This week the Democratic National Committee (DNC) formally endorsed marriage equality for all Americans and called for repeal of the Defense of Marriage Act. The party also endorsed the Employment Non-Discrimination Act, which would prohibit employment discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity. MassEquality Executive Director Kara Suffredini, Esq. issued the following statement in response:
“As the first state to secure marriage equality for generations to come, we in Massachusetts are thrilled by the national Democratic Party’s decision to back full support for marriage equality for all Americans and its decision to call for repeal of the Defense of Marriage Act. This marks another step forward in the unmistakable trend toward public acceptance and embrace of marriage equality. At least seven national polls have found majority support among Americans for marriage equality, and today’s move by the Democratic National Committee shows that we, as a country, are fast putting the politics of discrimination around marriage equality behind us.
“In Massachusetts we have been privileged to celebrate the right to marry for over eight years. What we’ve learned is that our communities are safer, happier, and healthier when all families are respected, supported and celebrated. As time goes on and even larger majorities of Americans come to support marriage equality, we look forward to the day when all Americans can enjoy the freedom to marry.
“We are also pleased to see the Democratic Party embrace a trans-inclusive non-discrimination bill. A key to full participation in community and civic life is the ability to provide for yourself and your family without fear of being fired simply for who you are.
“These moves by the Democratic National Party are powerful affirmations before the country and the world of the basic human dignity of same-sex couples, transgender men and women, and their families.”
MassEquality works to ensure that every lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender person in Massachusetts is protected from cradle to grave—with equal rights and opportunities in school, in marriage and family life, at work and in retirement.
