Jan 16, 2015

Equality NC Calls Supreme Court Decision to Hear Marriage Cases "A Historic and Important Milestone"

RALEIGH, NC (Jan. 16, 2015) – Equality NC, North Carolina’s largest LGBT advocacy organization, responded today to news that the U.S. Supreme Court would take up litigation seeking marriage rights for same-sex couples in four states, setting up the path for a historic nationwide ruling on the issue by the middle of this year.

Equality NC Executive Director Chris Sgro called the move by the country's highest court a "a historic and important milestone" for all LGBT North Carolinians.

“This is the year the Supreme Court can finally end the pain and confusion facing countless same-sex couples living in states still burdened with discriminatory anti-marriage laws, as well as help silence those in states like ours who still wish to undermine the commitment of loving, married same-sex couples at every opportunity," said Sgro.

Sgro added, "While our work is far from over in North Carolina, we look forward to a Supreme Court decision in favor of the freedom to marry as a historic and important milestone on the road to full equality under the law for all LGBT North Carolinians.”

Orders handed down from the court on Friday indicated justices agreed to grant certiorari (or vote to take up a case) in four cases: DeBoer v. Snyder, the Michigan case; Bourke v. Beshear, the Kentucky case, Obergefell v. Hodges, the Ohio case; and Tanco v. Haslam, the Tennessee case.

It is expected that legal arguments will take place in April, clearing the way for a Supreme Court decision in June 2015.

As it stands now, a total of 36 states, including North Carolina, as well as the District of Columbia, allow same-sex marriage.