DeGette Statement on Supreme Court’s Affirmation of Marriage Equality

Washington – U.S. Rep. Diana DeGette (CO-01) released the following statement after the U.S. Supreme Court affirmed the right to marry:

"Finally, every loving couple in the United States may choose to express their commitment in marriage and be assured of its legal benefits and responsibilities. This is a proud moment in our ongoing march towards full equality.

"I was particularly touched by Justice Kennedy's observation about the children of same sex couples, who have borne the burden of the inequality of their parents' relationships, observing:

‘[e]xcluding same-sex couples from marriage thus conflicts with a central premise of the right to marry. Without the recognition, stability, and predictability marriage offers, their children suffer the stigma of knowing their families are somehow lesser. They also suffer the significant material costs of being raised by unmarried parents, relegated through no fault of their own to a more difficult and uncertain family life.'

"That stigma ends now.

"I have proudly officiated services for same sex couples, and I have my minister's license ready to perform more."