We grieve the loss of Edith Windsor, a true champion for LGBTQ rights and long-time friend of Family Equality Council. Our country has lost a great activist, and our movement has lost a leader.
September 13, 2017 — For Immediate Release
NEW YORK — Yesterday the movement for LGBTQ rights lost a shining star. Edith Windsor, plaintiff in the groundbreaking legal challenge to the Defense of Marriage Act, passed away at age 88. In her lifetime, Edie overcame the obstacles of being a female engineer in a man’s world, a lesbian in a straight world, and a married woman in a nation that wouldn’t acknowledge the legality of her relationship. Edie’s bravery and willingness to stand up for her right to lived equality led to the 2013 U.S. Supreme Court decision that found Section 3 of DOMA to be unconstitutional, and established federal recognition of same-sex marriages in 13 states and the District of Columbia. The Windsor case paved the way for the Supreme Court’s subsequent Obergefell decision in 2015, which expanded marriage equality nationwide.
Family Equality Council is proud to count Edie Windsor as a member of our extended family. We welcomed Edie, her family, and members of her legal team at numerous events over the years, including our Night at the Pier Gala and at Family Week. In May of this year, Edie spoke on stage at Night at the Pier, reminding guests of the true power of the LGBTQ community when we stand together to fight for our rights. Watch video of her remarks here.
In response to this sad news, Rev. Stan J. Sloan said yesterday: “we grieve the loss of Edith Windsor, a true champion for LGBTQ rights and long-time friend of Family Equality Council. Our country has lost a great activist, and our movement has lost a leader. We extend our sincere condolences to Edith’s family and friends.”
Contact
Ed Harris, Chief Communications Officer
646–880–3005 x117 / media@familyequality.org