Quigley Statement on Landmark Marriage Equality Hearing
WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Representative Mike Quigley(IL-05), Vice-Chair of the Equality Caucus, released the following statement in response to the U.S. Supreme Court hearing oral arguments in the landmark marriage equality case, Obergefell v. Hodges. The justices will consider whether state bans on same-sex marriage are unconstitutional and whether states must recognize legal same-sex marriages performed in other states.
"The Supreme Court's decision to take up the issue of same-sex marriage is an important milestone for LGBT Americans and their allies who have long fought for the constitutional right to equality. However, the rights of American citizens are not granted by any branch of government; they are guaranteed by the Constitution. America was founded on the principle that we are all created equal, but for decades the struggle for LGBT equality seemed like a distant dream. A nation built on this ideal cannot keep same-sex couples from marrying if it strives to remain true to its highest aims.
"I recently joined other Members of Congress on an amicus brief to the Court in these cases because it is my hope that all Americans can be assured the same rights under the law, no matter who they love. I look forward to one day soon when the Supreme Court extends marriage rights to all our citizens once and for all, so that no American is denied equality because of the state they live in. It's a day that's coming soon.
"Decisions like this deeply affect the lives of millions of Americans and can change the course of American history, which is why earlier this year I sent a letter to Chief Justice Roberts requesting the opportunity to view this significant case in real time. Allowing video and live audio would give more Americans the ability to closely follow the proceedings as they occur. While the Court's decision to release the same day audio of today's hearing is a step in the right direction, it is still woefully inadequate. I introduced the Transparency in Government Act to bring greater transparency to our nation's highest court. Every case before the Supreme Court deserves to be heard by interested Americans in real time.
Rep. Quigley was recently named a Vice-Chair of the Congressional LGBT Equality Caucus. Since his election to Congress in 2009, Rep. Quigley has been a tireless advocate for the LGBT community. In January 2014, he became an original cosponsor of the International Human Rights Defense Act. Previously, he called on Illinois state legislators to pass marriage equality and celebrated when that day came. He is a co-sponsor of the original Respect for Marriage Act of 2009, and has lent his support to the national NOH8 Campaign, a global visual art protest against legislation banning gay marriage. Prior to the Supreme Court overturning the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) in 2013, Rep. Quigley was a critical opponent of the law and hosted a DOMA field forum to investigate the negative impacts of the law on individuals and families in Chicago. In the fall of 2009, Rep. Quigley was inducted into the Chicago Gay and Lesbian Hall of Fame for his work as a Cook County Commissioner to extend benefits to LGBT employees.
Rep. Quigley has made government reform, transparency and fiscal responsibility the cornerstones of his legislative agenda throughout his time in Congress. He is a co-founder and co-chair of the bipartisan Congressional Transparency Caucus and has reached across the aisle to introduce bipartisan bills that would provide public access to taxpayer-funded reports written by the Congressional Research Service and federal agencies.
###