Press Release

Maryland Green Party supports same-sex marriage

Maryland Green Party
www.mdgreens.org

December 10, 2006

The Maryland Green Party expresses its support for and solidarity with the individuals and organizations who have presented arguments on behalf of same-sex marriage in the Conaway vs. Deane case heard by the Maryland Court of Appeals on Monday, December 4, 2006. The Maryland Green Party recognizes and applauds the courage of the individuals and organizations who are blazing the trail for GLBT civil rights in Maryland.

The Green Party views the right to marriage as an equal rights issue. In keeping with its key values of diversity and social justice, the Maryland Green Party affirms the rights of gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgendered (GLBT) people to housing, jobs, civil marriage and benefits, child custody - and in all areas of life, the right to be treated equally with all other people. The Maryland Green Party is also strongly opposed to any attempts by members of the State Assembly to change the Maryland Constitution in order to deny equal rights to GLBT individuals.

“The ban on same-sex marriage is discriminatory and divisive,” says Tim Willard, Co-chair of the Maryland Green Party. "Excluding gay couples from marriage is an affront to democracy and human rights. If the State of Maryland is serious about social justice, it must allow gay marriage and end this outdated discrimination against GLBT individuals.”

The Green Party has included support for same-sex marriage in its party platform for the past decade, and calls for Democrats and Republicans to follow suit.

MORE INFORMATION
Maryland Green Party
www.mdgreens.org
P.O. Box 754
Laurel, MD 20725
CONTACT: Karen Jennings
kljennings.geo-AT-yahoo.com