Washington, D.C. June 26, 2019– Speaker Nancy Pelosi released the following statement to mark the 4th anniversary of the Supreme Court decision on marriage equality:

“Four years ago, our nation and the lives of all LGBTQ Americans were transformed when the Supreme Court ruled unequivocally in Obergefell v. Hodges that marriage equality was the right of everyone.  This decision was about equal justice, but also about the right to live with dignity and pride, regardless of who you are or whom you love.

“Since that momentous day, we have been blessed by the countless LGBTQ couples and families whose love and devotion have enrich our communities and honored our nation’s highest ideals.  Yet, tragically, LGBTQ Americans continue to face heartbreaking and deadly acts of violence and outrageous policies of discrimination from courts, statehouses and the Trump Administration.  While marriage equality is now the law of the land, 50 percent of the national LGBTQ community still live in states where they can lose their job, their home or be forced to live in fear without any legal protections because of their sexual orientation or gender identity.  And thousands of brave transgender servicemembers continue to face the Trump Administration’s cruel, arbitrary campaign of humiliation and hate even while serving our country with honor and distinction.  Liberty, justice and equality are America’s guiding values — not bigotry and discrimination.

“As we celebrate this important anniversary, House Democrats are fighting tirelessly to bring our nation closer to its founding promise of full equality and to dismantle the discrimination that undermines our democracy.  Last month, we took an historic step to finally, fully end discrimination against all LGBTQ Americans by passing the landmark Equality Act.  Now, the Senate must end its obstruction, honor Congress’s constitutional responsibility and bring up this critical legislation for a vote.  We will never stop our march toward justice until we have secured full equality for the LGBTQ community and all Americans.”