#LoveWins - Reactions to Obergefell v. Hodges LGBT Marriage Equality

June 26, 2015
Today, the Supreme Court issued an historic 5-4 ruling in Obergefell v. Hodges in favor of marriage equality. Justice Anthony Kennedy’s majority opinion strongly advocated for expanding freedom as the need arises.
The nature of injustice is that we may not always see it in our own times. The generations that wrote and ratified the Bill of Rights and the Fourteenth Amendment did not presume to know the extent of freedom in all of its dimensions, and so they entrusted to future generations a charter protecting the right of all persons to enjoy liberty as we learn its meaning. When new insight reveals discord between the Constitution’s central protections and a received legal stricture, a claim to liberty must be addressed.
As Jews, we have a moral responsibility to advocate for marriage equality. The excitement and relief over the decision resounded across the Reform community. At the RAC, Rabbi Jonah Dov Pesner said:
Today’s ruling, however, is about more than just state recognition and marriage benefits; it is about affirming the inherent dignity of same-sex couples and affirming that all people, regardless of whom they love, deserve the full protection of our Constitution. - Read More
The North American Federation of Temple Youth (NFTY) issued the following statement:
We are reminded once again that our generation has the power to change opinions and society for the better. Love ALWAYS wins. - Read More
Rabbi Marla J. Feldman of the Women for Reform Judaism (WRJ) said:
The Supreme Court’s landmark ruling this morning confirming a constitutional right to same sex marriage is the latest and most significant expansion of civil rights that I have witnessed in my lifetime. I was a child when the civil rights and voting rights acts were passed and when Loving v. Virginia declared state bans on interracial marriage unconstitutional. So this ruling reflects my generation’s victory, and it is sweet indeed. - Read More
Rabbi Dense Eger of the Central Conference of American Rabbis (CCAR) stated:
This is a day for rejoicing as the highest court in the land has recognized the basic humanity of lesbian and gay couples with this decision,” said Rabbi Eger. “Many rabbis have worked tirelessly for this day—but we won’t rest until there is full equality for the LGBT community in all areas. - Read More
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A proud day to be an American religious leader committed to a community of inclusivity and equality. The American... Posted by American Conference of Cantors on Friday, June 26, 2015
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What a morning! The Reform Movement's official statement on today's Supreme Court decision legalizing marriage equality across the U.S. can be found here: http://goo.gl/a6DKMtAnd together, let us say... Posted by Union for Reform Judaism on Friday, June 26, 2015
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There it is. Posted by Southern Poverty Law Center on Friday, June 26, 2015

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