Yesterday the Human Rights Campaign (HRC), the nation’s largest lesbian, gay,
bisexual and transgender (LGBT) civil rights organization, applauded the
Democratic Party platform drafting committee for approving language
that adds support for marriage equality to the Party’s platform. The
language must now be ratified by the full platform committee and then by
the Democratic National Convention in Charlotte this September.
“Like Americans from all walks of life, the Democratic Party has
recognized that committed and loving gay and lesbian couples deserve the
right to have their relationships respected as equal under the law,”
said HRC President Chad Griffin. “I believe that one day very soon the
platforms of both major parties will include similar language on this
issue. There is no more American value than honoring and protecting
one’s family.”
Support for marriage equality has risen quickly and consistently over
the last decade, with 53 percent of Americans now supporting marriage
rights for gay and lesbian couples. According to a recent Gallup poll,
70 percent of young voters aged 18-34 support marriage equality and a
Public Religion Research Institute poll puts support at 49 percent among
younger Republicans (Millenials). 58 percent of all Independent voters
support marriage for gays and lesbians, according to a Washington
Post/ABC News poll.
On Friday, HRC’s Legislative Director Allison Herwitt testified before the committee,
advocating for the inclusion of language in the platform that supported
marriage rights for gay and lesbian couples, as well as other pro-LGBT
equality issues. Sources within the Party, including Rep. Barney Frank,
who sits on the Party platform drafting committee, have stated that the
language was adopted after a unanimous vote.