HomeMy WebLinkAbout2012-229 Stmt of Support - Same Sex Marriage CITY OF
ASHLAND
STATEMENT OF SUPPORT
As the Mayor and Council Members of a great Oregon city, we proudly stand together in support of
the freedom of same-sex couples to marry. We personally know many gay and lesbian people living in
our cities and towns who are in committed, loving relationships, who are active participants in the civic
life of our communities, and who deserve to be able to marry the person with whom they share their
life.
We are proud that at its 2009 annual meeting, the U.S. Conference of Mayors unanimously approved a
resolution stating that: "The U.S. Conference of Mayors supports marriage equality for same-sex
couples, and the recognition and extension of full equal rights to such unions, including family and
medical leave,tax equity, and insurance and retirement benefits, and opposes the enshrinement of
discrimination in the federal or state constitutions."
Our cities and towns derive great strength from their diversity, and gay and lesbian families are a
crucial part. Studies have shown what we know through our hands-on experience—that cities and
towns that celebrate and cultivate diversity are the places where creativity and ideas thrive. They are
the places where today's entrepreneurs are most likely to choose to build the businesses of tomorrow.
Allowing same-sex couples the right to many enhances our ability to build this kind of environment,
which is good for all of us.
We stand for the freedom to marry because it enhances the economic competitiveness of our
communities, improves the lives of families that call our cities home, and is simply the right thing to
do. We look forward to working to build an America where all people can share in the love and
commitment of marriage with the person with whom they share their life
Signed by
MJohn r Coun ilOr C of Vo isin o re Lemhouse
atteryy Councilor David Chapman —�—
Councilor Mike Morris
ADMINISTRATION Tel:541A88-6002
20 East Main Street Fax:541-0885311
Ashland,Oregon 97520 TTY: 800-735-2900
www.ashland.orms
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