Often forgotten in the debate over marriage rights are the rights of the children of same-sex couples–and the protections that come from having their parents married under the law. Susan Salomone of Syracuse speaks out about what marriage means to her family and children.

“It’s really a protection for our family,” Susan Salomone said about the prospect of gay marriage in New York. “Jean and I have wills and other protections. But it’s so important for us to be able to protect the kids. … We’ve been together so long. We’ve established our relationship amongst our friends, our family, our church. It would be nice to have it legalized, so we’re completely protected.”

You, too can join the conversation and tell others what marriage means to you!