The National Organization for Marriage was launched in 2007 by Princeton University professor Robert P. George and conservative writer Maggie Gallagher to fight for Proposition 8, California's ballot initiative banning gay marriage. It is currently led by Brian Brown, previously of the Family Institute of Connecticut. Especially under Brown's leadership, NOM has expanded its mission beyond fighting marriage equality, working in opposition to LGBT rights abroad, transgender rights, nondiscrimination laws and adoption by same-sex couples. The Washington, D.C.-based group organizes the annual "March for Marriage" on the National Mall and coordinates an issue pledge for presidential candidates.
