Brody's Notes... 80+ U. S. Mayors: Marriage Equality Needs To Happen Now

Houston Mayor Annise Parker

By Brody Levesque | WASHINGTON -- In a news conference launching its "Mayors for the Freedom to Marry" pledge campaign, the New York based Freedom to Marry same-sex marriage equality advocacy organisation, announced a bipartisan coalition of city mayors- who were meeting in Washington for the annual U.S. Conference of Mayors- publicly stating their unity to support marriage equality for LGBT citizens and their intention to work toward that goal.

Over 20 mayors attended the morning news conference at Washington's Capital Hilton, including New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg (I), Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa (D), openly lesbian Houston Mayor Annise Parker,(D) and Boston's Democratic Mayor Thomas Menino who told those in attendance; 

"It was nearly eight years ago that my city was the first large city in the country to marry same-sex couples. Back then, it was a big deal. People were protesting everywhere, and we were the focus of international news. Well, eight years later, I’m here to tell you that marriage for gay couples has made my city of Boston a much better place." 

Former Obama White House Chief Of Staff, Chicago's mayor Rahm Emanuel also signed pledge, but had to leave the meeting to return to Chicago before today's news conference. According to Freedom to Marry's National Campaign Director, Marc Solomon, who led off today's news conference, more than 80 mayors already have signed the pledge.

Houston's openly lesbian Mayor Annise Parker, who recently celebrated 21 years with her partner Kathy, shared her personal story saying that denial of marriage "makes it more difficult to provide our children insurance; it makes it more difficult to assure custody and it makes it more difficult to provide them access to the benefits of our society.”

Los Angeles Mayor Villaraigosa said that Mayors should sign on to this effort because marriage discrimination can really harm local communities:

"Law-abiding, tax-paying families deserve the same opportunities, rights and responsibilities afforded to every other family in this country. The more support we build in our cities and states, the stronger case we can make for extending the freedom to marry to loving couples, no matter where they live. Because, if we truly believe in family values, we should value all families. Denying gay and lesbian couples the freedom to marry weakens society by hurting our communities, neighbors, and families."