Winning Marriage Equality in Maryland

Approximately 1 million LGBT parents are raising about 2 million children across the U.S.  According to 2010 data compiled by the Williams Institute, there are 4,122 same-sex couples raising 8,244 children in the state of Maryland alone.

These families deserve the same federal recognition and protections that all other families receive.

How you can help:

In order to win Marriage Equality in Maryland we have to convince lawmakers how important it us to us and why it matters for our families.  We can't do that without you.

It's time to stand up and be counted. You know that love and commitment are what makes a family and nobody can convey that message better than you. Here are some useful tools to help you get started:

• Play Dates With A Purpose
• Get Engaged 
  
• What to say to your children about political attacks on your family

Tell your story:

Look at this incredible example, and consider how your family might have an impact.

Be the voice of Marriage Equality:

Are you ready to stand up and be counted? Our story tool makes it easy- all you have to do is take the first step.

When friends ask, "Why does Marriage matter?" 

Marriage is one of the few times where two people make a public promise of love, commitment and responsibility for each other and where we ask our friends and family to hold us accountable. When committed same-sex couples say "I do" the core concept of Marriage remains the same. Love makes a family.

Marriage gives couples the tools and the security to build a life together. Without the freedom to marry same-sex couples do not receive the same recognition or protections for their families as other couples, and making and raising a family becomes even harder. 

The concept of Marriage is ingrained in our national consciousness. In hospital emergency rooms, funeral homes, at work, and at school, people understand without question that a Marriage means a solid family unit. No approximate legal arrangement conveys this concept

When friends ask, "Why is it important to our families?"

For committed same-sex couples with children, Marriage provides security and solidity. Denying the freedom to marry robs children of crucial support and stability, and ultimately leaves families unprotected. All families benefit from the reassurance that comes from knowing that your family is safe and secure.

More than 30 years of research and all major child welfare experts, including the American Academy of Pediatrics, the National Association of Social Workers, the American Psychiatric Association, and the American Psychological Association, agree that children of lesbian and gay parents are as well-adjusted as those of non-gay parents. These same organizations support the freedom to marry for same-sex couples because all children deserve the right to a loving and stable home.

Love :: Commitment :: Marriage :: Family

The freedom to marry is rooted in core values that are easily recognized: love, commitment, and responsibility. Marriage makes families stronger, and when that happens we all win.