Supreme Court Decision an Important Ruling for Marriage Equality; Stresses the Need for Workplace Non-Discrimination Laws

Contact: Max Rosenblum or Jordan Dashow
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WASHINGTON, D.C., October 6, 2014 -- In response to today's decision by the Supreme Court to deny review of all seven petitions relating to cases challenging state bans on same-sex marriage, Rachel Laser, Deputy Director of the Religious Action Center, issued the following statement:

"The Supreme Court's decision to leave in place lower court rulings that have the potential to bring marriage equality to more than half of the states is cause for celebration for those Americans who will now be able to marry the person they love, no matter their gender. At the same time, we are well aware that all individuals, created b'tzelem Elohim, in God's image, are deserving of that right and we will continue to work to make that a reality in all fifty states.

Today's news from the Court also makes it even direr that Congress pass a workplace non-discrimination bill to protect the many gay and lesbian couples marrying across America. In over half of the country, it remains legal to fire an employee for putting a picture of his or her same-sex wedding on their desk. No one should live in fear of legal discrimination, the loss of a job, and diminished economic security based on their sexual orientation or gender identity."