“This is a monumental development for families all across the Garden State. The New Jersey legislature has just affirmed the truth that same-sex couples deserve the opportunity to celebrate their love for each other through marriage, and have that commitment recognized by their government. We look forward to getting this done so that all families have access to this crucial freedom," said Family Equality Council Executive Director Jennifer Chrisler.

Jennifer Chrisler, Family Equality Council's Executive Director, applauded Rep. Gerry Connolly's promise to co-sponsor an adoption non-discrimination bill.

“We are thrilled with Rep. Connolly’s support and the support of a growing number of lawmakers for the the Every Child Deserves a Family Act,” Chrisler said. “They all understand that this issue is about the best interests of the 404,000 children in foster care in our country. The current laws and policies in Virginia and other states are a barrier to kids finding a forever home.”

Fresh off the heels of an eventful week of victories, LGBT family advocates gathered at University Studios Hollywood on Feb. 11 for the Family Equality Council’s eighth annual Los Angeles Awards Dinner.

This year’s honorees were Chad Griffin, the strategist behind the historic court challenge of California’s ban on marriage for same-sex couples; former Pennsylvania Congressman Patrick Murphy, who helped lead efforts to repeal the military’s ban on openly gay and lesbian servicemembers and award-winning children’s author Todd Parr.

Just days after a federal appellate court ruling overturned Proposition 8, the timing couldn't have been better for the Family Equality Council to honor one of the key figures in the fight: political consultant Chad Griffin, co-founder of the American Foundation for Equal Rights.

Family Equality Council—the national organization that connects, supports and represents LGBT parents—honored several advocates of family equality at the organization's annual awards dinner in Los Angeles Feb. 11.

The event honored children's book author Todd Parr; Chad Griffin, co-founder and board president of the American Foundation for Equal Rights (which is behind the legal case against Prop 8); and former Congressman Patrick Murphy. Director Rob Reiner and Eric Stonestreet (the other half of the Modern Family couple) were among the awards presenters.