Hastings hails Supreme Court decision denying appeal of marriage equality cases

Hastings hails Supreme Court decision denying appeal of marriage equality cases

By Congressman Alcee L. Hastings

     FORT LAUDERDLAE, FL — Today, Congressman Alcee L. Hastings made the following statement on the U.S. Supreme Court decision to deny review of rulings in support of marriage equality for states within the Fourth, Seventh, and Tenth Circuit Courts:”With today’s decision, the U.S. Supreme Court has effectively upheld the ruling by circuit courts all across the country that banning same-sex marriage is unconstitutional.  As a result, gay and lesbian Americans in Indiana, Oklahoma, Utah, Virginia, and Wisconsin will soon be able to legally marry.

The decision will also likely apply to same-sex couples in Colorado, Kansas, North Carolina, South Carolina, West Virginia, and Wyoming, which would increase the number of marriage equality states to 30, plus the District of Columbia. “Never before in our nation’s history have LGBT individuals experienced this level of recognition and protection under the law, and we should take great pride in that.  It is because of the tireless efforts, personal sacrifices, and loving spirit of countless individuals past and present that we have come this far, and together we will advance the cause of equality even further.

Now is the time for Congress to take action and pass the Respect for Marriage Act and Employment Non-Discrimination Act (ENDA).  Regardless of the state that they live in, LGBT Americans and their families deserve just and fair treatment under the law.”Congressman Alcee L. Hastings is Vice Chairman of the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence, a senior member of the House Rules Committee, and Co-Chairman of the U.S. Helsinki Commission.