Web site features
gay couples' struggle to marry

A Web site was launched Monday that features 10 couples attesting to how same-sex marriage bans have stifled their families and relationships. The American Civil Liberties Union along with the Emmy-winning production company Public Interest launched 10Couples.org, containing streaming video and a call to action.

The head of production at Public Interest, David Iser, said in a statement that the project is aimed at reaching a wide audience to alert them to the vital protections that marriage provides and that are denied to gay couples.

"We are taking advantage of Web technology to get our messages out about the importance of marriage for same-sex couples," Isser said. "People can comment on these videos and forward them to friends. It's a great jumping-off point for a meaningful conversation about same-sex couples and marriage."

The couples on the Web site have been selected from all over the country and give a real face to the problems same-sex couples encounter, including unequal hospital visitation rights and partner benefits and hiding identities in military families.

Public Interest's work has earned two Emmy awards, including one for an MTV advertising campaign focusing on the 1998 murder of Matthew Shepard.

The videos are also available on 10Couples' YouTube channel. (The Advocate)