Today, the California-based 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals ruled 2-1 that the state’s Proposition 8, which stripped the right to marry from gay and lesbian citizens of California, is a violation of citizens’ civil rights that cannot stand.
As a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, an original cosponsor of the Respect for Marriage Act and an ardent support of equal rights, Senator Coons hailed the decision as a positive step toward equality.
“Today’s ruling by the 9th Circuit represents an important step forward in the struggle for equality for all Americans, regardless of sexual orientation,” Chris said. “In reaching its decision, the three-judge panel recognized that the government has no legitimate role in taking away the rights of gays and lesbians to marry the person they love. I agree. It simply should not be the policy of government to discriminate against any of its citizens.”
Next, the decision may be reviewed by the U.S. Supreme Court, where Chris hopes the California court’s ruling will be affirmed.
Click here to read Chris’ statement on today’s ruling.
Click here to read more about his work on equality.