GA Dems Hail Court Decisions on Marriage Equality

Ga Dems Hail Court Decisions on Marriage Equality

Williams calls discrimination in any form wrong

Atlanta, Ga. – June 26, 2013 – Georgia Democrats applauded a major victory for marriage equality, as the Supreme Court struck down today a provision of a federal law denying federal benefits to married gay couples. The ruling also cleared the way for the resumption of same-sex marriage in California.

“Discrimination, in any form, is wrong,” said Nikema Williams, interim chairwoman of the Georgia Democratic Party. “We applaud the court for recognizing that people in loving, caring relationships are afforded certain rights under the law – regardless of gender. I am grateful that we are one step closer to understanding that we are not a society with lesser classes of people.”

The justices issued two 5-4 rulings: one decision wiped away part of a federal anti-gay marriage law that has kept legally married same-sex couples from receiving tax, health and pension benefits; the other left in place a trial court’s declaration that California’s Proposition 8 is unconstitutional.

State House Rep. Simone Bell (D-58) said the impact of the ruling for Georgia is still being examined.

“Today is an amazing day in America, to know that current same sex marriages in 12 states will be recognized by the federal government,” said Bell.  “It’s a bitter sweet day for states like Georgia since our 2004 constitutional ban on same sex marriage was not nullified by the SCOTUS decision on Defense of Marriage Act. However, those who believe in equality will not rest. We will continue to fight, strategize and build on this historic decision.”

Rep. Scott Holcomb (D-81) was also pleased with today’s ruling and agreed there is still work to be done in Georgia.

“Today’s decision is a victory for equality and a recognition that our country has changed,” said Holcomb.

Williams said our laws are finally catching up to what Georgians hold in their hearts.

“We all want to be treated as equal,” Williams said.

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