Atlanta Mayor Kasim Reed has announced his support for marriage equality by signing a resolution sponsored by councilman Alex Wan and passed by the City Council on Dec. 3.
The resolution, which is largely symbolic and has no legal impact, supports the city’s LGBT community by endorsing marriage equality for same-sex couples.
Reed’s announcement reverses his previously stated opposition to same-sex marriage, a position he held during his 2010 mayoral campaign.
“Today marks an important day as I announce my support for marriage equality,” said Reed, on Tuesday.
“It is well known that I have gone through a good bit of reflection on this issue, but listening to the stories of so many people that I know and care about has strengthened my belief that marriage is a fundamental right for everyone.
“Loving couples, regardless of their sexual orientation, should have the right to marry whomever they want. By signing this resolution, I pledge my support to marriage equality for same-sex couples, consistent with equal protection under the law provided under the Fourteenth Amendment of the United States Constitution.”
The resolution approved by the council and signed by Reed, cites Atlanta’s support of policies that protect equal rights for all citizens, as well as the city’s numerous provisions that prohibit discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation by businesses, stores, hotels, restaurants and other public accommodations, and in housing sales and rentals.
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“By signing this resolution, I pledge my support to marriage equality for same-sex couples, consistent with equal protection under the law provided under the Fourteenth Amendment of the United States Constitutio,” Reed said, in a statement.
