Sunday, November 17, 2013

10 Years Later

November 18, 2003

For most people, it was just another Tuesday.  

For us it was the day that changed everything.

On November 18, 2003, Justice Margaret Marshall penned the official decision that set the United States on the road to marriage equality.

Three years after the case was filed by 7 couples -- our movement's pioneers -- the court declared the following:

 “We construe civil marriage to mean the voluntary union of two persons as spouses, to the exclusion of all others. This reformulation redresses the plaintiffs’ constitutional injury and further the aim of marriage to promote stable, exclusive relationships.” It also added, “[E]xtending civil marriage to same-sex couples reinforces the importance of marriage to individuals and communities. That same-sex couples are willing to embrace marriage’s solemn obligations of exclusivity, mutual support, and commitment to one another is a testament to the enduring place of marriage in our laws and in the human spirit.


It was just the beginning.

Just this past week, Hawaii became the 16th state to grant marriage equality. 


We have a president who embraces our families.  

Praise for the vote came from far and wide, including from the White House, with President Obama releasing the following statement: "I want to congratulate the Hawaii State Legislature on passing legislation in support of marriage equality.  With today’s vote, Hawaii joins a growing number of states that recognize that our gay and lesbian brothers and sisters should be treated fairly and equally under the law.  Whenever freedom and equality are affirmed, our country becomes stronger.  By giving loving gay and lesbian couples the right to marry if they choose, Hawaii exemplifies the values we hold dear as a nation.  I’ve always been proud to have been born in Hawaii, and today’s vote makes me even prouder.  And Michelle and I extend our best wishes to all those in Hawaii whose families will now be given the security and respect they deserve."

And it is all thanks to these 7 extraordinary couples.  I am blessed to call one of these couples, David Wilson and Rob Compton, friends.  

Together, these 14 people changed the world.  We celebrate them today, and everyday.



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