Marriage Equality

Marriage is a fundamental right that should be equally available to all citizens. When the government denies two people the right to legal marriage just because they are of the same sex, that is discrimination and contrary to American values of fair and equal treatment for all. Just like heterosexuals, many lesbians and gays grow up dreaming of meeting a partner and making a lifelong commitment. They should not be denied pursuit of this portion of the American dream.

Nationwide, the ACLU has filed lawsuits challenging bans on marriage by same-sex couples in Oregon, California, New York, and Maryland.

• In Washington, the ACLU is pursuing a suit on behalf of 11 same-sex couples seeking to establish equal marriage rights. Details may be found here.

• The ACLU has helped organize town hall meetings on marriage equality in communities across the state, including Olympia, Port Townsend, Seattle, Spokane, Tacoma, and Yakima.

• ACLU representatives speak out frequently in mass media and public forums about the need for marriage equality. Our speakers may be requested for your school, community group, or other interested organizations by using our speaker request form.

• The ACLU has designed and distributed educational materials on marriage equality to thousands across Washington.

To learn more about the ACLU-WA's work on this issue, please see the "Marriage Equality" section in our Lesbian and Gay Rights issue page.