Washington, D.C. – The Supreme Court announced today that it will grant review of two cases regarding same-gender marriage: Hollingsworth v. Perry, the California Proposition 8 case, and United States v. Windsor, which questions the constitutionality of Section 3 of the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA). Interfaith Alliance joined an amicus brief in Windsor supporting the overturning of Section 3 and opposing Proposition 8, both on religious freedom grounds. In response to the Court’s announcement, Interfaith Alliance President Rev. Dr. C. Welton Gaddy issued the following statement:
I applaud the Court’s decision to review two important cases on the issue of marriage equality for same-gender couples. DOMA has denied same-gender couples the federal recognition and benefits allowed to all other married Americans for far too long. In a country that guarantees both religious freedom and “justice for all,” the laws of our land must be based on what is fair and equal, not simply on the religious views of any one faith community. The Court’s decision can be a promising step both for religious freedom and for marriage equality.
By granting review of these cases, the Court has created an opportunity for our nation to take a major step toward being on the right side of history and fulfilling the intent of the Constitution. I hope that we will see the Highest Court in the land deal a major blow to DOMA and affirm the 9th Circuit Court’s decision in the Proposition 8 case next year.