Quigley Statement on Obergefell v. Hodges Decision

Press Release

Today, U.S. Representative Mike Quigley (IL-05), Vice-Chair of the Congressional LGBT Equality Caucus, released the following statement in response to the 5-4 Supreme Court decision in Obergefell v. Hodges legalizing gay marriage nationwide:

"Today is the day we have been waiting for. Today is the day the Supreme Court delivered a historic victory for equality and justice. The Court's decision will be remembered for bringing respect and stability to millions of LGBT families, and final nationwide victory to the decades‐long marriage equality movement.

"The Supreme Court has recognized what we already know: that LGBT families are equal in every way with other families. Thanks to this vital decision, LGBT families will be protected under the law and have full access to the rights and responsibilities of legal marriage. We can celebrate that ours is a country that keeps its promise of the pursuit of happiness, liberty, and justice for all.

While this decision is a momentous victory for LGBT Americans, it is not the end of the fight for full equality. In about 30 states, it is still legal to fire or deny housing to Americans because of their sexual orientation or gender identity. In these states, LGBT couples who can now get legally married can then be legally fired for entering into that marriage. Now that all Americans have equal access to marriage, we must turn to making sure no one can be denied employment, housing, public accommodation, or federal benefits because of their sexual orientation or gender identity."

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