For Immediate Release                                                               
November 5, 2008                                            

Contact: Adam Ratliff
(202) 467-8180, ext. 212 / aratliff@pflag.org

Following State Ballot Votes on LGBT Equality in Three States, PFLAG Awaits Outcome in California

Vows to Continue Support, Education & Advocacy Efforts

 

Washington, DC – Following disappointing votes rolling back or denying full equality for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender citizens in Florida, Arkansas and Arizona, Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays (PFLAG) eagerly awaits the official results of Proposition 8 in California, and vows to continue working with pro-equality families and allies to build support for full, fundamental rights for the LGBT community. 

“PFLAG’s core mission of support, education and advocacy for our LGBT loved ones is more critical than ever,” said Jody M. Huckaby, the group’s executive director. “Though we fell short of protecting our families on this election day in three states, we are hopeful for marriage equality to prevail in California. PFLAG parents and allies shared their stories, talked about their loved ones and made personal appeals to voters in three states, making a significant difference. As we move forward and continue that work, we can build a critical mass of support that will be invaluable in future fights, too.”

Three LGBT-specific ballot initiatives passed on Tuesday. In Florida and Arizona, voters approved constitutional amendments barring recognition of same-sex couples, including, in Florida, civil unions and domestic partnerships. And in Arkansas, voters approved a measure prohibiting the placement of foster children in homes with unmarried citizens. The Arkansas measure was specifically aimed at LGBT foster parents, but will also impact unmarried heterosexual foster parents as well.

In California, votes are still being counted and will determine the fate of Proposition 8, which could eliminate marriage equality for same-sex couples in the state. 

“Despite some setbacks, millions of people voted with us, and against discrimination, and we will work to grow that coalition of allies and move equality forward.” Huckaby said. “We are watching California closely and we must not be deterred from continuing to work for full equality for LGBT Americans,”

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PFLAG promotes the health and well-being of gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender persons, their families and friends through: support, to cope with an adverse society; education, to enlighten an ill-informed public; and advocacy, to end discrimination and to secure equal civil rights. Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays provides opportunity for dialogue about sexual orientation and gender identity, and acts to create a society that is healthy and respectful of human diversity.