Watch The Freedom to Marry

The Freedom to Marry is a documentary film from 2016 directed by Eddie Rosenstein. The movie follows the story of Evan Wolfson, a lawyer and LGBT rights advocate, who dedicated his life to the legalization of same-sex marriage in the United States. The film begins with a brief glimpse of the early days of the LGBT rights movement, showcasing some of the key players who fought for equality in the face of discrimination and oppression. The focus then shifts to Wolfson, who had been working on the issue of marriage equality since the early 1980s.

As the film unfolds, viewers witness Wolfson's tireless efforts to build a movement for marriage equality. He argues that marriage is a fundamental right that should be accessible to all, regardless of sexual orientation. Wolfson goes on to found the organization, Freedom to Marry, which becomes a driving force in the fight for marriage equality.

The film also delves into the legal strategy behind the movement. We see how Wolfson and other lawyers, such as Mary Bonauto, worked to challenge discriminatory laws and policies through a series of landmark court cases, starting with Hawaii in the 1990s and culminating in the Supreme Court's historic decision in Obergefell v. Hodges in 2015.

Throughout the movie, we also meet other key players in the movement, including April DeBoer and Jayne Rowse, a couple who sued the state of Michigan for the right to adopt their children together. Their case eventually became part of the larger legal battle for marriage equality.

What sets this film apart from other documentaries on the same subject is its focus on the personal stories of the people involved in the fight. We see the impact that the movement had on their lives, from the couples who were denied legal recognition for their relationships, to the lawyers who devoted their careers to fighting for justice.

The film also explores the opposition to marriage equality, from politicians, religious leaders, and others who argued that marriage should only be between a man and a woman. Through interviews and archival footage, we get a sense of the intense political and cultural battles that raged around this issue.

Overall, The Freedom to Marry is a compelling and inspiring documentary that sheds light on one of the most important civil rights movements of our time. Through its careful attention to the personal stories and legal strategies of those involved, the film offers a nuanced and insightful look at the fight for marriage equality. The film is a testament to the power of perseverance, optimism, and the human spirit to effect change.

The Freedom to Marry is a 2017 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 26 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.1 and a MetaScore of 67.