NEW YORK - April 20 - Freedom to Marry announced today the creation of its new program-Voices for Equality-an online record of prominent Americans who have spoken out against discrimination in marriage. From religious leaders to entertainers to politicians, these non-gay and gay women and men are refusing to be silent at a time when America's promise of equality is at stake.

"The Voices for Equality program highlights those who are speaking out for marriage equality in order to honor these voices and help promote conversations across the country with these individuals as examples," said Evan Wolfson, executive director of Freedom to Marry and author of Why Marriage Matters: America, Equality and Gay People's Right to Marry.  "A great example of a Voice for Equality is Steve Schmidt, chief strategist of John McCain's presidential campaign, who spoke out in support of marriage equality just recently, and gave a speech about why Republicans should embrace the freedom to marry."

Our first 50 Voices for Equality, including Steve Schmidt, are already profiled on the Freedom to Marry website (http://www.freedomtomarry.org/about_us/voices_for_equality.php), but everyone can help spotlight the next 50.  Beginning April 20, 2009, nominations will be accepted to build the roster of Voices for Equality.  Make sure your hero is among that group by sending an email to Tahlib@freedomtomarry.org today.

"A small group of volunteers from across the country put together this first group of prominent individuals," noted Tahlib Disney-Britton, Freedom to Marry's Voices for Equality Program Director. "Now we want everyone to help us meet our goal of 100 Voices for Equality by May 1st."

Submissions can be made by e-mailing your nomination to Tahlib@freedomtomarry.org and describing why you think this person deserves to be a Voice for Equality. While we welcome all allies who are supportive of equality for gay people, only those who have taken a public stand expressly for marriage equality can be spotlighted as one of Freedom to Marry's Voices for Equality.

Read Online: http://www.freedomtomarry.org/press_center/voices_for_equality.php