01/22/2013

Washington– As part of his Inaugural remarks, President Obama thoughtfully and eloquently made the case for why gay and lesbian Americans, including those in committed relationships, should be treated “like anyone else under the law.”  The Supreme Court’s upcoming consideration of Hollingsworth v. Perry provides the Administration with a natural opportunity to give the President’s words the meaning and significance they deserve. 

Statement by HRC President Chad Griffin:

“In his inaugural address yesterday, President Barack Obama called for the equal protection of our nation’s laws for gays and lesbians families. Now, as the United States Supreme Court prepares to hear a landmark marriage equality case on this same question, it seems only logical for the White House to take yet another important step toward fulfilling that promise of equality by filing an amicus brief in support of the plaintiffs in Hollingsworth v. Perry.

In the contemporary challenge to the Defense of Marriage Act, the law barring federal recognition of lawful same-sex marriages, the Justice Department has made clear its belief that that odious law defies our Constitution’s promise of equality.  As the Justices deliberate in a building that bears the chiseled words ‘equal justice under law,’ we hope the White House will ensure that its thinking in the Perry case—and the voice of a decisive majority of Americans—is heard loud and clear.”

The Human Rights Campaign is the largest national lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender political organization with members throughout the country. It effectively lobbies Congress, provides campaign support and educates the public to ensure that LGBT Americans can be open, honest and safe at home, at work and in the community.