HRC Blog

Child and Family Health Experts Unite to Support Marriage Equality in Washington

October 18, 2012 by Tony Wagner, Western Regional Field Director

This post comes from HRC Regional Field Director Tony Wagner. He is working with Washington United for Marriage, the campaign working to defend marriage equality at the ballot box in November.

Leaders from over 30 child/family health and advocacy organizations in Washington State have declared their support for marriage equality. Their collective conclusion: valuing and respecting all families under the law promotes health and safety for children.

American Academy of Pediatrics (WCAAP), the Washington Academy of Family Physicians, and the Children’s Alliance are among the expert organizations urging voters to approve Referendum 74 on Nov. 6.

“Children of same-sex couples are in schools, playgrounds, and neighborhoods throughout Washington,” said Jon Gould, deputy director of the Children’s Alliance. “We know that all parents want a safe and supportive environment for their children to grow up in. That is why the Children’s Alliance encourages all voters to vote Approve on Referendum 74 and affirm the value of every family and every child.”

Rep. Ruth Kagi, chair of the House Early Learning & Human Services Committee, which focuses on issues relating to early learning and other issues affecting children and families, explains her easy decision to support equality: “After looking at this issue for many years, and hearing from constituents all across our districts about why marriage matters to their families, supporting the freedom to marry was an easy vote for me and many of my colleagues.”

Washington United for Marriage, the coalition leading the drive for marriage equality in the state, lists all of the child and family organizations supporting same-sex marriage on their website. You can also find the over 500 other organizations and businesses backing Ref. 74 and learn how you can take action to build momentum for equality leading up to November.