Women’s Groups Endorse Campaign to Approve Referendum 74 and Defend Marriage Law

Washington United for Marriage, the broad coalition working to defend the state’s marriage law, today announced that several prominent state and local groups dedicated to improving lives for women and their families — from providing affordable health care, to advocating for girls and women, to assisting families victimized by domestic violence — have endorsed the effort to Approve 74.

Among the groups endorsing the campaign to Approve R74 are: the YWCA of Pierce County; the Washington State Coalition Against Domestic Violence, a consortium of 73 programs statewide assisting 100,000 domestic violence victims and their families every year; NARAL Pro-Choice WA, a grassroots political advocacy organization dedicated to protecting women’s access to the full range of reproductive health options; Planned Parenthood Votes Northwest, where 130,000 patients come to health centers each year for high-quality, affordable health care; the Washington State Chapter of NOW; Legal Voice, a women’s legal advocacy organization; and, the League of Women Voters.

“This is a deep and broad representation of well-respected, dedicated organizations in Washington which stand up every day for women and their families,” said Zach Silk, WUM campaign manager.  “They understand that families and communities are strengthened when everyone can marry the person they love.”

The following are quotes from several of the endorsing organizations.

“Legal Voice has worked for years to extend the freedom to marry to lesbian and gay couples.  Women understand that marriage should be about love, commitment, and mutual respect.  That’s why a strong majority of women in Washington support the freedom to marry.”  Lisa M. Stone, Executive Director, Legal Voice

“The League of Women Voters has advocated on issues that impact women and families for over 90 years. We support APPROVE Referendum 74, so that all couples have the same opportunity to provide their families the support and protections that marriage offers.” Kim Able, Co-President, League of Women Voters of Washington

“NARAL Pro-Choice Washington proudly supports full marriage equality and the campaign to Approve Referendum 74. Everyone should have the right to marry the person they love and build strong and healthy families.”  Jennifer N. Brown, executive director of NARAL Pro-Choice Washington

“Planned Parenthood Votes Northwest is dedicating many hours of phonebanking, doorbelling and staff time for marriage equality because we believe in helping foster strong families, and giving couples and individuals the tools and security they need to build a life that protects their families. At Planned Parenthood, we support equal opportunity for all people, regardless of their income, marital status, race, ethnicity or sexual orientation.”  Elaine Rose, CEO, Planned Parenthood Votes Northwest

“The National Organization for Women continues its rigorous Equal Marriage NOW campaign to engage our communities in a discussion about respect for all families. Our mission is to help create a more just society so that all families are treated with dignity and respect under the law.  For these reasons WA State NOW strongly supports a YES Vote on Referendum 74.”  Linda Tosti-Lane,  Wa State Co-Coordinator, National Organization for Women

”By pledging to APPROVE  Referendum 74, the Washington State Coalition Against Domestic Violence is working to create a future where individuals are respected in their family and in their community.”  Nan Stoops, Executive Director, Washington State Coalition Against Domestic Violence

“The YWCA Pierce County enthusiastically endorses Approve Referendum 74 because our agency focuses on supporting strong families, and working towards dignity for all. Love should not have boundaries that dictate who can say ‘I do’ and who cannot.” Miriam Barnett, CEO, YWCA of Pierce County

“The core values of the National Women’s Political Caucus are women’s social and economic equality. The Caucus stands in strong support of marriage equality for all people and we are proud to support the work of Washington United for Marriage and endorse Yes on R-74!”  Linda Mitchell, President, National Women’s Political Caucus of Washington

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