DATE: January 6, 2015
CONTACT: Kimberly Maroe, Public Information Manager
Broward County Commission
PHONE: 954-357-8053
EMAIL: kmaroe@broward.org
An historic day in Broward County as the county officially proclaims today “Marriage Equality Day” and as of today same-sex couples can be legally married.
“This is truly an historic day for not just Broward County but for Florida because people are finally getting the opportunity to exercise their fundamental right to marriage. I’m thrilled that people will now be able to share the same love and happiness that my wife and I get to enjoy every single day,” said Vice Mayor Martin David Kiar. “I'm very proud of this County Commission because in a bipartisan way we unanimously supported marriage equality when there were so many other folks that wouldn't, and we took a public position because we believe in what's right.”
“Florida is now the 36th state where same sex couples may legally marry. It's wonderful that we have so many people here for this historic occasion, and finally enjoying the marriage rights that they have had to wait so long for,” said Broward County Mayor Tim Ryan.
Vice Mayor Kiar presented an official proclamation to newlyweds Todd and Jeff Delmay (Broward County residents), representatives from Equality Florida, the Dolphin Democratic Club, Broward County Human Rights Board and City Commissioners from Margate and Wilton Manors.
“We've lived in Broward for a very long time, almost our entire relationship. We wanted to get married, but when you go into a fight like this, you always want to make sure that everybody has got your back, and it has been such a relief and so warm and welcoming to see the Commission and our community really behind us every step of the way,” said Todd Delmay.
“Sixteen years ago you made history in the southern United States by recognizing domestic partnership and equal benefits. Eight years ago you allowed a gay and lesbian library in a county building, it now has two locations. So what you do changed everything and I want to thank you for that,” said Nathan Klarfeld, Equality Florida Chair told County Commissioners.
Commissioners were also praised for their long standing record on protecting human rights, including protections for the lesbian, gay, transgender and bisexual community and promoting LGBT tourism.
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