Atlanta Mayor Kasim Reed Endorses Gay Marriage

Signs Local Marriage Equality Resolution

In a stunning change of heart, Atlanta Mayor Kasim Reed–who refused to support gay marriage during his 2009 campaign for City Hall–has publicly endorsed marriage equality, signing a resolution adopted by the City Council in an 11-2 vote several weeks ago. Reed, who “has gone through a good bit of reflection on this issue”, says that hearing from his constituents, “has strengthened my belief that marriage is a fundamental right for everyone.”

By Nathan James

Following a turbulent three years, in which the city’s LGBT community challenged the mayor on gay rights, Reed now states that “loving couples, regardless of their sexual orientation, should have the right to marry whomever they want.”

Although the resolution supporting marriage equality is symbolic, and does not grant LGBT couples in Atlanta any new rights or privileges, the move is widely seen as a sign of positive change in city politics. ”I think [the resolution and Reed's endorsement] is a wonderful Christmas present,” said local activist Ken Britt. ”[Reed] can’t miss what’s happening across the country with regard to marriage.”

On Election Day, three states passed gay marriage by referendum, and a fourth refused to pass a Constitutional amendment limiting marriage to heterosexual couples. In further developments, the US Supreme Court will hear two landmark cases involving marriage equality this spring, one of which could end the Defense Of Marriage Act (DOMA), which prohibits the federal government from permitting or recognizing same-sex marriage on the national level.

Nine states and the District of Columbia have legalized gay marriage.

Reed, a Democrat, is running for re-election in 2013