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Today, the U.S. Supreme Court denied certiorari in a discredited petition that sought to overturn the historic 2015 ruling in Obergefell v. Hodges and create a religious exemption giving government employees a license to discriminate. Lambda Legal, instrumental in the decades-long fight for marriage equality, released the following statements from its CEO, Kevin Jennings and Senior Director of Strategic Initiatives Jenny Pizer.
Lambda Legal CEO, Kevin Jennings (he/him):
“Today, the Supreme Court affirmed what we all know: marriage equality is the law of the land. This is a victory not only for the LGBTQ+ community, but for everyone who believes in our Constitution and the rule of law. The Court’s decision reaffirms a simple fact: equal protection of the law applies to all, not just some.”
“This frivolous case now belongs in the trash bin of history. But let’s not be naïve: our opponents are well-resourced and determined. They will keep trying to undo the progress we’ve made since Lambda Legal was founded 52 years ago. Now is not the time to let down our guard. Since 2015, over 800,000 same-sex couples have married and are raising nearly 300,000 children. LGBTQ+ people and families aren’t going anywhere, and neither is Lambda Legal. Through challenges and victories, we will always be at the forefront of defending our rights. We have been for over half a century, and we’re not stopping now.”
Lambda Legal Senior Director of Strategic Initiatives Jenny Pizer (she/her):
“Today’s decision rightly leaves marriage equality crystal clear and undisturbed. However, LGBTQ+ people and their families still need vigilance and protection. We secured the freedom to marry for same-sex couples over a decade ago in our landmark 2015 Supreme Court victory, Obergefell v. Hodges, thanks to the powerful stories of thousands of couples and their families throughout the country, including in our many court cases. The fundamental rights of liberty and equal protection that the Court affirmed back then remain essential for all American families today. As the Court said in Obergefell, “No union is more profound than marriage, for it embodies the highest ideals of love, fidelity, devotion, sacrifice, and family.” Our Constitution guarantees us all the fundamental right to marry with no anti-LGBTQ+ exception.
Unfortunately, motivated by disinformation and prejudice, some opponents of equality have continued unceasingly to try to reverse this constitutionally compelled Supreme Court precedent. But we are vigilant and steadfast against these challenges. We won marriage equality through determined advocacy for our beloved community, and we will continue to defend it. Lambda Legal will continue to meet fear with facts and move from uncertainty to security for every family.”
For more information about marriage equality and protections for LGBTQ+ families, visit our resource: https://lambdalegal.org/protecting-lgbtq-families-couples-marriage-equality-obergefell/
Hear Lambda Legal’s recently issued call to All Rise to meet the current moment: https://lambdalegal.org/allrise/.