The Chairs of Mayors for the Freedom to Marry group – including Mayors Michael Bloomberg, Antonio Villaraigosa, Annise Parker, and San Diego’s Jerry Sanders — have pledged their support for ending same-sex marriage discrimination and have applauded the 9th circuit ruling that has deemed Proposition 8 as unconstitutional.
More than 130 bipartisan mayors across the United States have joined forces as Freedom to Marry Mayors in restoring same-sex marriage rights for gays and lesbians across the nation.
On behalf of the Chairs of Mayors and the entire mayoral group for Freedom to Marry, the following statement was issued:
As Mayors for the Freedom to Marry, we know how important marriage is to our neighborhoods, our cities, and our nation. When committed couples are able to pledge their love to one another and share in the responsibilities and protections of marriage, our communities flourish and our cities are more competitive. Today’s decision by the 9th Circuit reaffirms that the American Dream is possible for everyone and brings us one step closer to ending marriage discrimination once and for all. We look forward to a day when all of our citizens will be able to share fairly and equally in the freedom to marry.
Evan Wolfson, founder and President of Freedom to Marry, applauded the court’s decision to strike down Proposition 8 and the mayors’ commitment to ending same-sex discrimination.
“America’s mayors understand why marriage matters – to loving and committed couples, to their families, to communities navigating tough economic times,” he said. “Today’s important court ruling affirms basic American values, and helps tear down a discriminatory barrier to marriage that benefits no one and make it harder for people to take care of their loved ones.”
