WASHINGTON, D.C. – Interfaith Alliance celebrates today’s Supreme Court decision in Obergefell v. Hodges establishing marriage equality. The organization has long argued that bans on same-sex marriage violate both the constitution’s promise of equality and of religious freedom. Rabbi Jack Moline, executive director of Interfaith Alliance, hailed the decision clearing the way for marriage equality nationwide.
“Today the Supreme Court has said unequivocally what people of faith across the country have known for years: that there is no legitimate, secular reason to deny the right to marry to same-sex couples. This is a victory for marriage; this is a victory for families and children; this is a victory for the love that is preached by the prophets and spiritual leaders of every faith tradition. Today’s decision is, without question, one of the most important civil rights decisions in a generation.”
“The long struggle for marriage equality has proven to us what we risk when our laws are governed by religious doctrine alone. We have denigrated loving couples, we have jeopardized the rights of parents and children, and we have threatened to roll back our Constitution’s assurance of religious freedom. Today’s decision is a first step toward atoning for those wrongs. There is no doubt that some voices – religious and secular – will seek to take back the gains we made today. They have already pushed faulty religious freedom legislation, opposed non-discrimination measures and sought to make life harder for loving families. We will not rest until each of these measures is defeated and full equality is the law of the land.”
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.