Broad Coalition Created for Freedom to Marry in Washington State

 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

November 14, 2011

Broad Coalition Created for Freedom to Marry in Washington State

Washington United for Marriage shows statewide support and says 2012 is the year.

BELLEVUE, Wash. – A broad, statewide coalition of organizations, congregations, unions and business associations came together this morning to announce the formation of Washington United for Marriage – a coalition that will work to obtain civil marriage for lesbian and gay couples in Washington State in 2012.

Washington United for Marriage marks the ultimate step toward achieving the freedom to marry for lesbian and gay couples in Washington State’s history. The long list of supporting members includes faith-based organizations such as the Faith Action Network and Jewish Federation of Greater Seattle, unions including SEIU Washington State Council and UFCW 21, and numerous advocacy organizations and business associations across the state.

The grassroots efforts is led by a group of the state’s leading human rights organizations, including the American Civil Liberties Union of Washington, Equal Rights Washington, Human Rights Campaign, Legal Voice, and Planned Parenthood Votes Northwest.

“The freedom to marry the person you love is fundamental to a democratic society,” said Jennifer Shaw, Deputy Director of the ACLU of Washington.  “The ACLU has joined Washington United for Marriage because it is a matter of basic fairness that all loving, committed couples should be able to marry.”

Washington United for Marriage will lead the statewide effort to educate and advocate for the freedom to marry for all Washingtonians. The coalition will mobilize constituents to talk to their legislators in the 2012 legislative session to ensure that the majority of Washington State citizens who support marriage equality have their voices heard.

“Now is the time to act to protect and strengthen all families in Washington State,” said HRC Foundation and National Board Director from Seattle, Lacey All.  “As we face the challenges of the current economic climate together, no family should be confronted with additional burdens to care for their loved ones.”

Washington United for Marriage plans to build momentum and support over the coming months by engaging constituents throughout Washington State at a series of town hall meetings held at various places of worship and community centers in every corner of the state.

“Though we come from different parts of Washington State, we are united in ensuring that all Washington’s gay and lesbian couples can legally marry,” said Rod Hearne, Executive Director of Equal Rights Washington. “Countless individuals have a story to tell about why civil marriage matters to them, and we will work neighbor-to-neighbor to ensure the voices of the loving and committed couples in Washington, many raising children, are heard.”

Community Meetings:

About Washington United for Marriage: Washington United for Marriage is a coalition of organizations, congregations, unions, and business associations working together to secure civil marriage for loving, committed gay and lesbian couples. To find more information and learn how you can help, visit WashingtonUnitedForMarriage.org.

Contacts:

Washington State Media                               National Media

Randy Bolerjack                                                           Jennifer Morris

WashingtonUnitedpress@nyhus.com                          WashingtonUnitedpress@nyhus.com

206-838-3474 Media Hotline                                       206-838-3474 Media Hotline

206-313-8668 Cell                                                        202-213-2204 Cell

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