Civil Marriage Questions

Did the recent California Supreme Court Ruling grant same-sex couples the right to marry?
Yes, but that decision has already been threatened. In a landmark decision, California’s Supreme Court ruled that the prohibition of same-sex marriage is unconstitutional. However, a proposed constitutional amendment in November threatens to make null and void this historic ruling. The Human Rights Campaign has pledged an initial contribution of $500,000 to the Equality for All campaign to protect marriage equality and defeat the amendment. Through our commitment to Equality for All, HRC aims to ensure that California remains a state in which every person has the opportunity to realize their hopes and dreams by being able to marry the person they love. The pledge is in addition to resources HRC has already contributed to the fight for marriage equality in California. Already this year, HRC provided six full-time staff members and $100,000 to Equality for All.

Why use the term "marriage" instead of "union" or "domestic partnership"?
HRC believes in full equality for gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender people, including the right to marry. The Million For Marriage petition represents the freedom of all Americans to form families, and to have them protected. That includes same-sex marriage, domestic partnerships and civil unions – all of the legal structures that validate and protect lifelong commitments.

While we use a variety of terms to talk about relationship recognition, we are using the word marriage in this campaign because it is a term that has great emotional value for all Americans.  We will continue to use language that is meaningful and politically effective in order to ensure that all people have the rights and responsibilities associated with marriage.

What organization is behind this website and petition?
The Human Rights Campaign, the largest national lesbian and gay political organization, started this campaign to mobilize a million people for the right of EVERY American to marry. We envision an America where lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people are ensured of their basic equal rights, and can be open, honest and safe at home, at work and in the community. HRC has more than 7 00,000 members, both GLBT and non-GLBT , all committed to making this vision of equality a reality.

Is this a real petition — where is it going?
Yes, this is a real petition. We will deliver the message of support for civil marriage equality to key leaders in Congress and in state legislatures around the country!

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What are you doing to promote marriage equality in this country?
The Human Rights Campaign is working to educate the public on the issue of civil marriage equality, in addition to other issues that affect gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender Americans. We also effectively lobby Congress and provide campaign support to candidates for federal office. We continue to fight for civil unions, domestic partnerships, and marriage laws, as well as partner benefits and other issues of concern for GLBT couples, on the state and federal level.  We have also contributed amicus (friend of the court) briefs in several court cases involving civil marriage rights for same-sex couples around the country.

My partner/spouse and I have a story we"d like to share — how can we do that?
If you have a story that you would like to share with MillionforMarriage and the Human Rights Campaign, you may email it to us at hrc@hrc.org with the subject line: A story to share. If you would prefer, you may also mail it to us at: MillionforMarriage Stories C/O HRC at 1640 Rhode Island Ave NW, Washington, DC 20036.

I don't believe in marriage — gay or straight.

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Technical Questions