LGBT Caucus Statements on Supreme Court’s Historic Decision On Marriage Equality Case

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 26, 2015

LGBT Caucus Statements on Supreme Court’s
Historic Decision On Marriage Equality Case

SACRAMENTO, CA – The California Legislative Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) Caucus celebrates the Supreme Court’s decision in Obergefell v. Hodges, which rules in favor of marriage equality. In a 5-4 decision, the Court found that state bans on marriage equality are unconstitutional, invalidating such prohibitions in the 13 remaining states that have them.

As Chair of the California Legislative LGBT Caucus, Assemblymember Susan Talamantes Eggman (Stockton) commented:

“It is hard to believe that just seven years after California voters passed Proposition 8, we are now celebrating marriage equality in the fullest sense of the word. The court’s majority has affirmed that LGBT rights are not special rights. The loving bond between two individuals is not gay marriage and it is not same-sex marriage, but just marriage. Our struggle has gone on for so long, and on so many fronts, with so many reversals and setbacks, that it has been difficult to allow ourselves time to savor any triumphs. But today, the U.S. Supreme Court has given us a momentous one. Today we shall love and rejoice, and tomorrow, we will continue the fight.”

Assemblymember Rich Gordon (Menlo Park) added:

"Marrying my partner of 32 years was one of the greatest days of my life.  It was an experience and an opportunity that many loving couples across the country have been denied until now.  This Supreme Court decision, which finds that states cannot prohibit same-sex marriage, is historic not only for the LGBT community, but also for all Americans who value fairness and equality.  The institution of marriage provides over 1,000 legal and financial privileges.  More importantly, it is a powerful symbol of a couple's love and commitment.  It is something to be cherished and shared."

Assemblymember Evan Low (Campbell) said:

“The U.S. Supreme Court ruling is a victory and celebration for all who stand for equal justice and equal opportunity. The California Supreme Court has already allowed same-sex marriage in our state, and this morning's ruling just reaffirms the hope and promise that all people could marry. This is a great day in the country and today, we stand on the right side of history. Love is love.”

California was the first state in the country to grant domestic partnerships for same-sex couples in 1999. The state was also the first to pass marriage equality through legislative action twice. Both attempts were vetoed by the governor. In 2013, the Supreme Court reaffirmed the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals decision to strike down Proposition 8 as unconstitutional, restoring marriage equality to California.

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Media Contacts:
LGBT Caucus
William Kim
916-319-2525
William.Kim@asm.ca.gov 

Assemblymember Susan Talamantes Eggman
Christian Burkin
916-319-2013
Christian.Burkin@asm.ca.gov 

Office of Assemblymember Evan Low
Melissa Apuya
916-319-2028
Melissa.Apuya@asm.ca.gov