June 17, 2008

A Toast to Happiness and Equality

GLAD Congratulates California on its Wedding Day

Gay & Lesbian Advocates & Defenders, the organization whose successful lawsuit
brought marriage equality to Massachusetts, today offered congratulations to California’s
marrying same-sex couples, their families, friends, and allies.

“Californians can expect an outbreak of happiness and equality,” said Lee Swislow,
GLAD’s executive director.  “Even couples who think of this as just a piece of paper are
going to be moved by hearing the words ‘by the power invested in me by the state of
California…’ words many thought they would never hear in their lifetime.”

GLAD’s marriage equality lawsuit, Goodridge v. Department of Public Health, was
decided on November 18, 2003, making Massachusetts the first state in which same-sex
couples could marry.  Since the decision went into effect on May 17, 2004, more than
10,000 Massachusetts couples have married.

As in California, opponents have attempted many times to derail or reverse marriage
equality.  “Both the legislature and the courts have affirmed marriage equality over and
over again,” said Swislow.  “And public support has only grown as our neighbors and co-
workers and people on the street have seen how positive this experience is for everyone.”

GLAD also saluted its colleagues at the National Center for Lesbian Rights, Lambda
Legal, and the American Civil Liberties Union, who represented California’s couples in
their historic lawsuit.  “Their dedication and determination pays off today,” said Swislow. 
“They will remember this day all their lives.”

GLAD’s marriage equality lawsuit, Kerrigan & Mock v. Department of Public Health is
pending before the Supreme Court of Connecticut.

Gay & Lesbian Advocates & Defenders is New England’s leading legal organization
dedicated to ending discrimination based on sexual orientation, HIV status, and gender
identity and expression.