Oakland, CA – Today in a 5-4 decision, the Supreme Court ruled for the freedom to marry nationwide, declaring that states can no longer ban same-sex marriage.
Statement from Transgender Law Center Executive Director Kris Hayashi:
With today’s historic ruling, the Supreme Court has sent a resounding message that the values of fairness and equal treatment are fundamental to our Constitution. Many people, including transgender people, are impacted by the legal recognition of our relationships and families and will be able to live with more safety and dignity because of today’s decision. This is an incredible victory that seemed unimaginable just a few years ago. This ruling also sets an important precedent that we will build on in our legal work, helping us make the case that the discrimination that too many transgender people face every day is unconstitutional, just like discrimination against lesbian, gay, and bisexual people.
Going back to pivotal moments like the Stonewall and Compton’s Cafeteria rebellions, the courage and advocacy of transgender leaders, and particularly transgender women of color, have laid the groundwork for victories like today’s. As we celebrate today’s ruling, we must honor the values that got us here. We believe that all people should have a fair chance to live their lives in this country, but right now, too many members of our community are in a daily battle for survival.
And we must remember the many members of our community who cannot celebrate. At least nine transgender women have been murdered this year alone, mostly trans women of color. In 31 states, there are no explicit laws protecting LGBT people from being fired and denied services just because of who they are, and several states this year have tried or are trying to prohibit transgender people from using public bathrooms. Police target and incarcerate transgender and gender nonconforming people of color at alarming rates, and black communities are under attack from Charleston to Baltimore. Immigrant transgender women looking for safety are met by horrific abuse and assault in detention centers, and when a TransLatina undocumented immigrant woman called on the President at a White House Pride reception to take action to stop the abuse, she was silenced by both the President and our LGBT movement leaders. As an LGBT movement we have much more to do.
As we celebrate today, we also know we must keep working towards the day when all people, regardless of their gender, can live their lives safely, authentically, and free from fear.
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Transgender Law Center works to change law, policy, and attitudes so that all people can live safely, authentically, and free from discrimination regardless of their gender identity or expression.
