'With one vote, thousands of Spanish men, women and children will be protected equally,' said HRC President Joe Solmonese.

WASHINGTON - The Spanish Parliament made history yesterday by allowing same-sex couples and their children access to the rights, responsibilities and protections of marriage. HRC President Joe Solmonese made the following statement today:

"With one vote, thousands of men, women and children will be protected equally. Same-sex couples need the same tools as every other family to protect their children and their relationships.

"With Canada recently ending the denial of marriage to same-sex couples and now Spain, the world can see that everyone is better off when their friends, family members, co-workers and neighbors are protected. Just as in Massachusetts, life goes on as normal for everyone else but those families enjoy the hundreds of protections and responsibilities that a legal marriage provides.

"This law protects religious freedom and only deals with the civil elements of marriage. Houses of worship will continue to perform only those marriages they see fit.

"Fair-minded leaders in the United States should take these lessons and protect every American family equally."

The Human Rights Campaign is the largest national lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender political organization with members throughout the country. It effectively lobbies Congress, provides campaign support and educates the public to ensure that LGBT Americans can be open, honest and safe at home, at work and in the community.