News Releases
The latest news and announcements from Mayor London N. Breed

Mayor Lee’s Statement On 11th Anniversary Of San Francisco’s Historic Issuance Of Same-Sex Marriage Licenses & U.S. Supreme Court Cases On Marriage Equality

Mayor Edwin M. Lee today issued the following statement on this anniversary when on February 12, 2004, then Mayor Gavin Newsom directed the issuance of marriage licenses to same-sex couples in San Francisco:

“San Francisco today remains as deeply committed to the fight for marriage equality today as we were 11 years ago, when then-Mayor Gavin Newsom led the charge on one of the most important civil rights issues of our generation to ensure equal protections and rights for all.

Now same-sex couples in 37 states along with the District of Columbia can share in the same joy and happiness that is available to all Americans. While we will continue the struggle for marriage equality and civil rights for EVERY American in every state, we pause today to reflect on the historic nature of this important milestone in our City and our country’s history. But our work together is far from done.

In a few months, the Supreme Court of the United States will hold historic hearings on challenges to marriage discrimination laws in Michigan, Kentucky, Ohio and Tennessee. We are hopeful and optimistic that the pursuit of happiness, liberty and equality will prevail, and that Supreme Court Justices will affirm the right to marriage for ALL Americans. Never have we been more committed, and more united, as a City and a nation, behind marriage equality in our country.”