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Freedom to Marry Honors the Life of Del Martin

Civil Rights Leader was a Pioneer for Gay and Lesbian Rights and Champion of Marriage Equality

PRESS RELEASE
For Immediate Release: August 27, 2008
MEDIA CONTACT:
Evan Wolfson, Executive Director
212-851-8418
evan@freedomtomarry.org
Mobile: 646-263-5552

New York, August 27, 2008 — Freedom to Marry issued the following statement today from Evan Wolfson, Executive Director, upon the passing of Del Martin, a civil rights leader who, along with her spouse Phyllis Lyon whom she married on June 16, 2008 after 55 years together, was one of the nation’s first and most admired activists for equality and fairness for lesbian and gay people:

“Del Martin lived what Dr. King said he, too, aspired to — a committed life.  Committed to changing our country and the lives of millions for the better, committed to her beloved spouse Phyllis, committed in meaning and, happily, thanks to the progress she inspired, committed in marriage.  Freedom to Marry honors this luminous pioneer and pillar, and as we work to have and hold marriage in California and nationwide, treasures the lessons she and Phyllis taught us and the example they set.”

Gifts in lieu of flowers can be made to honor Del’s life and commitment at www.nclrights.org/NoOn8.

 

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Freedom to Marry is the gay and non-gay partnership working to win marriage equality nationwide. Launched in 2003, Freedom to Marry is headed by Evan Wolfson, nationally recognized as a central "architect of the marriage equality movement." Freedom to Marry guides and focuses this social justice movement on a nationwide level, serving as a strategy and support center for national, state, and local partners, a catalyst that drives and shapes the national debate on marriage equality, and an alliance-builder fostering support from non-gay allies.