James Parrish, executive director, Equality Virginia, offered the following comment in response to the June 26 Supreme Court ruling that under the Fourteenth Amendment states are required to issue marriage licenses between two people of the same sex.
“Finally the law of the land reflects the beliefs and values held by the American people. Thousands of dedicated and passionate people fought for decades to ensure that loving lesbian and gay couples have the freedom to marry the person they love, many of whom are no longer here to see the fruits of their labor. America will celebrate this day for a long time to come – the second anniversary of the United States v. Windsor, the twelfth anniversary of Lawrence v. Texas, and now in 2015, the day it was decided that we all have the freedom to marry the person we love in any state we call home.
“With this decision, we no longer have two Americas when it comes to relationship recognition. But, our work is far from over. I sincerely hope that this historic step toward equality will increase the momentum and support in Virginia and other states for ending discrimination against gay and transgender people in employment, housing, and public accommodations. We cannot stop until the day comes when nobody faces discrimination and when all people are accepted – and celebrated – for everything they are.
“America is finally on the right side of history when it comes to marriage. Love won. Let’s use this love to build true and lasting equality for all. “
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