For Immediate Release

February 12th, 2026

 ONE Community and Equality Arizona Launch Respect for Marriage Arizona Education Campaign 

(Phoenix, AZ) — With growing national pressure to roll back marriage equality, ONE Community and Equality Arizona today announced the launch of the Respect for Marriage Arizona Education Campaign, a statewide effort to educate Arizonans about the importance of protecting families by safeguarding marriage rights in Arizona.

The education campaign will raise awareness about what is at stake for Arizona families if federal protections for marriage equality are weakened or overturned, and why ensuring that all legally recognized marriages are treated with dignity and fairness remains critical to family stability, personal responsibility, and freedom.

“Respect for Marriage Arizona is about helping Arizonans understand how marriage protections impact real families, our neighbors, our coworkers, and our loved ones, and why certainty and stability matter,” said Angela Hughey, President and Co-Founder of ONE Community and Respect for Marriage Arizona. 

“Education is essential to ensuring Arizona families can continue to thrive,” said Michael Soto, CEO of Equality Arizona. “This campaign is about helping Arizonans understand the essential rights that come with legal  marriage.” 

Last year, the U.S. Supreme Court was formally asked to reconsider Obergefell v. Hodges, the 2015 decision that established marriage equality nationwide. If overturned, same-sex couples in Arizona could face the loss of vital legal protections related to healthcare decision-making, parental rights, inheritance, taxes, and survivor benefits—creating uncertainty for thousands of families across the state.

Faith leaders across Arizona are also speaking out, emphasizing that protecting marriage aligns with core values of family, commitment, and responsibility.

“Safeguarding marriage rights is about ensuring that families are treated with dignity and stability under the law. This is not about forcing beliefs—it’s about protecting Arizona families and upholding our shared values of love, responsibility, and respect,” said The Right Rev. Jennifer A. Reddall, VI Bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Arizona.

The Respect for Marriage Arizona Education Campaign highlights that protecting civil marriage rights does not require any church or clergy member to perform or recognize marriages that conflict with their faith.

Business and community leaders are joining the campaign, noting that legal uncertainty around marriage harms not only families but also Arizona’s economy and workforce.

“Strong families are the foundation of a strong economy,” said Kimber Lanning, Founder and CEO of Local First Arizona. “When families have stability and legal certainty, businesses and communities thrive. Education efforts like this help ensure Arizona remains a welcoming, stable place to live and work.”

For more information about the Respect for Marriage Arizona Education Campaign or to join the statewide coalition, visit www.respectformarriage.com.