Orange County Florida Mayor Announces Support For Marriage Equality
Orange County Florida Mayor Teresa Jacobs
Announces Support for The Freedom to Marry
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(August 27, 2014) -- In an interview with Watermark publisher Tom Dyer that was published today, Orange County Mayor Teresa Jacobs voiced her support for marriage equality.
"I support it," Jacobs said. "Gay couples should have the same rights and benefits as any other couple. People should be able to share their lives with the person they love. Government should treat these couples the same. Once you establish that, it takes you to marriage equality."
“We applaud Mayor Jacobs for taking a clear stand for equality and fairness in Florida,” said Nadine Smith, CEO of Equality Florida. “Florida is at a critical moment in our struggle to end discrimination, and every leader across the state must stand up, joining with the majority of Floridians, and support marriage equality regardless of political party.”
Jacobs, a Republican who is Catholic, also told Watermark that her contribution in this conversation may be in helping others understand that marriage equality need not conflict with religious belief. "I think that, with the right kind of communication, I can change some people's opinions on this issue," she said.
To read Mayor Jacobs' full interview with Watermark, click here.