Contact: Speaker’s Press Office,

202-226-7616

Washington, D.C. – Speaker Nancy Pelosi released the following statement to mark the sixth anniversary of the Supreme Court decision on marriage equality in Obergefell v. Hodges:

“Today, all Americans join the LGBTQ community to celebrate six years since marriage equality was unequivocally declared the law of the land.  The historic decision in Obergefell v. Hodges transformed the lives of LGBTQ couples around the nation – affirming the right of marriage for all Americans, regardless of who you are or whom you love.  Indeed, we are endlessly proud that today LGBTQ families can live openly and with dignity in every state in the union, blessing our nation with the beautiful love and devotion they share.

“Despite this remarkable progress, LGBTQ Americans still face barriers and bigotry in communities around the country.  Many LGBTQ workers are suffering unfair discrimination in the workplace, with little legal recourse to fight back against their employers.  Vulnerable transgender children are being targeted by a disturbing wave of hateful legislation sweeping statehouses across the nation.  Transgender women, especially women of color, are experiencing an alarming spike in homelessness, violence and HIV/AIDS.  These dark forces are horrific and heartbreaking, and they demand our urgent attention. 

“Democrats in Congress are fully committed to enacting the landmark Equality Act, House-passed legislation that will finally secure vital protections against discrimination for our LGBTQ friends, family and neighbors.  We also salute the bold leadership of President Biden and Vice President Harris, who have taken strong actions to protect transgender youth and combat anti-LGBTQ discrimination in health care.  As we commemorate the extraordinary step our nation took six years ago toward our democracy’s founding promise of equality, let us vow to defend these hard-fought rights and advance a more just future for all.”

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