Democratic New Orleans Mayor Mitch
Landrieu has endorsed allowing gay and lesbian couples to marry.
Landrieu, a Catholic, is a longtime
supporter of recognizing gay couples with civil unions. Unlike
marriage, however, the federal government does not recognize civil
unions for the purpose of benefits.
Last week, the United States Conference
of Mayors overwhelmingly approved a resolution calling on federal
courts, including the Supreme Court, to rule against state bans
excluding gay couples from marriage. Landrieu's name appeared on the
statement.
(Related: U.S.
mayors call on Supreme Court to rule in favor of marriage equality.)
“The mayor has long supported ending
marriage discrimination at all levels of government,” a Landrieu
spokesman told gay glossy The
Advocate. “As an employer, the city of New Orleans
recognizes domestic partnerships and allows our employees' partners
to be eligible for benefits.”