FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE | February 15, 2012
Kevin Nix | (202) 431-5796 | kevin.nix@hrc.org
Meredith Curtis | (410) 889-8555 | curtis@aclu-md.org
Legendary Baltimore Family Featured in Web Ad for Marriage Equality
BALTIMORE - The Marylanders for Marriage Equality coalition today announced that members of the prominent Murphy family of Baltimore are featured in the coalition's 13th web ad calling for marriage equality in the Free State. In the ad, William "Billy" Murphy Jr., Laura W. Murphy, and Rebecca Murphy say "We are Marylanders for Marriage Equality." The ad can be viewed here.
"We are so honored and proud to have members of the Murphy family stand strongly with us in support of the Civil Marriage Protection Act," said Susan Goering, Executive Director of the ACLU of Maryland. "The Murphys' history of fighting for equality under the law is legendary and has long been an inspiration to many. That is why their continuing steadfast support of fairness for gay and lesbian couples now is so meaningful."
"I strongly support Governor O'Malley's Civil Marriage Protection Act," said William "Billy" Murphy, Jr, founding partner of the Murphy Law firm in Baltimore. "I have lived with and known gays and lesbians all my life and believe that as fellow human beings they should be able to protect their families through marriage. Let's get this done."
"One of key lessons I have learned in my work as an advocate, both personally and professionally, is that for equality to have meaning, legal rights must extend to everyone," said Laura Murphy, director of the ACLU's Washington Legislative Office. "Separate can never be equal."
"The Murphy family has been standing up for equality for everyone for a long time, and this fight is no different," said Rebecca Murphy, parent, straight ally, and community activist. "Same-sex couples in our community share our values of commitment and family, and they deserve to be protected."
Marylanders for Marriage Equality is the coalition working to bring civil marriage equality to Maryland.
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