[ + ] Text [ – ]
Freedom to Marry Honors the Life of Del Martin
Evan Wolfson, Executive Director, upon the passing of Del Martin, a civil rights leader who, along with her spouse Phyllis Lyon whom she married on June 16, 2008 after 55 years together, was one of the nation's first and most admired activists for equality and fairness for lesbian and gay people:
"Del Martin lived what Dr. King said he, too, aspired to — a committed life. Committed to changing our country and the lives of millions for the better, committed to her beloved spouse Phyllis, committed in meaning and, happily, thanks to the progress she inspired, committed in marriage. Freedom to Marry honors this luminous pioneer and pillar, and as we work to have and hold marriage in California and nationwide, treasures the lessons she and Phyllis taught us and the example they set."
- Gifts in lieu of flowers can be made to honor Del's life and commitment at www.nclrights.org/NoOn8.
Quote of the Week
“As I mentioned to you all last night, and I reiterate here today — standing before you, looking you in the eye — the Defense of Marriage Act, insofar as it provided the federal government a club to club down the rights of law-abiding, American citizens, has been abused, misused and should be repealed.”
— Libertarian presidential candidate Bob Barr, sponsor of the Defense of Marriage Act in 1996
Evan Wolfson explains what people in New Jersey are understanding: why marriage matters, and why civil unions are no substitute for the protections and responsibilities of marriage. (Link)
The public is increasingly open to ending the exclusion of same-sex couples and their families from marriage, and this support for marriage equality is growing faster in this civil rights movement than ever before (Link)
Equality for All is working to preserve marriage by leading the fight against an anti-marriage initiative on the November 2008 ballot in California. (Link)
This Williams Institute report finds that same-sex couples prefer marriage over civil unions or domestic partnerships, and want and use new legal statuses. (pdf link)
The Voices of Equality Program is a national high profile strategic speakers bureau and media ambassadors program that seeks to advance messages of marriage equality through prominent civic leaders to targeted populations. The Voices of Equality Program consists of a 2-person team that will include program management, talent booking, and media advocacy functions.
