FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT
Tom Hargis, Director of Communications, ACLU of Texas, 832.291.4776, [email protected]
The U.S. Supreme Court today ruled that section three of the so-called “Defense of Marriage Act" is unconstitutional and that the federal government cannot discriminate against legally married lesbian and gay couples for the purposes of determining federal benefits and protections. Today's ruling is an historic victory for gay and lesbian Americans and a tremendous step forward for the cause of equality.
The justices ruled in favor of Edith "Edie" Windsor, who sued the federal government for failing to recognize her marriage to her partner Thea Spyer after Spyer's death. The ACLU co-represented Windsor in the case.
Comment from Rebecca L. Robertson, legal and policy director for the ACLU of Texas:
“This is truly an historic victory and a momentous day for Edie Windsor and for loving, married same-sex couples and their families. While the decision doesn’t address the constitutionality of state-law bans on same-sex marriage, like the ones on the books in Texas, it is a tremendous step forward. With today’s ruling the Supreme Court strikes down the core of the Defense of Marriage Act, holding that our federal government cannot discriminate against legally married gay couples by treating them differently from legally married heterosexual couples.”
Comment from Terri Burke, executive director for the ACLU of Texas:
“Lesbian and gay Texans didn’t win the right to marry today, but it’s the beginning of the end of official discrimination against lesbians and gay men,” said Terri Burke, ACLU of Texas executive director. “Make no mistake: we are committed to changing the law in Texas to insure that gay families in our state are extended the same dignity and respect that today’s decision guarantees to lesbian and gay couples in other states.”
