WASHINGTON – In light of today’s surprise announcement by the Supreme Court of the United States, declining to hear all pending marriage equality cases contending for certiorari review, the Human Rights Campaign (HRC) called for emergency remedial action from all federal courts with pending marriage equality cases to address the ongoing legal discrimination faced by committed and loving gay and lesbian couples. 

Human Rights Campaign President Chad Griffin issued the following statement:

“Thanks to the Supreme Court, there is now sweeping guidance in three federal appellate circuits that declares marriage discrimination flatly unconstitutional. There is no reason under the sun for federal courts not to fast-track all pending marriage cases in light of today’s news. Every argument has been made, every legal dispute has been heard, time and time again—the only thing left is the continued suffering of committed and loving gay and lesbian couples from Mississippi to Montana who are still waiting for justice. They cannot wait anymore, and they shouldn’t have to.” 

The urgency extends to states in federal appellate circuits controlled by rulings that were allowed to stand by the Supreme Court today. It is HRC’s position that all states in these circuits should begin issuing marriage licenses with all deliberate speed. 

“Gay and lesbian couples in West Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Kansas, Colorado and Wyoming should feel the full reach of justice from today’s Supreme Court action,” continued HRC’s Griffin.  “Attorneys general in all of these states should take immediate remedial action to bring their states in line with standing federal precedent.” 

The Human Rights Campaign is America’s largest civil rights organization working to achieve lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender equality. By inspiring and engaging all Americans, HRC strives to end discrimination against LGBT citizens and realize a nation that achieves fundamental fairness and equality for all.

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