Welcome to the Marriage Equality USA® National Media Center

 

Primary Media Contacts: Media Director Stuart Gaffney (415) 378-3259 and Legal Analyst John Lewis (415) 377-7924.

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Marriage Equality USA - Press Advisories:

MARRIAGE EQUALITY USA DISAPPOINTED BY ORDER DENYING PUBLIC ACCESS TO VIDEOTAPES, BUT LOOKS FORWARD TO NINTH CIRCUIT DECISION ON MERITS OF PROP. 8 - Press Release 02 February 2012

“... even though today’s court order prevents the public from seeing video of the compelling testimony presented at trial, the strength of that evidence gives us great hope that the Ninth Circuit will uphold the trial court’s ruling that denying same-sex couples the freedom to marry violates the Constitution.  It’s really all about fairness.”

MEUSA APPLAUDS MAJORITY SUPPORT FOR MARRIAGE EQUALITY IN WASHINGTON - Press Release 23 January 2012

"2012 is already shaping up to be another great year for loving, committed couples from coast to coast."
"The trend nationwide couldn't be clearer, and we look forward to state after state deciding to treat all marriages equally."

SAME-SEX COUPLES, FRIENDS, FAMILY AND CLERGY TO GATHER ON DAY NINTH CIRCUIT PROP 8 RULING IS RELEASED - Press Release 17 January 2012

Anti-marriage equality proponents have had their day in court, again. The Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals has heard both sides of the issue and is due to announce their decision on the challenge to Proposition 8 any day now. Communities through-out California are prepared to gather to either celebrate or rededicate their resolve to achieve full marriage equality.

Marriage Equality USA Calls on Canada to Affirm the Legal Marriages of All Same-Sex Couples - Press Release 12 January 2012

"Canada needs to correct its course immediately and make the strongest statement possible that all marriages will be respected equally.”

Marriage Equality USA Applauds WA Governor's Support for Marriage Equality - Press Release 4 January 2012

"We are optimistic the Evergreen State will now be joining the Empire State in establishing the freedom to marry for all. New Year's Day rang in civil unions in Hawaii and Delaware. Today's announcement continues to build momentum for all loving, committed couples to be treated equally under the law."

MARRIAGE EQUALITY USA & MARRIAGE EQUALITY NEW YORK AGREE TO MERGE! - Press Release 15 December 2011

MEUSA & MENY MERGER STATEMENT TO MEMBERS - 15 December 2011

"Our two organizations will combine their tremendous grassroots talent, resources and years of experience to fight for our shared mission: To secure legally recognized civil marriage equality for all, without regard to sexual orientation or gender identity, at the state and federal level through grassroots organizing, education, action, advocacy and partnerships."

AUDIO:  On National Public Radio’s “All Things Considered” show:  “Romney Stance on Gay Rights?  It’s Complicated” - 12 December 2011

TEXT:  On National Public Radio’s “All Things Considered” show:  “Romney Stance on Gay Rights?  It’s Complicated” - 12 December 2011

"You cannot in the same breath say that you support non-discrimination against LGBT people and that you support DOMA; it makes no sense.  Someone who says that either doesn't know what they're talking about, or they know full well what they're talking about and hope you don't know what they're talking about."

“FREE THE TAPES” AND “MOTION TO MARRY” RALLY IMMEDIATELY PRECEDING 9^TH CIRCUIT PROP. 8 HEARING - 8 December 2011

“We say ‘Free the tapes!’ What do the opponents of equality have to hide?  Every American has the right to see for themselves the truth about Prop. 8 and how it hurts lesbian and gay people and their families.”

GARY JOHNSON SUPPORTS MARRIAGE EQUALITY - Press Release 2 December 2011

"Our relationships and our rights should not be political footballs to be tossed around in an election campaign..."

MITT ROMNEY FAVORS GAY RIGHTS? HOW FAR? - Press Release 26 November 2011

"...if Romney applies his new fair employment policy to the military, then he would also have to support an end to the pay cuts of up to 40% which are imposed by the Defense of Marriage Act.” 

CA SUPREME COURT OPINION RE: ISSUE OF STANDING IN PROP 8 CASE - Press Release 17 November 2011

"The simple fact of the matter is that marriage equality opponents suffer no harm from the freedom to marry being extended to all loving, committed couples."

OBAMA VOWS TO END LGBT JOB DISCRIMINATION - Press Release 2 October 2011

“I need your help to fight for equality . . . to pass an inclusive Employment Non-Discrimination bill so that being gay is never again a fire-able offense in America.”

MARRIAGE EQUALITY USA CELEBRATES END OF DON’T ASK, DON’T TELL - Press Release 20 September 2011

"Today, we mark the end of an era of silence and the beginning of a new time. Today, our nation's military begins the first steps to moving us forward. For 18 years, we watched this policy cut short the livelihoods of patriotic Americans and force many more into silent service. Now, the time to remain silent and in hiding is over."

MARRIAGE EQUALITY USA APPLAUDS COURT ORDER TO RELEASE PROP. 8 TRIAL VIDEOTAPES - Press Release 19 September 2011

“We are thrilled by the court’s decision to release the videotapes and are hopeful that the decision will not be stayed.  If so, everyone, not just the few who were able to be at the courthouse last year, will be able to see the trial and to learn the real facts about why Proposition 8’s exclusion of loving, committed same-sex couples from marriage violates the fairness guarantees of our Constitution.”

PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATES TRENDING TOWARD SUPPORT FOR LGBT AMERICANS, SAYS NEW STUDY - Press Release 17 September 2011

“I do not believe that businesses should be able to discriminate based on sexual orientation. I’ve always supported the notion of gay rights in the workplace, and I would hold the same position for private [workers as I do for federal] workers.”

MARRIAGE EQUALITY USA URGES DEFEAT OF NORTH CAROLINA ANTI-GAY INITIATIVE - Press Release 13 September 2011

"Same-sex couples and LGBT people are not political footballs to be tossed around in an election year.  We are human beings that deserve to be treated with dignity and to have respect and protection for our relationships."

MARRIAGE EQUALITY USA ANNOUNCES "NO STANDING FOR PROP 8” SIT-IN ON TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 6 - Press Release 5 September 2011

"Same-sex couples and their families will once again stand up for their love and dignity by attending the hearing and staging a ‘No Standing for Prop 8’ sit-in beforehand.  Lesbian and gay people have been more than patient in their struggle simply to be treated fairly and equally."

MARRIAGE EQUALITY USA URGES FEDERAL COURT TO RELEASE PROP. 8 TRIAL VIDEOTAPES - Press Release 28 August 2011

"The marriage equality movement is about the coming out of our relationships and our families – the truth of our lives.  Marriage equality opponents seek at the same time to silence our families and silence the trial evidence in this case. Let the tapes come out and speak for themselves."

MEUSA CELEBRATES FIRST MARRIAGES IN NEW YORK - LEGAL CLINIC IN SAN FRANCISCO CA - Press Release 24 July 2011

"Today, the Statue of Liberty is standing even taller and prouder, presiding over the dawn of equal marriage rights in the Empire State."

MARRIAGE EQUALITY USA APPLAUDS PRESIDENT OBAMA'S CERTIFICATION OF DON'T ASK, DON'T TELL REPEAL - Press Release 22 July 2011

"For those service members who were discharged under this costly policy, today opens up the door to the chance of getting back to serving. For those serving in silence, it lights a beacon of hope. For those who want to serve their country, today brings their freedom to serve even closer."

MARRIAGE EQUALITY USA APPLAUDS TODAY’S U.S. SENATE JUDICIARY COMMITTEE HEARINGS ON SENATOR FEINSTEIN’S “RESPECT FOR MARRIAGE ACT” - Press Release 20 July 2011

"All loving, committed couples deserve the basic freedom to marry, and their marriages should be recognized and respected not just in their home state but by our federal government. We are all Americans, and we urge Congress to pass the ‘Respect for Marriage Act’ forthwith."

Immigration Judge Postpones Deportation Proceedings For Two Years, Allowing Married Gay Binational Couple to Remain in U.S. - Press Release 13 July 2011

 "The judge's ruling is also a reminder that during the two years before their next hearing, we have work to do -- only by overturning the so-called Defense of Marriage Act can loving couples like Doug and Alex be assured of their happily ever after."

Marriage Equality USA Celebrates New York Senate's PASSAGE of Marriage Act - Press Release 24 June 2011

“Marriage discrimination is now coming to an end in the Empire State, and today there is more reason than ever to say I Love New York!"

 "Motion to Marry" Rally in Response to Prop 8 Motion to Vacate - Press Release 7 June 2011

”The sexual orientation of a judge has no bearing on whether he is able to apply the United States Constitution to cases before him, just as the sexual orientation of ordinary citizens should have no bearing on whether they are able to marry the person they love...”

Marriage Equality USA Celebrates Illinois Civil Unions - Press Release 2 June 2011

"Civil unions are an important stepping stone toward providing equal protection to all of Illinois’ families.  We celebrate with all who have worked hard to enact the Illinois Religious Freedom Protection and Civil Union Act and who have had the courage to share their personal stories.  We will continue to work with them so that one day in Illinois, marriage equality will be the law of the land."

Marriage Equality USA Statement on Ugandan "Kill the Gays" Bill - Public Statement 10 May 2011

There is evidence that this bill and the misinformation of the Ugandan governmental officials behind this bill, has been promoted, supported and funded by American fundamentalist Christian missionaries who are in active relationship with Ugandan highest ranking officials. We must ensure that America stands up, and shows up, for its enduring principles of equality and justice for all.

Gay Bi-national Couple Celebrates Temporary Reprieve in Deportation Hearing - Press Release 6 May 2011

"We are breathing a sigh of relief that we will be able to live in peace for a few more months, now that the immediate threat of deportation has been removed. We treasure every day we have together. But couples like us are still being torn apart every day. Every day, spouses of gay and lesbian Americans are facing deportation and denied access to green cards only because of the Defense of Marriage Act."

Same-Sex Couples Protest the Harms and Costs of “Defense of Marriage Act” at Local Post Offices Across the Nation and Urge Passage of “Respect for Marriage Act” - Press Release 15 April 2011

“If same-sex couples were simply recognized as 'married' this whole nightmare for everyone would end.  It is so simple to treat everyone equally and such a pain to try to create separate and inferior categories for same-sex couples who simply want to be taxed and treated the same as all other married couples.”

Obama's Pledge to Stop Defending DOMA - Press Release 23 February 2011

"This is a watershed moment as the President of the United States and the Attorney General have together taken a powerful stand against this unjust law."

Hawaii Signs Civil Unions into Law - Press Release 23 February 2011

"Ohana means family and family means nobody gets left behind. Hawaii’s gay and lesbian brothers and sisters should be welcomed home with open arms and Governor Abercrombie did just that by signing SB 232 into law.”

Valentine's Day Request Marriage Actions" - Press Release 14 February 2011

"It is an affront to our basic dignity as fellow human beings when same-sex couples are turned away from the marriage counter, but it gives us the opportunity to tell our stories and show that we live in every community and want to honor and protect our families like everyone else.”

Ninth Circuit Prop 8 Ruling - Press Release 4 January 2011

"We are optimistic that the California Supreme Court will clarify that private litigants cannot appeal and stand in the shoes of the State when it comes to litigating the Constitutionality of State Ballot measures."

Vote to Repeal DADT - Press Release 18 December 2010

"Today, we are seeing a great measure of hope given to those who have been impacted by this unjust and unnecessary policy. Don't Ask, Don't Tell cost this nation more than it should, and we are finally on the verge of seeing that ended." 

Plans Move Ahead for CA Weddings - Press Release 16 August 2010

"We were married on Sunday and hope that Judge Walker will lift the stay so we can get married again and seal the deal," said Maria Ydil who exchanged her vows with Vanessa Judicpa two weeks ago after a long-planned wedding ceremony with friends and family.

Day of Decision - Press Release 4 August 2010

Marriage Equality USA Announces Nationwide Day of Decision Events in Response to Federal Judge Walker's Overturning of Proposition 8.

From Sea to Shining Sea - Press Release 9 July 2010

"Yesterday's decision by the U.S. District Court in Massachusetts has confirmed there is nothing but unfounded and irrational bias and prejudice propping up the federal DOMA."

Closing Arguments in Federal Challenge to Prop 8 - Press Release 16 June 2010

"The federal trial on Proposition 8 allowed marriage equality supporters and opponents to put their best evidence and witnessed under oath and we believe this case clearly shows that Proposition 8 stems from discrimination, leads to discrimination, and should be overturned." 

Community Gathering for Prop 8 Trial Closing Arguments - Press Release 10 June 2010

"On the two year anniversary of marriage equality in California, we will gather once again in support of love, justice and equality on the steps of a courthouse as we listen to the closing arguments in the federal court case challenging Proposition 8...”

Freedom to Marry Day - Press Release 9 February 2010

“Since 2001, Marriage Equality USA chapters have engaged in these annual marriage counter actions to render visible the discrimination that is enforced every day.  Married couples, both same-sex and different-sex, will be there in support and solidarity with same-sex couples who are now barred from joining them as married couples.” 

Sunrise Vigil for Hope - Press Release 11 January  2010

"The Sunrise Vigil for Hope and Marriage Equality will allow supporters to come together and share the spirit of courage, hope and strength that will herald the light of day on this important next chapter of our civil rights movement." 

Victory as Union Extends Benefits to Married Same-Sex Couples  - Press Release 1 January 2010

“This change will make the world of difference for our family and for others like us across the nation. And it illustrates what is possible when we come together to work as a team.  Thanks to everyone who helped make this dream a reality." 

SUMMARY OF MARRIAGE EQUALITY USA MEDIA COVERAGE (2008-2009)

This report provides an overview of the media coverage that resulted from the MEUSA Media Center and MEUSA National and Local Leaders.