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For Immediate Release
Contact: 1050 Connecticut Ave NW,Suite 65500,Washington, DC 20035,Phone: 202-393-5177

Historic Day in Nation's Capital as Same-Sex Couples Begin Applying for Marriage Licenses

WASHINGTON

Same-sex couples began applying for marriage licenses today in the
District of Columbia. The Religious Freedom and Civil Marriage Equality
Amendment Act was passed this fall by an overwhelming majority of the
D.C. Council before Mayor Adrian Fenty signed the measure into law in
mid-December. D.C. joins Massachusetts, Connecticut, Vermont, Iowa and
New Hampshire in extending full marriage equality to same-sex couples.

Statement by Rea Carey, Executive Director
National Gay and Lesbian Task Force

"This is a profoundly moving moment for many D.C. same-sex couples
and their families. To finally be able to share and celebrate one's
love and commitment both publicly and legally is a lifelong dream for
many. As a D.C. resident, I am personally proud of the council and
mayor for standing so strongly for fairness and for affirming the
common humanity that bonds each of us. We offer our sincerest thanks to
them and to the many groups and individuals who worked so hard to bring
us to this historic day, with special mention to Councilmember David
Catania, Mayor Adrian Fenty, the Campaign for All D.C. Families, Gay
and Lesbian Activists Alliance, D.C. for Marriage, and D.C. Clergy
United for Marriage Equality, who are among those who had a vision for
equality, pursued it with clarity and persistence, and won.

"We extend our heartfelt congratulations to all the couples heading
to the courthouse today to apply for their marriage licenses, and to
the many others who will follow. Until you have walked in the shoes of
someone who has been denied the right to exercise such a fundamental
freedom, it is hard to comprehend the emotional depth and significance
of this experience for so many couples in Washington, D.C."

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!