Waveland Mayor David Garcia has
announced his support for allowing gay and lesbian couples to marry,
making him the first Mississippi mayor to back such unions.
“As mayor of the city of Waveland,
Mississippi, I understand that the strength and health of our cities
are enhanced when all families are protected and supported,” Garcia
said in a statement. “We know many people in loving and committed
same-sex relationships who are active participants in improving our
communities and we've seen how important marriage has been for them
and their families. Because I believe in fairness for all American
families, I support the freedom to marry for same-sex couples willing
to take on that commitment.”
Garcia is a member of Mayors for the
Freedom to Marry, a project of Freedom to Marry.
“More same-sex couples are raising
children in Mississippi than in any other state, and these children
need the legal protections and respect for their families that
marriage provides just as much as any other kids,” said Evan
Wolfson, president of Freedom to Marry. “Waveland Mayor Garcia is
standing up for these kids and these families, and for the basic
principle that government should not be denying any Mississippians
the freedom to marry the person they love. His leadership adds yet
another Southern voice to the call for freedom to marry nationwide.
Like the rest of America, Mississippi is on a journey toward liberty
and justice for all. Where you live in America shouldn't determine
how much equality you have under the law.”