How the ’Family Values’ Political Scandals May Benefit Marriage Equality

EDGE Boston
July 5, 2009
One by one, the so-called "family values" Republicans--including those considered potential 2012 presidential candidates--are falling like dominoes. They preach about the sanctity of marriage and the importance of a man and a woman raising children, then get caught with their pants down (literally). Attorney Evan Wolfson, founder and executive director of Freedom to Marry, said of "family values" politicians like Governor Mark Sanford of South Carolina, "These people run around the country denying encouragement and support for gay families. That’s the hypocrisy of their position." How, then can marriage equality advocates use the "family values" politicians committing marital indiscretions to their advantage? "I think that their hypocrisy speaks for itself and helps move the case for legalization forward," Wolson said. "Because many of them have been the bomb-throwing leaders of the anti-gay campaign, every time one of them is taken out it allows for the fair-minded to think anew and move in the right direction." [Link]

State Senator Pushing For Civil Unions In S.C.

WJBF
February 4, 2009
South Carolina state Sen. Robert Ford has introduced a bill to allow civil unions that would offer the state's gay couples protections and responsibilities of marriage: "You just can’t close the doors on people’s rights." [Link]

Marriages discussed in SC

Anderson Independent Mail
October 23, 2006
"I see many different kinds of families, adoptive families, grandmothers raising grandchildren, single mothers and gay and lesbian couples raising families," Ms. Leong said. "Who's to say one of these families is better than the other? This is my family we're talking about." [link]

Romney biggest contributor to SC anti-gay campaign

365Gay.com
July 4, 2006
"The extent of his involvement with the South Carolina group is seen as the beginning of an attempt to build a national coalition of conservative groups — something he will need if he goes ahead with his quest for the GOP presidential nomination." [link]

RADIO INTERVIEW: Samiya Bashir on the importance of marriage equality

Rainbow Radio
February 12, 2006
Freedom to Marry Communication Director Samiya Bashir joins RAINBOW RADIO in South Carolina for their Freedom to Marry Week program to discuss the importance of marriage equality. [link]