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U.S. Courts Affirm Marriage Equality in Prop 8 Ruling
For immediate release: Tuesday, June 5, 2012
Contact: Zeke Stokes at (202) 621-5406 or zeke@sldn.org
Sarvis: Historic victory in California today bolsters SLDN case on behalf of married gay and lesbian service members and veterans
(Washington, DC) Army Veteran and Servicemembers Legal Defense Network (SLDN) Executive Director Aubrey Sarvis applauded a decision by the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals, which today denied a request by proponents of Proposition 8 to reconsider the decision of a three-judge panel in February finding the amendment to be unconstitutional.
"Once again, a federal court has affirmed that loving and committed couples should have the right to marry. This historic victory in California today further bolsters SLDN's case on behalf of married gay and lesbian service members and veterans who are denied equal recognition, support and benefits for their families. With each passing day, we are moving closer to a time when every American - especially those putting their lives on the line to protect our nation - has the freedom to marry the person they love, knowing that their commitment will be recognized and respected by their government," said Sarvis.
ABOUT SLDN: Servicemembers Legal Defense Network (SLDN) is a non-partisan, non-profit, legal services and policy organization dedicated to bringing about full LGBT equality to America's military and ending all forms of discrimination and harassment of military personnel on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity. SLDN provides free and direct legal assistance to service members and veterans affected by the repealed "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" law and the prior regulatory ban on open service, as well as those currently serving who may experience harassment or discrimination. Since 1993, our in-house legal team has responded to more than 11,500 requests for assistance. To learn more, visit www.sldn.org. Lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender service members with questions are urged to contact the SLDN hotline to speak with a staff attorney: Call 1-800-538-7418 or 202-328-3244 x100.
