Quigley Celebrates Supreme Court Ruling on Defense of Marriage Act

WASHINGTON - Today, U.S. Representative Mike Quigley (IL-05) issued the following statement after the Supreme Court struck down the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA):

"Today's ruling is a tremendous victory for our LGBT community and for everyone who believes in America's founding principles of liberty and justice for all. By ruling the Defense of Marriage Act unconstitutional, legally married gay and lesbian couples and their families will finally have equal access to the rights and benefits guaranteed to them by federal law.

"With more to celebrate than ever this Pride Month, we must not forget that the fight for equality is far from over. We must strengthen our resolve and continue our fight for justice, until the day when all loving and committed couples have the fundamental right to marry the person they hold closest in their hearts."

Rep. Mike Quigley (IL-05) lends his support to the NOH8 Campaign for LGBT equality.

(Photo credit: Adam Bouska/NOH8 Campaign)

As a member of the Congressional Equality Caucus, Rep. Quigley has been a tireless advocate for the LGBT community and has called on Illinois to pass a law in support of same-sex marriage. He has called for LGBT protections within the comprehensive immigration reform, highlighting the story of Chicago constituents facing discrimination. In 2011, Rep. Quigley hosted a DOMA field forum to investigate the negative impacts of the Defense of Marriage Act on individuals and families in Chicago and brought the testimony of his constituents to Congress.