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 is a network of people of diverse faiths and beliefs from across the country working together to build a resilient democracy and fulfill America’s promise of religious freedom and civil rights not just for some, but for all. We mobilize powerful coalitions to challenge Christian nationalism and religious extremism, while fostering a better understanding of the healthy boundaries between religion and government. We advocate at all levels of government for an equitable and just America where the freedoms of belief and religious practice are protected, and where all persons are treated with dignity and have the opportunity to thrive. For more information visit interfaithalliance.org.