<p><span style=line-height: 1.6em;><strong>Boston June 26 2015</strong>. DignityUSA the organization of lesbian gay bisexual and transgender Catholics cheered todays Supreme Courts sweeping decision that strikes down state bans on same-sex marriage and makes marriage equality the law of the land throughout the U.S.</span></p> <p><span style=line-height: 1.6em;>As Catholics we celebrate the increase in justice that this ruling ushers in. We rejoice with all of the couples and families who will be able to access the legal protections that marriage will afford them. Mostly we are thrilled that the Supreme Court has recognized that the love and commitment of same-sex couples is absolutely equal to that of other couples said Marianne Duddy-Burke Executive Director of DignityUSA.</span></p> <p>Duddy-Burke continued Catholics have been in the forefront of efforts to gain marriage equality for more than a decade. Our commitment to the values of love inclusion family and justice have inspired millions of Catholicsboth straight and LGBTto work for this day even when some leaders of our Church have instructed us to fight against it. It is wonderful to see the true values of our faith and our country affirmed today.</p> <p><span style=line-height: 1.6em;>DignityUSA prays for consideration and solidarity as this ruling is implemented. We understand that there are many in our country and in our church who will be disappointed by this ruling and urge that the sincerity of their beliefs be respected. At the same time we expect that all people no matter what their beliefs abide by what the Supreme Court has affirmed as the law of the land and treat same-sex couples and their families respectfully and in full accordance with the law.</span></p> <p class=rtecenter><span style=line-height: 1.6em;>###</span></p> <p><span style=line-height: 1.6em;>DignityUSA is the nations foremost organization of lesbian gay bisexual and transgender Catholics their families friends and supporters. It has been working for full inclusion in the Catholic Church and society since 1969.</span></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p>