Marriage Equality USA's Page

The Organization

Marriage Equality USA, is an all-volunteer, national non-profit organization whose mission is to secure legally recognized civil marriage equality for all, at the federal and state level, without regard to gender identity or sexual orientation.

Marriage Equality, Inc. began as an idea in 1996 with a handful of activists believing that same-sex couples should have the freedom and the right to civil marriage, and angry that the federal government wanted to pass a law barring LGBT people from this right. The organization was officially founded and formed February 12, 1998, on National Freedom To Marry Day. The New York chapter became so successful that activists in Los Angeles Oakland and San Francisco California, responding to that state's 2000 anti-marriage referendum, began Marriage Equality California.

In the late autumn of 2000, the national organization, Marriage Equality USA was officially founded. Since then other chapters have formed across the country and are chapters are growing every day. The organization's sole purpose and focus is to end discrimination in civil marriage so that same-sex couples can enjoy the same legal and societal status as opposite-sex couples.

Marriage Equality USA (MEUSA) understands how critical it is for a greater number of voices to be heard and often works in tandem with other state and national organizations. With greater numbers of people working together towards ending discrimination in civil marriage, MEUSA hopes to accomplish in the foreseeable future what truly is the inevitable. civil marriages for same-sex couples.

Polls today tell us that 40 percent of the U.S. public approves of the basic civil right for gay people to marry. With the help of committed individuals and organizations, we are confident that that percentage will continue to grow. Only then can we shape the kind of social climate that will change public opinion embolden our courts to make fair decisions in winning the freedom to marry.

Some of MEUSA's activities to date include:
Began the Valentine's Day/Freedom to Marry Day Marriage License Counter demonstrations across the country where same-sex couples ask for marriage licenses from their city hall and county recorder's offices.

The first organization (joint effort with Lambda Legal) to institute a comprehensive grass roots marriage and media training program for activists.

Obtained support of our Marriage Declaration from council members, clergy, community boards, mayors, and other key people throughout the U.S.

Sponsored the first-ever Same-Sex Wedding Expo in NYC, garnering solid support from gay and non-gay businesses.

Created National Bridge Marches for Marriage Equality in San Francisco and New York City.

Acknowledged for shaping the civil marriage for same-sex couples discussion in the LGBT and non-LGBT communities.

OUR APPROACH

Education
Speaking engagements, forums, and outreach functions provide our greatest opportunity to educate people on same-sex marriage. Our educational material gives us the opportunity to explain ALL the issues. Using our Marriage Declaration as a vital tool, we meet with organizations and individuals, explaining why marriage matters. Through these meetings, we build coalitions with other gay and non-gay organizations, which increases the number of individuals who believe in equality through marriage. We also provide training classes.

Civil marriage is a basic human right. Civil marriage affords over 1,000 benefits, legal protections and responsibilities. This is why same-sex couples should be allowed to enter into a civil marriage, to protect themselves and their families.

Media Campaigns
Greater awareness lessens the fear many people have around same-sex marriage. That is why MEUSA actively sponsors and engages in letter-writing to publications, large media events and press conferences, statewide rallies, speak-outs, and other high-profile activities. We believe exposure through film, TV commercials, and print ads are extremely effective. By putting same-sex marriage in the news, we can ensure visibility of the issue.

Partnerships
Organizing and building coalitions and alliances with social and civil groups, churches and individuals (gay and non-gay) are key to getting our message out. Co-sponsoring events, discussion groups and outreach to the business community are just some of the ways to get the greater community involved with marriage equality.

In December 2008, Marriage Equality USA expanded outreach to allow independent organizations to join Marriage Equality USA as "members organizations" while maintaining their complete independence.

Contact Us
If you have questions, suggestions, or would like more information on marriage rights for same-sex couples or Marriage Equality USA, please contact us!