FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Friday, June 26, 2015
Indianapolis--Today in a landmark ruling the U.S. Supreme Court declared that the U.S. Constitution protects same-sex couples' freedom to marry in all 50 states, the District of Columbia and the U.S. territories. The 5-4 majority, hailed an historic win by the American Civil Liberties Union, was written by Justice Kennedy and reversed a decision by the Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals and held that same-sex marriage is a fundamental right that must be allowed and recognized nationwide.
"This is a marvelous day for the Constitution, for Indiana, and for marriage," said ACLU of Indiana legal director Ken Falk. "The Supreme Court has recognized what we have experienced in Indiana for a year -- the fundamental right of marriage includes all loving couples, whether opposite-sex or same-sex. The institution of marriage is of supreme importance in our society, and allowing same-sex couples to enter into it will do nothing but strengthen the institution and society itself."
A press conference and rally that includes Freedom Indiana, its coalition partners and plaintiffs and attorneys from Indiana's same-sex marriage cases will be held TODAY at 12 p.m. in the Rotunda of the Indiana Statehouse.
What: Press Conference & Rally
Where: Indiana Statehouse Rotunda
When: TODAY, June 26, 2015, 12 p.m.
"This is a marvelous day for the Constitution, for Indiana, and for marriage," said ACLU of Indiana legal director Ken Falk. "The Supreme Court has recognized what we have experienced in Indiana for a year -- the fundamental right of marriage includes all loving couples, whether opposite-sex or same-sex. The institution of marriage is of supreme importance in our society, and allowing same-sex couples to enter into it will do nothing but strengthen the institution and society itself."
"This is a great day for equality and a wonderful affirmation of the importance of marriage in our society," said Jane Henegar, ACLU of Indiana executive director. "But in Indiana, we have more work to do. We must continue our efforts to ensure that our state laws are brought into the 21st century, so that no one is ever fired, or denied housing, or denied public accommodations on the basis of sexual orientation or gender identity. Statewide protections for LGBTQ people will make sure we are all treated fairly and will send the message that Indiana truly welcomes all."
On September 4, 2014, in a case brought by the ACLU of Indiana, the Seventh Circuit Court of Appeals held unconstitutional Indiana's prohibition on marriage by same-sex couples.
The decision in Obergefell v. Hodges was entered in the Supreme Court of the United States on June 26, 2015.
