HRC Blog

New Yorkers Stand Up for Marriage Equality in Maryland

September 25, 2012 by Guest contributor

This post comes from Pete Webb, who is a member of the HRC Board of Governors:

I recently had the pleasure of attending a Marylanders for Marriage Equality fundraiser at the Central Park home of Renee Cafaro. The featured speaker was Maryland Governor Martin O'Malley, a strong advocate for marriage equality.

HRC is a longtime friend and ally of Governor Martin O’Malley. Gov O’Malley discussed the recent surge in outside opposition funding and the need to raise an additional $2 million for the marriage equality campaign. Recent state polls shows support for marriage equality gaining ground - with over 50 percent of Marylanders supporting marriage equality. Today more than ever New Yorkers and other states need to support our brothers and sisters in the great state of Maryland.

I truly believe we cannot be complacent or silent. New Yorkers must remain vigilant until LGBT rights - including marriage equality - are granted to the entire country. As Governor O’Malley so eloquently stated, the thread of dignity and hope binds us together in our humanity.

The host committee for the fundraiser included Manhattan Borough President Scott Stringer; City Council Speaker Christine Quinn; State Senator Capri S. Cafaro; Rebecca Appleton Clark; Nick Silbergeld; Dan Squire; Peter Yacobellis; and George Zokle.

HRC has set up a special fund to direct 100 percent of your contribution today to defend the marriage equality law in Maryland. HRC is a founding member and leader of Marylanders for Marriage Equality, the coalition campaign working to defend marriage in the Free State, and your contribution will support the coalition's efforts and counttoward your HRC membership.

For more information on ways to support the effort, contact David Turley at [email protected] or www.hrc.org/mdpac.

Human Rights Campaign, 1640 Rhode Island Ave. NW, Washington, DC 20036, Chad Griffin, President