WASHINGTON – In response to today’s ruling from the 10th Circuit Court in Kitchen v. Herbert – the first federal circuit court decision striking down a same-sex marriage ban since last year’s victory in United States v. Windsor  — Rev. Dr. C. Welton Gaddy, president of Interfaith Alliance, released the following statement:  

“The 10th Circuit’s decision in Kitchen v. Herbert is a critical milestone in the growing chain of victories that marriage equality and religious freedom have seen in federal courts over the past year. Interfaith Alliance has argued for many years that marriage equality, and full equality for the LGBT community, is the only just course that our nation can take. Today’s decision affirms that this should not be merely our moral conviction, but our legal consensus as well. As we argued in an amicus brief before the 10th Circuit in this case, full marriage equality is the only way to safeguard the rights of the LGBT community and the free exercise and equal protection of all religious denominations in America. It is my deepest prayer that today’s decision hastens action from every branch of our government to bring marriage equality to every part of this nation.”

Interfaith Alliance celebrates religious freedom by championing individual rights, promoting policies that protect both religion and democracy, and uniting diverse voices to challenge extremism. Founded in 1994, Interfaith Alliance brings together members from 75 faith traditions as well as those without a faith tradition to protect faith and freedom. For more information visit interfaithalliance.org.