Freedom to marry

It has been almost 21 years since our youngest child, Liz, came out to us.

At that moment, Julia and I knew that our daughter had not changed -- she had simply shared a core part of her being with us.

But shortly after, we began to notice that freely showing affection for one another in public was something that we had taken for granted. No one bats an eyelash when we embrace. The same is not true for Liz and her partner.

And, that's why we ask you to join us in supporting Freedom to Marry:

http://freedomtomarry.org/DonateToAchieveEquality

We believe from the bottom of our hearts that Liz deserves the same respect and dignity, the same rights, privileges and obligations that flow so naturally to her two older brothers.

Liz's brothers have always had the choice to marry their chosen partners, or not. They have exercised that choice, in both directions at different times. And they have given us five wonderful grandchildren.

Liz and her partner Lisa do not have that choice. They are forced to go forward in their life together without the respect and dignity that is conferred by Marriage.

Freedom to Marry is an institution committed to achieving equality and respect and dignity. So we made a significant donation in hopes for a brighter future -- for Liz and Lisa and for all same-sex couples. Will you join us by making a generous donation today?

http://freedomtomarry.org/DonateToAchieveEquality

Despite what government-sanctioned discrimination may suggest, we know our daughter is not a second-class citizen. And we will not sit idly as anti-gay groups bully and harass our children and grandchildren, denying their worth.

For parents, there is nothing more offensive and intensely painful.

With 27 years of experience in leading the fight for equality, Evan Wolfson and Freedom to Marry offer us hope. Hope for marriage equality and hope for a world free of discrimination.

That is why we support Freedom to Marry. We urge you to join us with a contribution.

http://freedomtomarry.org/DonateToAchieveEquality

With you in the fight,

Sam and Julia Thoron

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