Dems Add Gay Marriage to Platform

Today, the Human Rights Campaign (HRC), reports that the Democratic Party has approved new language that adds support for marriage equality to the platform. While the language must now be ratified by the full platform committee, it’s expected to be submitted to the Democratic National Convention in Charlotte this September.

“Like Americans from all walks of life, the Democratic Party has recognized that committed and loving gay and lesbian couples deserve the right to have their relationships respected as equal under the law,” says HRC President Chad Griffin. “I believe that one day very soon the platforms of both major parties will include similar language on this issue. There is no more American value than honoring and protecting one’s family.”

Support for marriage equality has risen during the past decade, with 53 percent of Americans now supporting marriage rights for gay and lesbian couples. According to a recent Gallup poll, 70 percent of young voters between the ages of 18 and 34 support marriage equality and a Public Religion Research Institute poll puts support at 49 percent among younger Republicans. And 58 percent of all independent voters support marriage for gays and lesbians, according to a Washington Post/ABC News poll.

On Friday, HRC’s Legislative Director Allison Herwitt testified before the committee, advocating for the inclusion of language in the platform that supported marriage rights for gay and lesbian couples, as well as other pro-LGBT equality issues. Sources within the party, including Rep. Barney Frank, who sits on the drafting committee, have stated that the language was adopted after a unanimous vote.