President Obama’s Historic Leadership on Prop 8 and Marriage Equality
Washington, D.C. – Friday, March 1, 2013 – Yesterday, the Department of Justice filed an amicus brief, urging the Supreme Court to declare it unconstitutional for California to outlaw the freedom to marry. The National Black Justice Coalition (NBJC), the nation’s leading Black lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) civil rights organization, applauds the Obama Administration for forging the fight for marriage equality forward.
California voters passed Proposition 8 by a narrow margin in 2008, banning marriage equality. The controversial and damaging decision set into motion a lawsuit arguing against the constitutionality of the measure. The Supreme Court will hear the case in a month's time.
“President Obama’s commitment to the LGBT community has been unwavering,” says The Honorable Darryl Moore, Berkeley City Council member and NBJC Board Chair. “He has once again proven his unequivocal support of LGBT Americans.”
The administration’s brief hits especially close to home for Moore, who got married to his partner in California before Prop 8 passed. The couple is eager and optimistic to see the same opportunity extended to all loving and committed partners.
“We are grateful to our president for continuing to serve as a moral compass to our country,” adds Sharon Lettman-Hicks, NBJC Executive Director and CEO. “Our movement is at a tipping point and it’s time the federal government and every state, including California, grant same-sex couples and their children the same respect and recognition as every other family.”
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The National Black Justice Coalition (NBJC) is a civil rights organization dedicated to empowering Black lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) people. NBJC’s mission is to eradicate racism and homophobia.
