The City of Wilton Manors Joins the Celebration on January 6, 2015, When Same Sex Marriage Licenses are Issued Throughout the State of Florida

WILTON MANORS, Fla., Jan. 6, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- The City of Wilton Manors has championed equal rights for the gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender population for many years and today will mark a true victory for all proponents of same sex marriage. On January 6, 2015, same-sex couples throughout the State of Florida will have the right to legally marry.

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"For years, we have sent Resolutions to the Florida Legislature, filed briefs in court actions, worked with other cities and taken measures within our own boundaries to voice our support of legalizing same sex marriage, and now it will all pay off," states Mayor Gary Resnick. "I can't think of a better way to kick off 2015 than eliminating discrimination and allowing same sex couples to marry throughout the State of Florida." 

On August 21, 2014, Judge Hinkle ruled that Florida's laws barring same-sex couples from marriage violate the equal protection and due process requirements of the federal Constitution and stayed his ruling until January 5, 2015. Both the Eleventh Circuit and the U.S. Supreme Court subsequently denied the State of Florida's request to extend the stay.  Judge Hinkle confirmed that his Order requires clerks throughout the State to issue marriage licenses.

The City of Wilton Manors plans to celebrate this ruling by hosting a public marriage ceremony on Saturday, February 14, 2015, in collaboration with the ongoing Broward Centennial celebrations. More information about this event will follow on the city's website at www.wiltonmanors.com and on the city's Facebook page, www.facebook.com/OfficialWiltonManors.

As a result of the 2010 US Census, the City of Wilton Manors was named the "Second gayest City" in the United States. With a large percentage of the population identifying as gay, lesbian, bisexual or transgender, Wilton Manors has been recognized nationally and internationally as one of the most progressive places to live, work and play for many years.

ABOUT THE CITY OF WILTON MANORS
Wilton Manors was laid out in 1925 by Edward John "Ned" Willingham, a land developer from Georgia, as an upscale residential community.  It was recognized as a Village in 1947 and incorporated as a City in 1953. Today, the City of Wilton Manors offers all the benefits of a big city from shopping, to hip restaurants and bars, a burgeoning arts community and tons of community events, yet still maintains a cozy, community-feeling offering miles of natural waterways perfect for kayaking, paddle boarding and other outdoor activities. Recently named the "Second Gayest City" in the United States, the City of Wilton Manors celebrates a diverse population of approximately 12,000 residents.  To learn more about the live, work and play opportunities in Wilton Manors call (954) 390-2100 or visit www.wiltonmanors.com.

CONTACT: Laurie Menekou, (954) 732-0754 (or) [email protected]

SOURCE The City of Wilton Manors