Friends—
Not
long ago, I received a letter from a man named Kevin in Georgia whose
marriage is recognized in 37 states and DC, but not his own. “Our
marriage is special and real, functional and worthy of respect,” he
wrote.
Any day now, the Supreme Court will decide whether or not
to recognize marriages across the country. Like millions of people, I’m
waiting and hoping. And I’m thinking of families like Kevin’s. LGBT
couples should not have to make a case for their relationship. Every
family deserves to be recognized under the law and treated equally in
our society—not just in some states, but in every state. Just like
marriage is a fundamental building block of our society, marriage
equality is a core part of our mission to advance equality and
opportunity for LGBT Americans and all Americans.
The progress our
country has made on this issue is inspiring, and the pace with which it
has happened is breathtaking. Nearly three quarters of Americans now
live in states with marriage equality. But that progress didn’t happen
on its own. From Stonewall to City Hall to the courthouse to the ballot
box, the courage of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender advocates
has changed minds and changed laws. Each incremental victory is a
promise to the next generation that yes, it does get better. That
promise is ours to keep.
When you’re headed in the right
direction, as we are, you don’t turn back or throw up your hands and
say, “good enough.” You keep charging forward. No future generation of
LGBT Americans should live in a country that doesn’t embrace their full
and equal rights. We should stand with loving couples in all states, and
commit to building an America where every lesbian, gay, bisexual, and
transgender person can live, work, learn, raise a family, and marry free
from discrimination or prejudice. We should refuse to settle for
anything less.
Add your name if you’re with me.
Hillary Clinton
June 25, 2015
