NOW Encouraged by Senate Defeat of Discriminatory Marriage Amendment

June 8, 2006

The National Organization for Women is encouraged by the Senate's defeat Wednesday of a constitutional amendment that would deny marriage rights to same-sex couples. Supporters of this discriminatory proposal failed to garner the 60 votes required to end debate and move to a final vote on the amendment. Despite a conservative majority in Congress, the vote was a very close 49-48, likely reflecting the popular opinion that more pressing issues should be at the top of the government's agenda.

"Despite George W. Bush's very public speech on Monday promoting this anti-marriage amendment, the Senate actually did the right thing and ended the administration’s transparent pandering to their right-wing base," said NOW President Kim Gandy. "Make no mistake, though, Bush's radical right-wing base will not let this issue die just because it failed at the federal level. They will continue to push their hate and bigotry in states across the country."

This November, seven states will bring the issue to voters through ballot initiatives designed not only to prevent countless loving couples from marrying, but also to use fear and intolerance as a get-out-the-vote tool.

"NOW is committed to winning marriage rights for all." said Gandy. "Our activists will organize this fall to vote down any measure that withholds critical legal protections from the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people of this nation." 

###

For Immediate Release
Contact: Mai Shiozaki, 202-628-8669, ext. 116; cell 202-641-1906

Sign up to receive press releases by email | by RSS