Across the country, marriage continues to be a hot political issue. Even though the Federal Marriage Amendment was defeated, almost every state has legislated or is working on some form of law concerning same-sex marriage and the exclusivity of marital benefits. As an intern with AtMP this summer, I delved into this issue and would like to share some of my findings. My research this summer helped to answer the question: why does same-sex marriage matter for AtMP? I see two reasons that every AtMP supporter should care. First, writing marriage discrimination into law (or worse, a constitutional amendment) pushes all forms of non-marital relationships further from legal and societal acceptance. A ban on same-sex marriage is a step away from the objectives of AtMP. Second, marriage discrimination laws and amendments hurt all unmarried people by limiting many rights to married couples only.

In the first month of my internship, I researched the opposition—those who would accord legal and social status only to government-certified man/woman relationships. They are steadily building academic arguments to support their opinions. Their political operation is well organized and plays an active role in promoting marriage discrimination legislation. Specifically, organizations such as The Family Institute and Focus on the Family have established branches in almost all of the states where action is occurring. All this together might seem discouraging for AtMP supporters.

I am optimistic because the same-sex marriage movement is vibrant and impressive. An increasing amount of business, including many Fortune 500s, have added domestic partner benefits, and by extension are increasingly in support of same-sex marriage where legal as a good business practice. National political organizations are heavily mobilized in the states against the upcoming referenda to ban same-sex marriage, and state-wide groups are being very successful at mobilizing voters on the issue as well. Moreover and most importantly, public opinion is noticeably shifting in the direction of support for same-sex marriage. In the past two years since states last faced referenda on same-sex marriage, opinions have shifted greatly towards tolerance and acceptance of same-sex unions.

At least eight states will vote on marriage discrimination amendments this year. These amendments prohibit same-sex marriage, and most also deny state or local recognition of domestic partnerships and other non-marital relationships. They will affect unmarried people in myriad ways.

After the research phase of my summer internship, I recruited volunteers in three of these states and drafted weekly action steps that the volunteers can take to contribute to the defeat of these amendments. Over 35 AtMP members signed up as activists.

Based on the research and action planning I did this summer, I am very optimistic about the outcome of these elections. While none of the previous amendments have been defeated, this could definitely be the year to make it happen. So keep positive, get involved with AtMP or a local organization, and vote on November 7, 2006.