HRC Statement on D.C. Marriage Equality Opponents "Last Ditch U.S. Supreme Court Appeal"

by Admin

WASHINGTON - Today, Bishop Harry Jackson - who pastors a Maryland congregation and has been the leading voice against marriage equality in the District of Columbia - petitioned the U.S. Supreme Court to hear a case attempting to put the rights of District citizens up to a vote of the people. Human Rights Campaign President Joe Solmonese issued the following statement:

"Today's petition by Bishop Jackson to the U.S. Supreme Court is nothing more than a last-ditch attempt by outside interests to try to eliminate marriage equality in the District. Every court that has reviewed this case, including two Superior Court judges and the full Court of Appeals, has found Jackson's arguments to be without merit. We are confident that the District's highest court properly decided that the Council had the right to broadly protect human rights for all District residents by prohibiting discriminatory ballot initiatives.

"The Council and Mayor, representing District residents, overwhelming approved legislation providing for marriage equality. And we will remain vigilant against any efforts to take it away."

View Jackson's petition to the Supreme Court (PDF)

The Human Rights Campaign is America's largest civil rights organization working to achieve lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender equality. By inspiring and engaging all Americans, HRC strives to end discrimination against LGBT citizens and realize a nation that achieves fundamental fairness and equality for all.

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