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ellisonz

(27,711 posts)
Tue Oct 9, 2012, 06:04 PM Oct 2012

Democracy for America invests in Marriage Equality Initiatives

Released: Oct 8, 2012 10:30 AM

Burlington, VT – Today, Democracy for America (DFA) endorsed and Marriage Equality initiatives in four states. The rights of gays and lesbians to secure the freedom to marry in Maine, Maryland, Minnesota, and Washington will be decided upon on November 6th by popular vote.

"I’m not one who believes that the protecting the rights of a group of people should be brought up for popular vote, but I do believe in that marriage is a fundamental right regardless of whom you love,” said Arshad Hasan, Executive Director of Democracy for America. “Time and again, we’ve stood up for marriage equality not only because it’s the right thing to do, but because there is no fault in loving someone. We’re beyond the days where judgment falls upon couples made up of different backgrounds, religious leanings or race, and the same should be said for gays and lesbians.”

Democracy for America will invest significant resources in each state with marriage equality on the ballot through a PAC contribution to each campaign. On top of these contributions, DFA will fundraise through its national network, and recruit volunteers to strengthen voter turnout for marriage equality on November 6th.

“We’re thrilled at DFA’s endorsement of Maryland’s Question 6,” said Josh Levin, Campaign Manager for Marylanders for Marriage. “While we have the momentum, this will be a close race. We need a full-court press by all those who support fairness and equality under the law. Let’s make Maryland the first state in the nation to win marriage equality by popular vote.”

“Minnesotans United for All Families is thrilled to welcome DFA to our broad coalition working to defeat this amendment,” said Richard Calrborn, Minnesotans United for All Families Campaign Manager. “The momentum we have seen to defeat this amendment in Minnesota is incredible, with more than 650 businesses, faith communities, nonprofits, political organizations and community leaders standing united to say ‘no’ to limiting the freedom to marry in our state.”

“We’re very grateful for DFA’s endorsement. Its commitment to grassroots organizing is exactly in line with the heart of our campaign, one-on-one conversations about why marriage matters to ALL Maine families,” said Matt McTighe, Campaign Manager, Yes on 1: Mainers United for Marriage. “DFA joins a diverse group of more than 155 coalition partners, working to win the freedom to marry in Maine.”

“We’re proud to add DFA’s endorsement to the more than 700 organizations that have already endorsed Washington’s United for Marriage and the effort to approve Referendum 74, Washington’s marriage law,” said Zach Silk, WUM Campaign Manager. “DFA’s work at the grassroots level is important as we work to defend marriage for all in Washington.”

DFA has been involved in other marriage fights across the country. Most recently, the organization supported campaign efforts in North Carolina urging voters to vote against Amendment 1, which banned extending the freedom to marry to gay and lesbian couples in the state. Prior to Amendment 1, DFA worked in Maine providing $30,000 dollars in direct and indirect contributions. DFA’s Field Director and Executive Director also traveled to Maine to run the campaigns’ paid canvass program.

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ABOUT DEMOCRACY FOR AMERICA
Democracy for America is the people-powered Democratic Political Action Committee. With over one million members nationwide, DFA is a grassroots powerhouse working to change our country and the Democratic Party from the bottom-up.

http://www.democracyforamerica.com/press/2982-democracy-for-america-invests-in-marriage-equality-initiatives


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