National Freedom to Marry Week
The Foundation for Family and Marriage Equality is the Houston social justice organization committed to equality for families headed by GLBT couples. These families do not receive the same legal protections for themselves and their children as do other families. Our efforts culminate each year during National Freedom to Marry Week. We organize demonstrations, educational seminars, and Texas' largest same-sex wedding celebration! All of our events receive state and national attention, showing real people in real relationships that are honored by our friends, families, communities, and our many diverse faith traditions. Our government does not recognize our relationships or our rights. We will continue our efforts until all GLBT people are allowed to love freely, protect their families, and share the same civil rights, protections and dignity afforded by marriage.
There are many ways to learn more about upcoming activities: explore this website, email us, or join the Family and Marriage Equality Yahoo group.
2013
We had a great 2012, but 2013 may be more critical for LGBT equality here in the U.S. In 2012, Secretary of State, Hillary Clinton, declared to the world that, "Gay Rights are Human Rights". Washington, Maine, and Maryland passed Marriage Equality for the first time with popular votes. But in 2013, the U.S. Supreme Court will take up both the discriminatory Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA), and California Prop 8 (Same-Sex Marriage legality) court cases with decisions expected in June 2013. If DOMA is struck down, same-sex couples married in those states that have marriage equality will finally be granted full marriage equality, and the 1138 federal rights that come with marriage, such as: family medical leave, partner/family immigration, spousal social security benefits, spousal veterans benefits, income tax benefits, inheritance tax benefits, hospital visitation/decisions, etc. If Prop 8 is struck down, same-sex couples will be able to marry again in California, and the decision will provide a strong precedent to overturn the laws passed in other states banning same-sex marriages.
If the U.S. Supreme court rules against marriage equality, our struggle will return to the dark ages, and we will have to wait generations for equality. Join us in the fight this year for family and marriage equality. One important thing you can do is call or send a letter/email to President Obama and the U.S. Justice Department asking them to write a Friend-of-the-Court Brief to support overturning these discriminatory, unconstitutional laws. Here is a sample script.
Love, Marriage, and Equality Are Human Rights!
-Hillary Rodham Clinton
2013 Event Schedule February 11th - February 17th
Events are open to the public and free.
Donations at the events are gladly accepted!
Click here to download an event flyer.
Thursday, February 14, 2013
Downtown Valentine's Day Demonstration and March for the Right to Marry
11:30 am - Meet and demonstrate at Harris County Clerk's Office (201 Caroline Street).
11:45 am - Couples line up and walk into the clerk's office to ask for marriage licenses.
Click here to register as a couple who will ask for a marriage license.
12:00 pm - Demonstration march along Main Street to Houston City Hall.
12:30 pm - Freedom to Marry demonstration in front of City Hall.
Sunday, February 17, 2013
Texas' Largest "Big Gay Wedding" Celebration
Resurrection Metropolitan Community Church (2025 West 11th Street)
Click here to register to be married in the ceremony.
2:00 pm - Couples sign in and receive orientation.
3:00 pm - Wedding ceremony with multi-faith leaders - reception to follow.
