WASHINGTON - Human Rights Campaign President Joe Solmonese made the following comment on the Georgia Supreme Court decision upholding a state constitutional amendment that denies marriage and the benefits of marriage to same-sex couples. The ruling reversed a lower court decision that held the amendment invalid on procedural grounds.

"This decision leaves in place a discriminatory amendment that not only bans marriage but also its benefits, denying families critical protections that most Georgia families take for granted. Discrimination does not belong in any Constitution," said Solmonese. "We will continue to work side-by-side with Georgia Equality to fight for the protections that gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender Georgians should have under law."

The Human Rights Campaign is the largest national lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender political organization with members throughout the country. It effectively lobbies Congress, provides campaign support and educates the public to ensure that LGBT Americans can be open, honest and safe at home, at work and in the community.