Hoyer: I'm Confident the Supreme Court Will Reaffirm Equal Rights in Today’s Marriage Equality Cases

WASHINGTON, DC - House Democratic Whip Steny H. Hoyer (MD) released the following statement today on the oral arguments before the Supreme Court regarding marriage equality cases from Ohio, Tennessee, Michigan, and Kentucky: 

“Today, the Supreme Court heard arguments in preparation for a decision that I believe will be historic and a reaffirmation of the basic value enshrined in our Declaration of Independence and Constitution of every individual’s equal rights.  In a series of cases, the Court is being asked to determine whether committed same-sex partners have the right to marry and enjoy all the benefits – and fulfill all the obligations – that marriage entails. 

“Not only would loving same-sex partners benefit from the security a ruling for marriage equality would bring – so too would the approximately 250,000 children now growing up in same-sex households.  I joined other Members of Congress on an amicus brief to the Court in these cases because I believe every loving and committed couple deserves equal rights under our laws and to have their families valued and protected equally as well. 

“Marriage equality has already been affirmed in thirty-seven states and the District of Columbia, and a majority of Americans now support it – a striking example of the power of our democracy to facilitate the march forward of civil rights.  I am confident that march will continue unabated, and I look forward to seeing the next step in that march when the Court rules this summer, as I expect it will, in favor of equality.”