Marriage Equality to Be Included in Democratic Party Platform

Washington – Today the Human Rights Campaign (HRC), the nation’s largest lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) civil rights organization, applauded the Democratic Party platform drafting committee for approving language that adds support for marriage equality to the Party’s platform. The language must now be ratified by the full platform committee and then by the Democratic National Convention in Charlotte this September.

“Like Americans from all walks of life, the Democratic Party has recognized that committed and loving gay and lesbian couples deserve the right to have their relationships respected as equal under the law,” said HRC President Chad Griffin. “I believe that one day very soon the platforms of both major parties will include similar language on this issue. There is no more American value than honoring and protecting one’s family.”

Support for marriage equality has risen quickly and consistently over the last decade, with 53 percent of Americans now supporting marriage rights for gay and lesbian couples. According to a recent Gallup poll, 70 percent of young voters aged 18-34 support marriage equality and a Public Religion Research Institute poll puts support at 49 percent among younger Republicans (Millenials). 58 percent of all Independent voters support marriage for gays and lesbians, according to a Washington Post/ABC News poll.

On Friday, HRC’s Legislative Director Allison Herwitt testified before the committee, advocating for the inclusion of language in the platform that supported marriage rights for gay and lesbian couples, as well as other pro-LGBT equality issues. Sources within the Party, including Rep. Barney Frank, who sits on the Party platform drafting committee, have stated that the language was adopted after a unanimous vote.

The Human Rights Campaign is America's largest civil rights organization working to achieve lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender equality. By inspiring and engaging all Americans, HRC strives to end discrimination against LGBT citizens and realize a nation that achieves fundamental fairness and equality for all.

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To contact HRC please visit our contact us page. If you are a member of the media, you can reach our press office at: (202) 772-3889 or email press@hrc.org.

Top 5 Things to Know About LGBT Issues

There are roughly 9 million LGBT people in the US and more than 650,000 same-sex couples.

19% of same-sex couples are raising children according to the US Census Bureau's 2011 American Community Survey.

There is no federal law that consistently protects LGBT individuals from employment discrimination; there are no state laws in 29 states that explicitly prohibit discrimination based on sexual orientation, and in 32 states that do so based on gender identity.