Houston Mayor Annise Parker is among the co-chairs of Mayors for the Freedom to Marry.
Jackie Yodashkin at Freedom to Marry sends along word that the group has now posted a list of 74 of the mayors who’ve signed its pledge in support of same-sex marriage, as well as the text of the pledge itself.
As many of us are painfully aware by now, the list doesn’t include Dallas’ Mike Rawlings, who says he “personally” supports same-sex marriage but doesn’t sign things related to social issues that don’t directly impact city affairs. Read our latest story here. (It’s worth noting that since we broke this story Wednesday, it’s been picked up by both the Dallas Morning News, which ran it on the front page of the Metro section today, and the Dallas Observer.)
Mike Rawlings
Rawlings has also posted a statement on his Facebook page further explaining his position: “Upon taking office, I made a conscious decision to focus on issues that create a healthy, viable city and not on those that are partisan and social in nature. I was asked to pledge my support to ‘Mayors for the Freedom to Marry’ in an effort to pressure state and federal entities to legalize marriage for same-sex couples. I decided not to sign onto that letter because that is inconsistent with my view of the duties of the office of the mayor. To be a world class city, we must be inclusive towards all citizens, including the LGBT community. Personally, I support the LGBT movement and its efforts for equal rights that they deserve.”
Judging by the 63 comments on Rawlings Facebook post, the LGBT community isn’t satisfied. As of this morning, 173 people had signed a Change.org petition calling for Rawlings to sign the pledge. There’s also a Facebook page where you can find contact information for the mayor’s office.
Yodashkin also said that Houston Mayor Annise Parker is now a co-chair of the campaign, called Mayors for the Freedom to Marry. And while Austin’s Lee Leffingwell hadn’t been added to the published list, Yodashkin told me Thursday that Leffingwell had signed the pledge. Yodashkin also mentioned that New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg will speak at a press conference at 9:45 Eastern time this morning to formally unveil the campaign. Is it possible that Rawlings will have a change of heart and show up, pen in hand? We’ll find out, but for now the full text of the pledge is below.
Mayors for the Freedom to Marry Statement
As mayors of great American cities, we proudly stand together in support of the freedom of same-sex couples to marry. We personally know many gay and lesbian people living in our cities who are in committed, loving relationships, who are active participants in the civic life of our communities, and who deserve to be able to marry the person with whom they share their life.
We are proud that at its 2009 annual meeting, the U.S. Conference of Mayors unanimously approved a resolution stating that: “The U.S. Conference of Mayors supports marriage equality for same-sex couples, and the recognition and extension of full equal rights to such unions, including family and medical leave, tax equity, and insurance and retirement benefits, and opposes the enshrinement of discrimination in the federal or state constitutions.”
Our cities derive great strength from their diversity, and gay and lesbian families are a crucial part. Studies have shown what we know through our hands-on experience—that cities that celebrate and cultivate diversity are the places where creativity and ideas thrive. They are the places where today’s entrepreneurs are most likely to choose to build the businesses of tomorrow. Allowing same-sex couples the right to marry enhances our ability to build this kind of environment, which is good for all of us.
We stand for the freedom to marry because it enhances the economic competitiveness of our communities, improves the lives of families that call our cities home, and is simply the right thing to do. We look forward to working to build an America where all people can share in the love and commitment of marriage with the person with whom they share their life.
I support gay rights too, although I’d much rather we abolish all government concern over and knowledge of rather anyone’s married. Why are they involved in marriage at all? I also support a mayor who isn’t bashful about voicing support for gays but with enough spine not to be browbeaten into signing documents he thinks are silly and have nothing to do with accomplishing the needs of his electorate and his city.
This is just politics and publicity. Neither a pledge or a mayor can do anything for gay marriage, so this doesn’t matter to me. Now when you write about the senate or senators voting on gay marriage, I’ll pay attention, but since this isn’t the issue, I don’t care.
Have to agree with Alan to the extent that attempting to ‘browbeat’ a human being into compliance usually results in the opposite outcome. And our government has absolutely no right to intrude into our bedroom ‘machinations.’
There are 2 types of marriage, religous and civil. Civil is for tax benefits, civil rights and such. Religous for folks who think their religous beliefs are right, and quite often try to force others to agree with them. I realized over 60 years ago when it comes to religion and politics, folks don’t want to know what is true, just what they believe reinforced.
I realized over 60 years ago when it comes to religion and politics, folks don’t want to know what is true, just what they believe reinforced.
You see, this is what I’m talking about! I don’t support it, but what does this have to do with potholes, streetlights, crime, etc/?
Some Mayors don’t know of the “Mayors for Freedom to Marry” initiative, but Mr. Rawlings do. Clearly he chose not to sign for the dignity and the equal treatment of his Gay and Lesbian citizens, and to align the city with the far rightist agenda of discrimination and intolerance.
Does he really want Dallas to be the last major US city denying what is just decent and be notorious for that? Buisenessmen are more forward thinking: it is important for them to provide all their employees a friendly work environment, willing to attract the best competencies and skills. Discrimination is certainly not that. Mr. Rawlings is damaging the image of Dallas in many ways. Gay and Lesbian people who are numerous in Dallas, all the people who care for them and the ones who understand how much Mr. Rawling’s stand is damaging for the city’s image, should dump this Mayor the next time.