Amnesty International Ireland today warmly welcomed the US Supreme Court’s decision to make same-sex marriage legal in all 50 states.
“Coming just over a month since Ireland’s referendum on marriage equality, this is another historic day for human rights. For more than two decades LGBTI and human rights activists have been campaigning for marriage equality in the United States. Today’s decision by the US Supreme Court marks the end of that long battle and a final victory for those who have tirelessly campaigned for so very long. Just over one month ago the Irish people decided by an overwhelming majority that same-sex couples and their families were entitled to equal recognition and protection here in Ireland. That decision, a global first, caused ripples around the world and reignited debate on civil marriage equality in countries such as Germany, Austria, Italy and Australia. Today’s decision by the US Supreme Court will undoubtedly further build global momentum towards ending discrimination in civil marriage laws on the grounds of sexual orientation or gender identity,” said Colm O’Gorman In his ruling US Supreme Court Justice Kennedy said, “The history of marriage is one of both continuity and of change”.
“Change is a constant in our social and legal institutions. It is to be embraced, not to be feared. Such evolution, which recognises the reality of modern life, strengthens our laws and our societies. I know that some fear change, but as the Irish people proved last month, we can never have too much equality or too much love, said Colm O’Gorman. Tomorrow tens of thousands will take to the streets of Dublin and march for Pride. We will march to celebrate the freedoms that have been hard-won in Ireland and in the USA. We will also march in solidarity with those who have yet to secure such freedom. We march to show that courage and hope, dignity and perseverance are always powerful forces for change.” said Colm O’Gorman.