FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 6, 2006

All Families Deserve Equal Protection, Benefits and Respect

The Alternatives to Marriage Project (AtMP) urges the members of Congress to vote no on the so-called Marriage Protection Amendment.

By dictating a national definition of marriage (the union of one man and one woman), the "Marriage Protection Amendment" would override constitutional federalism and diminish states' right to make family law.

The American people have already expressed two clear trends through state and local laws: they can define marriage, and they want to extend many of the legal, economic and social benefits of marriage to a diversity of family types. By excluding unmarried people from the "legal incidents" of marriage, the "Marriage Protection Amendment" would not only threaten the legal status of domestic partnerships and civil unions that already exist within many states and localities, but also hinder the expansion of rights for unmarried people that is being avidly pursued by local governments and the private sector nationwide. These vital measures are necessary conditions for family health and socio-economic success, whether the family is led by a same-sex couple who does not have the option of marriage or a different-sex unmarried couple.

President Bush and other supporters of this amendment are out of touch with the ways that real Americans live and define their families. They seem to believe that "good" families come in only one design, and are eager to punish millions of families who do not conform. Today, 11 million people in America live with unmarried partners and about two-fifths of children are expected to live in a cohabiting household at some point in their lives. Policies that deny the protections and benefits traditionally associated with marriage to such couples and their children are anti-family. There are many possible ways to support the reality of family diversity today, one of which would be to end government regulation of marriage entirely, leaving marriage to be defined by religious institutions.

Nicky Grist, Executive Director of AtMP, says "It is sad to see politicians use fear, misunderstanding and discrimination to advance their goals. They are stigmatizing unmarried people, including those who would love to marry if they could, by pretending that marriage needs protection. It is particularly offensive that the President and Congress are pushing to debate a measure that is known to lack sufficient support."

About the Alternatives to Marriage Project:
The Alternatives to Marriage Project advocates for equality and fairness for unmarried people, including people who are single, those who choose not to marry, cannot marry, or live together outside of marriage. We provide support and information for this fast-growing constituency, fight discrimination on the basis of marital status, and educate the public and policymakers about relevant social and economic issues. We believe that marriage is only one of many acceptable family forms, and that society should recognize and support healthy relationships in all their diversity. Our Affirmation of Family Diversity (www.unmarried.org/family.html) has been signed by over 1600 people.

For further information, contact:
Nicky Grist, Executive Director: 718-788-1911
Jennifer Gaboury, Board Member: 917-804-4943

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