July 20th, 2006

Members worked to keep the focus on families.

The U.S. House of Representative rejected the effort to write discrimination into the U.S. Constitution, with a 236-to-187 vote against Federal Marriage Amendment.

“Children with same-sex parents deserve the same protections as other children,” stated COLAGE executive director, Beth Teper. “Our families played an important role in the marriage debate and this vote shows their voices were heard.”

COLAGE members worked with other national organizations to educate policy makers and communities on why same-sex marriage is important to children.

“As the son of a lesbian mom, it is difficult for policy-makers to look me in the face and say that I deserve fewer rights than my peers,” stated COLAGE board co-chair Ryan LaLonde. LaLonde was one of a number of COLAGE members that worked to make sure that the perspective of kids with gay parents was not lost in the same-sex marriage discussion.

“Protecting children was a clear message sent by those who opposed same-sex marriage,” retorted LaLonde. “My life, my family and our story instantly showed that same-sex marriage is about protecting children.”

The Senate rejected the measure as well on July 7, 2006, with a 49-to-48 vote