WASSERMAN SCHULTZ STATEMENT ON BEGINNING OF SAME SEX MARRIAGE IN FLORIDA

WASHINGTON – U.S. Rep. Debbie Wasserman (FL-23) released the following statement this morning as legal same-sex marriages began across Florida:

“This is a momentous and moving day in Florida history. Today, we proudly turn the page on marriage discrimination and look toward a future that is more loving and closer to our ideals as a state.

“My heart has been buoyed by yesterday’s ceremonies in Miami-Dade and what we are now witnessing statewide in these early morning hours. These Floridians are our neighbors, our friends, our brothers and sisters, and it is incredibly moving to see them commit to one another in marriage.

“There are countless lawyers, judges, advocates, and allies who deserve immense credit for getting us to this point. None more so than the LGBT Floridians who have carried the fight for human dignity squarely on their shoulders with grace and determination. They have all represented our state at its best.

“For those individuals vowing to keep up the fight against equal treatment under the law for gay and lesbian Floridians, I say to them that their efforts are futile at best and mean-spirited at worst.

“We’re not going back. We’re going forward. And I am so happy that my children are witnessing this chapter in our history and will grow up in a state where marriage is available for all loving couples.

“Congratulations to the new husbands and wives throughout Florida! And in my faith tradition, a hearty mazel tov for good measure!”