September 18, 2007. Today the state's highest court ruled that it is constitutional to deny the rights and protections of marriage to committed same-sex couples in Maryland. COLAGE joins with Equality Maryland in expressing our disappointment in the decision which continues preventing LGBT families equal access to the legal protections awarded through marriage.

COLAGE and our members intimately know that validation and recognition of our families through equal access to the rights and responsibilities awarded through marriage would protect families from discrimination in health care, insurance coverage, parental recognition and more. There are more than 400 provisions in MD state law and 1,100 provisions in federal law that protect married couples.

Chair of the COLAGE Board of Directors, Ryan Lalonde who lives in Silver Spring MD shared, "It is apparent that the majority in our State Supreme court have written off my family. I am hopeful that other Maryland leaders will step in and take the lead to help protect and strengthen the institution of marriage for all families, not for just those that can procreate. As the son of lesbian moms, and a future father myself, it is my hope is that States, including my state of Maryland will see that families like mine need legal protections too."

Equality Maryland plans to move the case to the General Assembly to ask the legislature to extend marriage to same-sex couples. Democratic State Senator Gwendolyn Britt, Chair of the Prince George's County Senate Delegation, has already announced her intention to sponsor legislation in 2008 that would allow same-sex couples to legally marry.

COLAGE Speak OUT member, Katherine Oliver of Columbia MD asserted, "The state that I love, the state that I grew up in has chosen to deny my family, my parents the same rights my husband and I have. Our families are everywhere and we want the same rights as everyone else. We are going to talk to our Senators. We are going to talk to our representatives. We are going to come forth and urge our legislature to make the laws fair for everyone. I have faith, that my children will live to see the day when their Grandpa and Pop Pop have the opportunity to get married. That day will be a day when my family and all other families like mine truly will have liberty and justice for all."

Join Equality Maryland and others committed to justice for LGBT families tonight! EQMD is hosting rallies across the state to urge the General Assembly to do what the court failed to do: end discrimination against committed same-sex couples and their families by expanding access to civil marriage to same-sex couples. We encourage youth and adults with LGBT parents to attend these events and demonstrate the impact of marriage inequality on COLAGErs. Find the rally closest to you and learn more about the case and ongoing efforts to secure marriage equality in Maryland on the Equality Maryland website.

COLAGE engages, connects, and empowers people to make the world a better place for children of LGBT parents and families. Through community building, youth empowerment, public education, and political advocacy at local, regional, and national levels, COLAGE plays an active role in creating a safe, just world for all children and families. www.colage.org