Moving Marriage Equality Forward

237 years into this American Experiment, we continue to amaze.

Last week, the Supreme Court struck down the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA), confirming that everyone should have the opportunity to marry the person they love.

I’m proud of the Court’s landmark decision because when two loving individuals want to make a public, lifelong commitment to one another, they should be able to, it should be called marriage and they should receive the exact same benefits as any other married couple.

DOMA is unconstitutional. That fact is no longer up for debate. And affirming that marriage in the eyes of the law treats all couples the same is another step in what has been a long, difficult march of progress.

At home in Illinois, it’s now high time to finally make marriage equality state law.  I further encourage all states that haven’t already done so to move forward toward equality, and at the same time, I will continue fighting for equality in Washington.

While the Court’s decision marks a tremendous turning point for equality, there still remains a vocal, extreme minority that opposes expanding equality to all Americans, in all facets of life. Overturning DOMA puts renewed emphasis on the need to pass the Employment Non-Discrimination Act. No one should face discrimination in the workplace simply for being honest about their sexual orientation, simply because of who they love.

Hopefully soon I will be able to proudly cast a vote in support of full marriage equality, proudly congratulate Illinois lawmakers on making the leap forward and proudly put an end to workplace discrimination—not just because it’s part of our constitutional foundation, but because it’s the right thing to do.

-Brad