Fwd: Happy 10-Year Marriage Anniversary, Massachusetts!

---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: Chad Griffin, Human Rights Campaign <hrc@hrc.org>
Date: Sat, May 17, 2014 at 5:05 AM
Subject: Happy 10-Year Marriage Anniversary, Massachusetts!
To: iammejtm@gmail.com

10 years of marriage equality in Massachusetts

Keep the movement going     Dear Jen, Ten years ago today, Massachusetts granted same-sex couples the right to legally marry. On this landmark anniversary, we would like to reflect on the significance of Massachusetts' role in our nation's fight for marriage equality. This historic event came about thanks to the unwavering commitment of countless Bay State residents—from lawyers, plaintiffs and politicians to the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) community—and concerned citizens all over the country.  When Mary Bonauto, Civil Rights Project Director at Boston-based Gay & Lesbian Advocates & Defenders (GLAD), and her incredible legal team successfully argued Goodridge vs. Department of Public Health before the Supreme Judicial Court of Massachusetts, she had thousands of allies at her back. Years before Mary led us to the historic court decision victory, LGBT residents in Massachusetts worked tirelessly to build support for marriage equality throughout the state. The grassroots effort eventually came together under the umbrella of MassEquality. Their campaign was so effective it became a model for combining grassroots organizing with legislative and electoral muscle. Legal and advocacy efforts were bolstered immeasurably by everyday citizens who opened their hearts and minds to the love and commitment they saw from their gay and lesbian neighbors, friends and families. Their acceptance of and support for something revolutionary changed our nation forever.       Massachusetts won the fight—let's keep their victory going.   Help us bring full marriage equality to all fifty states. Add your name to our Millions for Marriage petition.   Join the Movement       Massachusetts began an inexorable march toward equality. Today, 17 states and the District of Columbia enjoy marriage equality. And in the past ten days alone, judges in Arkansas and Idaho have ruled marriage bans unconstitutional. But, as you know, there is still work to be done. We need people across the country to stand up and demand equality for everyone everywhere. Join the movement to bring marriage equality to all fifty states—sign our million for marriage petition today. Massachusetts was integral in both the founding of our country and the revolution of marriage equality. For that, we are humbled and thankful. Thank you, Chad Griffin President Human Rights Campaign

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Jeremy Tobias Matthews