Politics & Government

Callahan Supports Marriage Equality Effort

Bethlehem mayor joins bipartisan coalition supporting marriage rights for gay, lesbian couples.

Bethlehem Mayor John Callahan has joined a bipartisan coalition of more than 75 American mayors who have pledged to support marriage rights for gay and lesbian couples.

The coalition officially launched this morning at a news conference at the U.S. Conference of Mayors, which is meeting this week in Washington, D.C.

The effort is being coordinated by Freedom to Marry, an advocacy group that is working to make marriage legal for gay and lesbian couples nationwide.

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Among the supporters are the mayors of America’s four largest cities: Michael Bloomberg of New York, Antonio Villaraigosa of Los Angeles, Rahm Emmanuel of Chicago and Annise Parker of Houston.

The participating mayors signed a statement, which says the following:

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“As mayors of great American cities, we proudly stand together in support of the freedom of same-sex couples to marry. We personally know many gay and lesbian people living in our cities who are in committed, loving relationships, who are active participants in the civic life of our communities, and who deserve to be able to marry the person with whom they share their life.”

This is not the first time Callahan has voiced his support for gay and lesbian rights. The mayor that protects gays, lesbians and transgendered person from discrimination. Council and Callahan .

"I applaud Mayor Callahan for his leadership in joining the national chorus of mayors who support full equality for all of us" said Adrian Shanker, President of Equality Pennsylvania "John has proven himself to be a fierce advocate for equal rights and a true friend to the LGBT community. Other mayors in Pennsylvania should follow his lead."

Callahan along with Philadelphia Mayor Michael Nutter were the only two mayors from Pennsylvania to sign the statement.


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