Media Contact:
J. Cory Curtis, Lifelong AIDS Alliance
(206) 957-1630

For Immediate Release
July 26, 2006

Lifelong AIDS Alliance Expresses Extreme Disappointment Regarding Washington Supreme Court’s Decision to Uphold State Ban on Same-Sex Marriage
Lifelong Will Look to the State Legislature to Assure Equal Rights for all Washington Residents

Seattle, WA—July 26, 2006—Lifelong AIDS Alliance, the largest HIV/AIDS organization in the Pacific Northwest, today expressed disappointment at the Washington State Supreme Court’s decision to uphold a 1998 ban on same-sex marriage. Under the ban, same-sex couples and their families will continue to be denied equal rights under the law. Lifelong strongly believes that people make better decisions about their health care and are more valued contributors to their communities when they have civil rights equal to those of their neighbors. Lifelong will look to the Washington State Legislature in the next session to include equal rights for all. 

“This is about simple fairness and equal treatment under the law,” said Tina Podlodowski, executive director of Lifelong AIDS Alliance. “When people have equal rights under the law, they make better decisions about their health and act as valued contributors to their communities. With rates of HIV infection on the rise in our state, the laws should extend a feeling of protection and value for same-sex relationships, not cast a divisive shadow over them.”

“It is the responsibility of the Court to protect those in this country who are not given equal protection and today the Court failed at meeting that responsibility,” Podlodowski continued. “At the state and federal levels, same-sex couples are routinely denied basic civil rights, including issues surrounding medical conditions and hospital visitations, probate, and health insurance. This has a direct detrimental effect on the health of the thousands of people living with HIV/AIDS in Washington State. Hundreds of local governments and businesses have done a far greater job in expanding civil rights for GLBT employees than has the state. This task of assuring equal rights for all now falls to the Washington State Legislature and we look forward to working with that body to assure that protection is given.” 

Lifelong applauds the work of the plaintiff couples, the Northwest Women’s Law Center, American Civil Liberties Union, and Lamda Legal for filing and arguing the two cases that led to the Supreme Court’s decision.

About Lifelong AIDS Alliance
Lifelong AIDS Alliance provides food, housing and health insurance to people living with HIV/AIDS in King County. Lifelong also provides prevention education and is a leader in local, regional and national advocacy for people living with HIV/AIDS.  Over 85% of Lifelong AIDS Alliance's clients live on less than $15,000 per year.  Lifelong AIDS Alliance is the leading AIDS service organization in the Pacific Northwest and is recognized nationally for its innovative work.

###