The Goodridge family

Something remarkable just happened for Massachusetts families like Hillary and Julie Goodridge and their daughter, Annie.

The highest court in Massachusetts said it was wrong for the government to deny marriage licenses--and the important protections they provide--to committed gay and lesbian couples and their families.

For families like the Goodridges, the decision was monumental.

But it was also simple. It didn't make any person change his or her religious beliefs. And it didn't tell any church or other religious institution what relationships it has to recognize.

All it did was recognize that equality and fairness are core principles under the law; and that love, commitment and responsibility are important values in any relationship.

Access to marriage does more than provide families with important protections--such as visiting one another in the hospital, and getting full Social Security benefits and inheritance rights if a partner dies.

When Americans like the Goodridges have access to marriage, it makes their family stronger and more stable. And it makes society stronger and more stable as well.

Unfortunately, hard-working, tax-paying families--who, like the Goodridges, take on all the responsibilities of a long-term committed relationship--are still denied these critical protections in every other state in America.

Legal protection for Hillary, Julie, and Annie is one small step toward making America stronger and fairer. But it's time we honored love, commitment and family for all Americans.

All families deserve protection. Take a stand for civil marriage equality below:
 
    >> Help get the Goodridge family's story seen! Click here.
    >> Oppose the Federal Marriage Amendment
    >> Sign our Million for Marriage petition
   

1 Sandy Rios, President of Concerned Women for America, October 2, 2003, National Press Club