Mayor Gray Applauds Supreme Court for Moving Nation Closer to Full Equality for All Americans

Mayor Says He Is Proud District Is a National Leader on LGBT Rights; Will Participate in Rally

(WASHINGTON, D.C.) – Mayor Vincent C. Gray today applauded the Supreme Court for issuing rulings in two major gay-rights cases – United States v. Windsor and Hollingsworth v. Perry – that effectively advance the cause of marriage equality and move the nation one step closer to full equality for all.

“As Dr. King famously said, ‘The arc of the moral universe is long, but it bends toward justice’ – and today’s decisions help move us significantly further along that arc’s trajectory toward full equality under the law,” said Mayor Gray.  “While we still have work to do to ensure that marriage equality is a reality for those in every state in our country, I give thanks that both of these decisions are solid victories for justice.”

 Mayor Gray continued: “I remain proud of the role that I played as Chairman of the Council to bring full marriage equality to the District – putting us in the vanguard of states that recognize the inherent rights to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness of all citizens, including our LGBT loved ones, friends and neighbors. I will continue to do everything I can to advance equality for all – because, to me, gay rights have always been a matter of simple justice and fairness. I am glad that the federal courts are starting to agree.”

 This evening, Mayor Gray will join leaders from the District’s LGBT community at a rally celebrating the marriage decisions. The rally will take place on Freedom Plaza (Pennsylvania Avenue NW between 13th and 14th Streets) beginning at 5:30 p.m.