Hoyer Statement on the Anniversary of the Supreme Court's Marriage Equality Ruling

Press Release

For Immediate Release:

2016-06-26T00:00:00

Contact Info:

WASHINGTON, DC – House Democratic Whip Steny H. Hoyer (MD) released the following statement today on the first anniversary of the Supreme Court's ruling on marriage equality:

“Today we mark the first anniversary of the Supreme Court’s historic ruling in Obergefell v. Hodges, which recognized the fundamental right of same-sex couples to marry across the country. Those who had opposed marriage equality have now seen that traditional marriages have not been adversely affected, and our country is stronger – not weaker – as a result of that decision, contrary to the arguments and predictions they had made. Indeed, marriage equality has made our union more perfect by ensuring that all Americans, including LGBT people and their families, are truly equal under our laws.

“Much work remains, though, to secure full equality for LGBT Americans. Even though same-sex couples may now legally wed throughout our country, some states have passed or are considering legislation to allow discrimination against them by private businesses. We must make our laws clear: denying someone the opportunity to purchase a product or a service because of sexual orientation, gender identity, or entrance into a same-sex marriage is no less reprehensible than doing so because of ethnicity or national origin. Furthermore, Congress needs to pass the Equality Act, which I have cosponsored, to ban discrimination against LGBT Americans in every area, including housing, employment, education, and public accommodations. In the wake of last week's horrific attack on a gay nightclub in Orlando, we must do more as a nation to promote acceptance of the LGBT community and ensure that would-be perpetrators are not allowed the means to commit such acts.

"The Obergefell v. Hodges victory last year will continue to inspire us to action so that we may achieve the next victories we seek in the pursuit of full equality for all. I will continue to help lead that fight with great pride in what we are achieving together.”