ACLU of Louisiana Comment on Marriage Equality Victory

NEW ORLEANS — The U.S. Supreme Court today issued a sweeping and historic decision that affords gay and lesbian couples the same legal right to marry and recognition of their marriages as different-sex couples. The ruling invalidates discriminatory laws in Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio, and Tennessee upheld by the Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals, and as a practical matter, requires all 50 states to allow same-sex couples to marry.

“This is a great victory for equality and freedom,” said ACLU of Louisiana Executive Director Marjorie Esman. “The Supreme Court has recognized that fundamental rights must and do apply to everyone, and that the fundamental right to marry cannot be denied to two consenting adults. The country has taken a great step forward today, and it’s a day to rejoice for those couples who seek nothing more than to have their relationships given the dignity that they deserve.”