Marriage/Partner Recognition

Lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) families deserve the same respect, recognition and protection as all other families. Family recognition and the many rights and protections it provides is essential to the well-being of our families. Same-sex couples, even those legally recognized by their states, are denied the 1,138 federal benefits available to or required of married opposite-sex couples. The denial of those benefits hurts our families.

Notable inroads have been made over the past year in the realm of marriage equality. Currently Massachusetts, Iowa, Maine, Vermont, Connecticut and New Hampshire grant the freedom to marry to same-sex couples. This continues to be a hot-button issue across the nation as more states consider granting this fundamental freedom. Read the Task Force's reaction to the recent victories in Iowa, Maine and Vermont.

In May 2009, marriage equality proponents were dealt a blow when the California Supreme Court upheld Proposition 8, a ballot initiative that was approved by a slim majority in November 2008. The measure prohibited same-sex couples from legally marrying in California. Read the Task Force's reaction to the May 26 court ruling.

Task Force staff took to the streets in a nationwide protest against the California Supreme Court's ruling. Here are photos and video footage from the New York demonstration.

What We’re Doing:

The Task Force has been at the forefront of the national effort to defeat anti-same-sex marriage amendments (that often include bans on any recognized legal status, such as civil unions) and promote family recognition. We:

Launched the Anger into Action declaration. This declaration will demonstrate the wide public support for the fundamental rights of LGBT people and will fortify our commitment to bringing about more positive change. Sign the declaration.
We held a Power Summit in Portland, Maine, at the end of April 2009, with a focus on achieving marriage equality in the state. Days later, Gov. John Baldacci signed legislature making Maine the fifth state granting the freedom to marry for same-sex couples. Learn more about the work of our Organizing and Training team.
Released an in-depth analysis in January 2009 of the Proposition 8 vote that showed party affiliation, political ideology, frequency of attending worship services and age were the driving forces behind the measure’s passage on Nov. 4. Read the study.