In the latest example of support from the pro-football community, former NFL Commissioner Paul Tagliabue donated $100,000 toward Marylanders for Marriage Equality, a group defending the state’s same-sex marriage law in the upcoming election.
“I think this is the time to view this not as an expense, but as a capital investment in our nation’s infrastructure,” said Tagliabue (right) at a recent fundraiser backing Question 6, the referendum on the marriage bill passed by the Maryland Legislature and signed by Gov. Martin O’Malley.
Last week, a Gonzalez Research poll found 51% of Marylanders support Question 6, while 43% oppose it. Addressing opposition to marriage equality, Tagliabue said, “At some point the tide has got to turn. You got to stop the litigation. You got to demonstrate that… the second-guessing at the ballot box is not going to overcome the will of the legislature. At some point you’ve got to demonstrate that people who support this are going to be re-elected, and not get punished for supporting marriage equality. And I think right now is the time.”
Tagliabue, 71, was commissioner of the NFL from 1989 to 2006. Currently, he is the chair of Georgetown University’s board of directors.
How about we take this to the next level?
Our newsletter is like a refreshing cocktail (or mocktail) of LGBTQ+ entertainment and pop culture, served up with a side of eye-candy.
Photo: Greg Mitchell
BCS
He’s been VERY generous with his money in helping LGBT causes. He’s been honored by PFLAG and just last year donated $1m to the 3-year old Georgetown University LGBT resource center to help expand its mission and programs.
Cam
If MD. votes for it, it takes NOM’s last argument away.
They first fell back on “Well it’s only the courts, no elected body has granted gays marriage.” But since NY etc.. have done that, they have resorted to saying “Well…..um….people have never voted on it and given it to gays.”
Not that that argument holds water because courts and legislatures are legitimate bodies for enacting or interpreting laws, but it will be great watching them scramble for a new talking point if MD. passes this by popular vote.
Freddie27
He’s long been a supporter of LGBT causes.