Sorry, you need to enable JavaScript to visit this website.

CATHOLIC COALITION CELEBRATES SUPREME COURT DECISIONS ON MARRIAGE EQUALITY

Equally Blessed calls on Catholics to work to extend marriage equality to all states

Washington, D.C., June 26, 2013—Equally Blessed, a coalition of four Catholic organizations that have spent more than 120 years working on behalf of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people and their families, issued the following statement on the Supreme Court rulings announced today on the Defense of Marriage Act and the state of California’s constitutional provision banning same-sex marriage:

“As members of the Catholic Church and citizens of the United States, we are elated that the U. S. Supreme Court has both struck down the Defense of Marriage Act and cleared the way for marriage equality in the state of California. We are especially pleased to see that Justice Anthony Kennedy, a Catholic, wrote the opinion striking down DOMA, and that Justice Sonia Sotomayor, who is also a Catholic, concurred in this historic decision.

"While we would have preferred the Court to find the California law prohibiting same-sex marriage to be clearly unconstitutional, in dismissing the case, the Court has cleared the way for same-sex couples to be legally married in that state.

"Catholics around the country have worked hard to pass legislation that permits same-sex couples to marry, and protects lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people from discrimination. They have done so not in spite of their faith, but because of it, knowing that every human being is created in the image and likeness of God, and that all of God’s children must be treated with dignity, compassion and respect.

"The court today has removed two obstacles blocking the path to justice for same-sex couples, but that path must still be walked. So today we celebrate and offer prayers of thanksgiving, and tomorrow we invite our fellow Catholics to join us in working to bring marriage equality to the states in which it has not yet been written into law."

DignityUSA adds: Let Justice Roll like a River!

     This is truly a great step forward in the long pilgrimage to a just society. We pray in gratitude for all whose work, wisdom, and courage have brought us to this historic moment. We are thankful for the witness borne by those who did not live to see this day, and rejoice that many in rising generations will have an easier path.

      Let us take some time to celebrate all that the Supreme Court decisions will mean for so many, and to thank the many, many people who made contributions small and large to this effort. And then let us renew our commitment to justice for all people, and continue to work on dismantling structures that continue to privilege some while burdening and marginalizing many.

      Alleluia!

 

 Equally Blessed is a coalition of four Catholic organizations that have spent more than 120 years working on behalf of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people and their families. Collectively and individually, Call To Action, DignityUSA, Fortunate Families, and New Ways Ministry are devoted to informing, supporting and giving voice to the growing majority within the Catholic Church in the United States that favors equality under law for LGBT people.