WASHINGTON – Freedom to Marry has launched the National Engagement Party, a program of house-parties nationwide to raise awareness and funds for battles to win marriage ballot-measures in key states this November.

The National Engagement Party will take place in cities across the country on Saturday, Oct. 13.

TAMPA, Fla. – In a TV ad set to air in the Tampa area during the Republican National Convention next week, San Diego Mayor Jerry Sanders speaks out about his support for the freedom to marry and encourages others in his party to do the same.

“As a Republican, I believe in conservative values like responsibility and limited government,” Sanders says in the ad, titled “Family and Freedom,” a project of the Human Rights Campaign and Freedom to Marry.

WASHINGTON – Members of the Young Conservatives for the Freedom to Marry leadership committee sent a letter to the Platform Committee of the Republican National Committee today asking it to resist adding language to the Republican Party platform opposing the freedom of same-sex couples to marry.

“Republicans cherish freedom, family and community as basic conservative principles,” said conservative commentator, political strategist and CNN contributor Margaret Hoover, who is a member of the Young Conservatives for the Freedom to Marry leadership committee.

NEW YORK – With today marking the anniversary of the first marriage licenses issued to same-sex couples in New York, Freedom to Marry is turning the spotlight on a diverse group of couples who are sharing their inspiring stories.

“Extending the freedom to marry to loving and committed same-sex couples in New York was a tremendous and transformative moment for the state, the nation, and the world,” said Marc Solomon, national campaign director of Freedom to Marry, who joined city officials this morning in marking the anniversary at a celebration announcement.