10Couples.org

Today the ACLU launches a new website, 10Couples.org, to support the campaign for same-sex marriage.

In order to put a human face on the issue of marriage for same-sex couples, and to reach a wider audience using new media tools, the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) has teamed up with Emmy-award winning production company Public Interest to launch a video campaign via a new web site, www.10Couples.org . The web site launches today.

On the site, viewers are invited into the homes of ten ordinary couples who explain why marriage protections are necessary for themselves and their families, and, in doing so, draw attention to the many protections reserved in America exclusively for married people. Viewers can tell their friends about the site using an embedded email feature, and can find tools for turning these stories into meaningful action. The videos are also available on YouTube.

Currently, 26 states have amendments in their constitutions permanently barring same-sex couples from marriage. Many of these amendments prohibit many other forms of legal protections for the families of same-sex couples as well.

Campaign partners include the Equality Federation, Freedom to Marry, Gay and Lesbian Advocates and Defenders, Lambda Legal, the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force and the National Center for Lesbian Rights.

My favorite video of the ten is "Dick & Bob", which features a Florida couple that has been together for 52 years.