Coretta Scott King Supported Gay Rights

"I don’t believe you can stand for freedom for one group of people and deny it to others."

"Constitutional amendments should be used to expand freedom, not restrict it."

"I've always felt that homophobic attitudes and policies were unjust and unworthy of a free society and must be opposed by all Americans who believe in democracy."

"Gay and lesbian people have families, and their families should have legal protection, whether by marriage or civil union. A constitutional amendment banning same-sex marriages is a form of gay bashing..."

"I still hear people say that I should not be talking about the rights of lesbian and gay people and I should stick to the issue of racial justice. But I hasten to remind them that Martin Luther King Jr. said, 'Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.' I appeal to everyone who believes in [his] dream to make room at the table of brother- and sisterhood for lesbian and gay people." Coretta Scott King (1927-2006)

Baltimore Judge Invalidates Same-Sex Marriage Ban

"This Court holds that Maryland’s statutory prohibition against same-sex marriage cannot withstand this constitutional challenge. Family Law § 2-201 violates Article 46 of the Maryland Declaration of Rights because it discriminates, based on gender, against a suspect class; and is not narrowly tailored to serve any compelling governmental interests. Section 2-201 bars a man from marrying a male partner when a woman would enjoy the right to marry that same male partner. As compared to the woman, the man is disadvantaged solely because of his sex. There is [also] no apparent compelling state interest in a statutory prohibition of same-sex marriage discriminating... against those individuals whose gender is identical to their intended spouses. Indeed, this Court is unable to even find that the prohibition of same-sex marriage rationally relates to a legitimate state interest." Judge M. Brooke Murdock, Baltimore City Circuit Court, January 20, 2006

Openly Gay New York City Council Speaker Appointed

"Let me end on a personal note. My father was watching the local news at my office two days ago and the reporter came on to talk about my selection as Speaker. The reporter talked about my being the first woman speaker…and the first openly gay speaker. And without missing a beat, my dad stuck out his chest and proudly yelled at the TV -you forgot Irish, you bum! Let me say that I am incredibly proud that in the most diverse City in the world, that diversity is seen as a strength - not an impediment." New York City Council Speaker Christine Quinn, January 4, 2006

British Prime Minister Lauds Civil Partnership Act

"Across the country this week, hundreds of couples will be celebrating a major milestone in their lives. They will be followed by thousands more in the coming months as same sex couples take the opportunity to gain legal recognition and protection for their relationship. The Civil Partnership Act may not be the biggest change that this Government has brought in. But, by correcting an obvious injustice, removing fear and providing security, it will change the lives of tens of thousands of people for the better. It is also, importantly, another step towards a fairer, more tolerant country. This landmark measure ends the situation where same-sex relationships were invisible in the eyes of the law, denied any recognition of their commitment. [It] helps highlight again [our] determination to create a more modern, open, fairer and democratic country. There is, of course, no room for complacency. There is still too much injustice, discrimination and unfairness. But... we can also see that, as a society and country, we continue to move in the right direction. That's a good enough reason for us all to celebrate." British Prime Minister Tony Blair, December 21, 2005

California Senate Passes Same-Sex Marriage Bill

On Thursday the California Senate became the first legislative chamber in the country to approve a bill legalizing same-sex marriage by a vote of 21-15. The historic move was hailed by gay rights advocates across the United States. "This is a bill whose time has come," said Sen. Sheila Kuehl, D-Santa Monica, one of six gay members of the state Senate. "Gay and lesbian people fall in love. We settle down. We commit our lives to one another. We raise our children. We protect them. We try to be good citizens." September 1, 2005

Canadian Prime Minister Supports Equal Marriage Rights

"I rise today in support of ...the Civil Marriage Act... in support of a Canada in which liberties are safeguarded, rights are protected and the people of this land are treated as equals under the law... The rights of Canadians who belong to a minority group must always be protected by virtue of their status as citizens. These rights must never be left vulnerable to the impulses of the majority. We must always remember that "separate but equal" is not equal... we all are lessened when any one of us is denied a fundamental right... Today, we rightly see discrimination based on sexual orientation as arbitrary, inappropriate and unfair... The people of Canada have worked hard to build a country that opens its doors to include all, a country that respects all, a country that demands equality for all- regardless of their differences." Prime Minister Paul Martin, February 16, 2005

Multnomah County, Oregon Grants Marriage Rights

"The County Attorney recently provided her legal opinion that it is a violation of the Oregon Constitution to discriminate against individuals who apply for marriage licenses on the basis of their gender or sexual orientation. This county... will issue marriage licenses to same sex couples who request them. I took an oath of office to uphold the Constitution of the State of Oregon. I intend to do just that. I intend to celebrate the unions this will make possible." Multnomah County Chair Diane Linn, March 3, 2004