you can’t marry someone of the same sex. For interracial couples like my own Mom and Dad, times have truly changed, and I look forward to the day when all Americans can marry the person they love. On this 40th anniversary of the US Supreme Court's Loving v Virginia decision that granted interracial couples the freedom to marry, I have great hope that soon marriage equality will become a reality for me and John, just as it did for my parents," said Stuart Gaffney, Marriage Equality USA’s API Outreach Director. Stuart and his partner of 20 years, John Lewis, are plaintiffs in the California marriage case for same-sex couples, currently before the California Supreme Court.
On June 12th, 1967 the Supreme Court ended the exclusion of interracial couples from marriage with their decision entitled Loving v. Virginia. Before that date, states had the right to physically separate couples, deny recognition of interracial relationships and punish interracial couples with imprisonment of up to ten years.
“While we recognize that our histories are different, our struggle for equality is the same. The Loving decision is a part of the civil rights movement that is too often forgotten and its linkages to the similar struggles of same-sex couples today are important to recognize. So we are very pleased to be gathering with a diverse group of community organizations to celebrate the 40th Anniversary of this landmark decision,” said Patricia Kevena Fili of the Lighthouse Community Center. This celebration will take place at the Lighthouse Community Center, 1217 A Street in Hayward on Sunday, June 10th from 2-5 pm. A press conference to kick of the event will be held at 2pm.
“Marriage equality is often seen as an issue affecting adults, but it is really an issue that impacts children tremendously,” said Aimee Fisher of Our Family Coalition. “It matters to the children being raised by same-sex parents to have legal protection and be accepted in their community. Domestic partnerships don’t provide the same rights, dignity or respect that marriage does.”
The Loving Day celebration is free to the public and family friendly. The day’s events will include screenings of films highlighting the struggles for marriage equality, interactive story telling activities, and a panel discussion. Also featured at this event is the Marriage Equality Movement Family Story Quilt, a project of Marriage Equality USA that intersperses photos and stories from Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Intersex (LGBTI) families and allies. “The quilt reflects the diversity of our families and communities, as well as the urgency of this marriage equality issue,” said Maya Scott Chung, MEUSA Parents Outreach Director and Story Quilt Curator. “The Lighthouse is honored to house this important monument and host this important event”, explains Kevena Fili.. “It is a testament to the struggle of courage and a reminder that we have work to do to achieve full equality.”’
>> This is an official press release from the National Press Center of Marriage Equality USA, a national organization whose mission is to secure legally recognized civil marriage equality for all, at the federal and state level, without regard to gender identity or sexual orientation.
On June 12th, 1967 the Supreme Court ended the exclusion of interracial couples from marriage with their decision entitled Loving v. Virginia. Before that date, states had the right to physically separate couples, deny recognition of interracial relationships and punish interracial couples with imprisonment of up to ten years.
“While we recognize that our histories are different, our struggle for equality is the same. The Loving decision is a part of the civil rights movement that is too often forgotten and its linkages to the similar struggles of same-sex couples today are important to recognize. So we are very pleased to be gathering with a diverse group of community organizations to celebrate the 40th Anniversary of this landmark decision,” said Patricia Kevena Fili of the Lighthouse Community Center. This celebration will take place at the Lighthouse Community Center, 1217 A Street in Hayward on Sunday, June 10th from 2-5 pm. A press conference to kick of the event will be held at 2pm.
“Marriage equality is often seen as an issue affecting adults, but it is really an issue that impacts children tremendously,” said Aimee Fisher of Our Family Coalition. “It matters to the children being raised by same-sex parents to have legal protection and be accepted in their community. Domestic partnerships don’t provide the same rights, dignity or respect that marriage does.”
The Loving Day celebration is free to the public and family friendly. The day’s events will include screenings of films highlighting the struggles for marriage equality, interactive story telling activities, and a panel discussion. Also featured at this event is the Marriage Equality Movement Family Story Quilt, a project of Marriage Equality USA that intersperses photos and stories from Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Intersex (LGBTI) families and allies. “The quilt reflects the diversity of our families and communities, as well as the urgency of this marriage equality issue,” said Maya Scott Chung, MEUSA Parents Outreach Director and Story Quilt Curator. “The Lighthouse is honored to house this important monument and host this important event”, explains Kevena Fili.. “It is a testament to the struggle of courage and a reminder that we have work to do to achieve full equality.”’
>> This is an official press release from the National Press Center of Marriage Equality USA, a national organization whose mission is to secure legally recognized civil marriage equality for all, at the federal and state level, without regard to gender identity or sexual orientation.
Monday, February 12, 2007
SAN FRANCISCO MAYOR GAVIN NEWSOM JOINS WITH MARRIAGE EQUALITY USA AND OTHER COMMUNITY GROUPS TO CELEBRATE FREEDOM TO MARRY WEEK
San Francisco, CA – On Monday, February 12 from 5:00-7:00 pm, Mayor Gavin Newsom will be hosting a reception to recognize our shared commitment to marriage equality for all Americans as we celebrate the third anniversary for the over 4,000 same-sex couples that married in San Francisco City Hall. As part of that celebration, Marriage Equality USA will present our Marriage Equality Movement Family Story Quilt that was created with a wide range of individuals and organizations, including but not limited to API Equality, API Family Pride, Our Family Coalition, Asian Equality, Collage, Equality California, and PFLAG. The quilt will reflect the diversity of our families and communities, as well as the urgency of this issue.
“We believe that it is touching and appropriate to be able to share our stories, once again, here at San Francisco City Hall on why marriage matters and domestic partnerships are unequal. This location and timing provide an amazing opportunity to educate the public and mobilize our supporters, as this project will highlight the pending marriage equality legislation and State Supreme Court case which will be heard just a block away from this exhibit,” said Molly McKay, MEUSA Media Director.
The story quilt conceived and curated by Maya Scott-Chung, MEUSA Parents Outreach Director, intersperse photos and stories from LGBTI families and allies, including but not limited to Asian Pacific Islander, African American; Bi-National; Differently-abled; Latino/a; Native American; Transgender; LGBTI Youth, Seniors, and Singles; Communities of Faith; and PFLAG. The story quilt will explore the history of marriage equality and previous Freedom to Marry Week actions, the Woo case and current marriage equality legislation, and international marriage equality victories.
The Marriage Equality Movement Family Story Quilt will be on display to the public in the Van Ness lobby at San Francisco City Hall through the remainder of February and after that story quilt will be available for use in other projects and communities.
>> This is an official press release from the National Press Center of Marriage Equality USA, a national organization whose mission is to secure legally recognized civil marriage equality for all, at the federal and state level, without regard to gender identity or sexual orientation.
“We believe that it is touching and appropriate to be able to share our stories, once again, here at San Francisco City Hall on why marriage matters and domestic partnerships are unequal. This location and timing provide an amazing opportunity to educate the public and mobilize our supporters, as this project will highlight the pending marriage equality legislation and State Supreme Court case which will be heard just a block away from this exhibit,” said Molly McKay, MEUSA Media Director.
The story quilt conceived and curated by Maya Scott-Chung, MEUSA Parents Outreach Director, intersperse photos and stories from LGBTI families and allies, including but not limited to Asian Pacific Islander, African American; Bi-National; Differently-abled; Latino/a; Native American; Transgender; LGBTI Youth, Seniors, and Singles; Communities of Faith; and PFLAG. The story quilt will explore the history of marriage equality and previous Freedom to Marry Week actions, the Woo case and current marriage equality legislation, and international marriage equality victories.
The Marriage Equality Movement Family Story Quilt will be on display to the public in the Van Ness lobby at San Francisco City Hall through the remainder of February and after that story quilt will be available for use in other projects and communities.
>> This is an official press release from the National Press Center of Marriage Equality USA, a national organization whose mission is to secure legally recognized civil marriage equality for all, at the federal and state level, without regard to gender identity or sexual orientation.
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