Council votes to support same-sex marriage equality

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The Atlanta CityCouncil on Monday voted 11-2 in favor of a resolution supporting marriageequality for same-sex couples that had been introduced by Buckhead’s Dist. 6Council member Alex Wan.

Alex Wan

At present, theresolution has no legal standing, since marriage law is determined by the stateof Georgia and remains illegal under the state’s constitution. The resolution does,however, send a message affirming the Atlanta City Council’s commitment toequality for all residents.
“The Atlanta CityCouncil has had a long history of leadership on LGBT issues, includingnondiscrimination initiatives and domestic partner benefits,” said Wan. “I am so proud to continue that tradition with this public position supportingmarriage equality, and I am grateful to my colleagues, who I respect so deeply,for demonstrating their shared commitment to equal rights for all citizens.”
The resolution is thelatest in a series of measures taken by Council to affirm the rights ofAtlanta’s LGBT citizens.  City ordinances prohibit discrimination on thebasis of sexual orientation by Atlanta businesses, in housing sales and rentals,and by stores, hotels, restaurants, and other public accommodations. 
Additionally, the cityoffers employees domestic partner benefits for healthcare and pensions. In 2004, Council passed a resolution opposing the state amendment thateventually banned same-sex marriage.