Rep. Ellison Celebrates Supreme Court Ruling in Obergefell v. Hodges

MINNESOTA—Rep. Keith Ellison (D-MN) released the following statement today after the Supreme Court reversed the United States Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals in Obergefell v. Hodges, ruling the Constitution protects the marriage rights of same-sex couples.

“Yesterday, Americans in 13 states couldn’t marry the people they love. Today, thanks to the work of millions, that number is zero. The Supreme Court decision today means no state can discriminate against an American because of who they love.

“The fight for equal rights is not over – too many gay and lesbian Americans are fired from their jobs and pushed out of their communities because of who they love. But today all people committed to equality can celebrate. Martin Luther King Jr. said the arc of the moral universe is long, but it bends towards justice. The Supreme Court’s decision reminds us that when we organize and stand together, it bends a little bit faster.”

Rep. Ellison introduced The Equality in Insurance Act (EIA) this week, which requires insurance firms that consider marital status in the rating or underwriting of insurance policies provide the same rates to all legally married spouses. In states that discriminate against same sex couples, couples in a civil union or a domestic partnership with substantially the same legal obligations and consequences as a legal marriage under the laws should also receive the same insurance rates. Same-sex couples should receive the same rates as other married couples in the same state no matter whether their state of residence has discriminatory policies. The EIA provides a private right of action so that same-sex spouses that are charged higher rates may seek legal redress.