October, 06 2009, 12:48pm EDT
For Immediate Release
Contact:
Inga Sarda-Sorensen
Director of Communications
(Office) 646.358.1463
isorensen@theTaskForce.org
Task Force Action Fund applauds introduction of D.C. marriage equality bill
The National Gay and Lesbian Task Force Action Fund applauds
today's introduction of the "Religious Freedom and Civil Marriage
Equality Amendment Act of 2009," in the City Council of the District of
Columbia by Councilmember David Catania and 10 co-sponsors. The bill
seeks to allow same-sex couples to legally marry in D.C. Currently,
D.C. only recognizes the marriages of same-sex couples that are
performed elsewhere.
Statement by Rea Carey, Executive Director
National Gay and Lesbian Task Force Action Fund
WASHINGTON
The National Gay and Lesbian Task Force Action Fund applauds
today's introduction of the "Religious Freedom and Civil Marriage
Equality Amendment Act of 2009," in the City Council of the District of
Columbia by Councilmember David Catania and 10 co-sponsors. The bill
seeks to allow same-sex couples to legally marry in D.C. Currently,
D.C. only recognizes the marriages of same-sex couples that are
performed elsewhere.
Statement by Rea Carey, Executive Director
National Gay and Lesbian Task Force Action Fund
"Today's introduction of the 'Religious Freedom and Civil Marriage
Equality Amendment Act of 2009' by Councilmember David Catania and 10
co-sponsors is another step toward full freedom and equality in the
District of Columbia. It's time for D.C. to join other fair-minded
jurisdictions across this country in issuing marriage certificates to
loving and committed same-sex couples.
"Many D.C. couples wish to marry in their hometown and can't. For
some, the financial barriers to traveling to states such as Vermont,
Iowa, Connecticut and Massachusetts to marry are too significant. For
others, getting married in any of those states may carry less emotional
meaning for them or their loved ones, given the significance of the
day. For others still, as a matter of principle, they want to be able
to get married in the same beautiful city that so many of their friends
and neighbors can already get married in.
"To have full marriage rights in our nation's capital would set a
new threshold for other jurisdictions. We look forward to full marriage
equality in the District of Columbia, when same-sex couples can be
legally married in the city where they live, work, raise their children
and make their homes."
The National LGBTQ Task Force advances full freedom, justice and equality for LGBTQ people. We are building a future where everyone can be free to be their entire selves in every aspect of their lives. Today, despite all the progress we've made to end discrimination, millions of LGBTQ people face barriers in every aspect of their lives: in housing, employment, healthcare, retirement, and basic human rights. These barriers must go. That's why the Task Force is training and mobilizing millions of activists across our nation to deliver a world where you can be you. Join us!
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