The passage of Proposition 8 in California, Proposition 102 in Arizona, and Amendment 2 in Florida are a stark reminder that ultra-conservative agents of intolerance continue to hold startling power. Still, it is heartening to note that young people in all three states were the strongest opponents of discriminatory ballot measures at the polls.

We must remember that the fight for marriage equality holds ramifications far beyond any individual relationship. We must also remember that young people have a stake in this debate. In its cultural hypocrisy high-water mark, the Bush administration poured $1.5 billion into abstinence-only-until-marriage programs that sent the following message to lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) youth: No sex until marriage and, by the way, no marriage!

Enough is enough.

Saturday’s protests across the country may well be a watershed moment in the fight for LGBT equality, and Advocates for Youth is proud to stand with our progressive allies and the young people across the country who are leading this movement for change.

Thursday’s Connecticut Supreme Court ruling proves that we continue to move surely – but slowly – towards equality for all Americans, regardless of their sexual orientation. Much hard work remains ahead, and – once again – we are thrilled to see young people leading this movement for social justice and equality.

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Advocates for Youth is a national, nonprofit organization that creates programs and supports policies that help young people make safe, responsible decisions about their sexual and reproductive health.