“Like many in my LGBT community and our straight allies, it is difficult to put into words the emotional tide engulfing me at this historical moment. For years, many of us have fought to have our love, our commitments and our relationships treated with the respect and dignity opposite sex couples enjoy. It is a proud day for our nation as the Supreme Court has now recognized the legitimate union of two loving adults without discrimination by rejecting the Defense of Marriage Act. With this ruling we will no longer be treated as second class citizens by the federal government. This ruling will also encourage states which have not already done so to move forward with affording full rights to same sex couples. I applaud the community advocates, Edith Windsor and her legal team and the Justices who understand the Constitution and its application to our families.

Because of a legal technical challenge the Supreme Court in the Prop 8 case did not render a final decision on our rights at the state level. Unfortunately, the holding implies to all Americans that the different treatment of one group of citizens regarding marriage might be allowed under state law. This leaves open the door that states may pass laws that provide a benefit for certain married couples in the form of health care coverage, family leave, tax treatment, and many other protections and responsibilities and to deny these same benefits to another group of married people. This is both morally and legally wrong.

It is more urgent than ever that we take our fight for equality to the court of public opinion state by state – which is trending on our side and on the side of full equality. Our work is still not done and I am, like many in our community, committed to fighting for full equality for all our families. This battle is not lost; the struggle is not done; the fight continues; it is not done and will go on.”