How Grassroots Advocacy Can Impact Public Policy (Matthew O'Malley)

Question: Gay marriage was seen as an impossible dream, now it is happening. What role did grassroots play in this success?

Matthew O'Malley: Seven plaintiff couples sued the Commonwealth, seeking a marriage license. The court ruled in favor of the couples, to the surprise of some. It was done through the judicial process. The Constitutional Convention had a vote to put forth a Civil Unions bill to negate marriage equality. Through grassroots organizing, we got 151 representatives to kill the bill and ensure marriage equality in the state. It was a broad based movement of people all across the state -- including new people that weren't involved in politics. It was a civil rights issue, not just an LGBT issue. We are still knocking on doors, and still advocating for this issue in NH.

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