![Pixel_57](https://www.advocate.com/media-library/pixel-57.png?id=32734840&width=600&height=600&quality=85&coordinates=0%2C0%2C0%2C0)
CONTACTStaffCAREER OPPORTUNITIESADVERTISE WITH USPRIVACY POLICYPRIVACY PREFERENCESTERMS OF USELEGAL NOTICE
© 2024 Pride Publishing Inc.
All Rights reserved
All Rights reserved
By continuing to use our site, you agree to our Private Policy and Terms of Use.
In more than a dozen cities and towns around the country, religious clergy members and other community leaders marked National Freedom to Marry Day on Monday by calling on the public to support the right of same-sex couples to marry, Lambda Legal Defense and Education Fund said. National Freedom to Marry Day links the themes of love and equality as exemplified by Valentine's Day and Lincoln's Birthday to call for an end to discrimination in marriage. Lambda Marriage Project director Evan Wolfson said, "With civil unions in Vermont, thousands of American businesses providing partner benefits, and the steady growth in support from nongay clergy, youth, and civic groups, the American people have awakened to the reality that lesbian and gay people deserve and want protections and respect for our families. Central to that awareness is the ongoing national discussion about ending discrimination in civil marriage, and person to person, group to group, state to state, we are asking nongay people to join the civil rights work--nothing more and nothing less."
Among events recognizing this year's National Freedom to Marry Day are:
* Chicago, February 12: News conference with dozens of religious and community leaders signing the Marriage Resolution; on Monday evening, an interfaith program featuring the Rev. Gregory Dell.
* Ellensburg, Wash., February 12: Wedding demonstration staged by Central Washington University students, joined by the university president and a board member. Forum follows with the Rev. Jane Newall.
* Fort Collins, Colo., February 12: Supporters march to Old Town Square to rally with leaders from diverse religious communities.
* Minneapolis, February 12: Wedding cake celebration for signers of the Marriage Resolution, including religious leaders, public officials, and community organizations, at Ruby's Cafe on Loring Park.
* San Jose, Calif., February 12: "Speak Out for Our Children's Future" with clergy and wedding cake, sponsored by Parents, Families, and Friends of Lesbians and Gay Men; includes litany of marriage protections. Recorder's office of Santa Clara County.
* Philadelphia, February 12, 14: University of Pennsylvania photo exhibit of commitment ceremonies with personal stories on Monday; commitment ceremony in honor of Freedom to Marry Day at La Salle University on Wednesday.
* Dayton, Ohio, February 13: Showing of the documentary The Right to Marry at Eternal Joy Metropolitan Community Church.
* Beverly Hills, Calif., February 14: Rally for the freedom to marry at the Beverly Hills municipal courthouse.
* San Francisco, February 14: Rally for the freedom to marry at San Francisco city hall; speakers will include Tom Ammiano, president of the San Francisco city council, and Mike Marshall from the No on 22 campaign.
* Eureka, Calif., February 14: Rally in support of the freedom to marry at the Humboldt County vital records office.
* Sacramento, February 14: Rally in support of the freedom to marry at the county recorder's marriage license office.
Want more breaking equality news & trending entertainment stories?
Check out our NEW 24/7 streaming service: the Advocate Channel!
Download the Advocate Channel App for your mobile phone and your favorite streaming device!
From our Sponsors
Most Popular
Meet all 37 of the queer women in this season's WNBA
April 17 2024 11:24 AM
Here are the 15 gayest travel destinations in the world: report
March 26 2024 9:23 AM
21+ steamy photos of Scotland’s finest gay men in Elska Glasgow
February 01 2024 10:07 PM
More Than 50 of Our Favorite LGBTQ+ Moms
May 12 2024 11:44 AM
Conjoined twins Lori Schappell and trans man George Schappell dead at 62
April 27 2024 6:13 PM
Latest Stories
Joe Biden sends queer lawmakers & LGBTQ+ allies to Paris Olympics
July 24 2024 12:08 PM
Kamala Harris rides wave of Democratic energy at kickoff event in Wisconsin
July 23 2024 3:36 PM
'Devastated:' A six-week abortion ban will go into effect in Iowa next week
July 23 2024 2:28 PM
Four hours, 44,000 Black women, and one Zoom call
July 23 2024 2:17 PM