FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 26, 2015
Family Equality Council applauds the decision by the Supreme Court of the United States in Obergefell v. Hodges, making nationwide marriage equality a reality for millions of LGBTQ people, including the 3 million parents and their 6 million children whom we represent. “In forming a marital union, two people become something greater than once they were,” Justice Anthony Kennedy wrote in the majority opinion. “They ask for equal dignity in the eyes of the law. The Constitution grants them that right.” His beautiful statements are particularly impactful for families living in the 13 states where it has been illegal to marry a person of the same sex.
The Court’s decision marks the culmination of decades of litigation, advocacy and public education efforts by many in the LGBTQ community. Family Equality Council, which has worked to advance protections for LGBTQ parents and their children is particularly proud of the role we have played in elevating the voices of our children in every federal circuit and in front of the nine justices of the U.S. Supreme Court in our “Voices of Children” friend of the court brief. Our latest version of the “Voices” brief included contributions from more than 30 children, teens and adults ranging in age from 10 to 44. It is a proud day for these children, their parents and for the LGBTQ movement at-large.
Statement from Family Equality Council Executive Director Gabriel Blau:
“The justices have affirmed what more than 60 percent of Americans believe: that marriage is a fundamental right that belongs to all. What matters more to the people I talk to –especially LGBTQ parents and their children — is the need to feel validated and regarded as equal by peers, teachers, and the many other people in their lives. Today we celebrate, though tomorrow we resume our work — as there is so much left to accomplish. We won’t rest until all LGBTQ people and families are protected, supported and respected and true lived equality becomes a reality.”
Statement from Family Equality Council Director of Public Policy Emily Hecht-McGowan:
“This is a joyful moment for our families and what a day of pride for our country. As a movement, we now have a responsibility to harness this momentum as we continue to work for nationwide non-discrimination protections, greater adoption and foster care rights, and increased security for working LGBTQ parents and their families. Even with this ruling, in the majority of states, people can be fired, denied housing or refused service in a restaurant just because they are LGBTQ. Today we celebrate and tomorrow we get back to work.”
Statement from Family Equality Council Director of Programs Brent Wright:
“Today is a day to rejoice and give thanks for this important step forward in our quest for legal equality. And while our journey towards lived equality is not yet complete, the long campaign for marriage equality has transformed the country and Americans have gained a new understanding about the need to support all families, including those headed by LGBTQ people and same-sex couples.”
For TV, newspaper and web interviews with Family Equality Council Executive Director Gabriel Blau, contact Media Manager Bradley Jacobs at 917-324-8771 or via email at bjacobs@familyequality.org.
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About Family Equality Council®: Family Equality Council® connects, supports, and represents the three million parents who are lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer in this country today and their six million children of all ages. We are changing attitudes and policies to ensure that all families are respected, loved, and celebrated—including families with parents who are LGBTQ. We are a community of parents, children, grandparents, and grandchildren that reaches across this country. For over 30 years we have raised our children and raised our voices toward fairness for all families.
Contact:
Bradley Jacobs
Media Manager
Family Equality Council
917-324-8771
bjacobs@familyequality.org